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Charlesworth’spersonal needs. She insists that I learn to do her hair the way she likes it. Please, Lizzy, you must let me practice on you. ”
     
    Lizzy’s dark eyes grew wide. “I would be happy to help you any way that I can, though I do envy you, even if you have to learn a thing or two.”
     
    She looked wistful. “I have always wanted to become a lady’s maid. I do not know how I shall ever get the chance. I will be lucky to keep my position. Mrs. Parker is always onto me about one thing or another. I do not believe she likes me very well.”
     
    Katharine sighed. “I do not believe she likes anyone very well.”
     
    Lizzy nodded. “I believe that is true. That is why it would be best if Mrs. Parker did not find out what we are doing. I do not know why, but I believe she would disapprove. So, I shall sneak up to your chamber after my duties are finished this evening.”
     
    As though drawn by the mere mention of her name, Mrs. Parker’s stood in the doorway, wearing a dark scowl. Both women jumped as she said icily, “Is this what you are employed to do, Lizzy, to stand around talking when there is work to be done? Lady Charlesworth may allow her maid to be lazy if she chooses, but you will find yourself unemployed, with no reference, if you choose to follow her example.”
     
    Lizzy paled. “I am sorry. We had only spoken for a moment.”
     
    Katharine jumped to her defense. “It was my fault. I came down to ask her a question.”
     
    Mrs. Parker’s face did not soften. “In the future, I would advise you to ask me any questions you may have about the running of this household. I am sure to be able to answer them better than this girl.”
     
    Katharine felt incensed by the indignity of being chastised by a haughty housekeeper. She fought hard to keep her voice steady. “I had not wanted to bother you, but if that is your wish, I will do so.”
     
    “ It is my wish.” Mrs. Parker stepped back to allow Katharine to exit the room. Katharine passed without a word, hoping Mrs. Parker did not tarry to give Lizzy more of her sharp tongue.
     
    She was so angered by the reproach that she decided to walk awhile until time to tend to Lady Charlesworth. She walked toward the stables, drawn by the memory of long rides she had taken at her own estate. The memory of the carefree freedom she had enjoyed brought tears to her eyes. When Papá had been alive, she had never worried about what would become of her. She had imagined she would be suitably married and happily settled for years before her uncle took possession of her estate. Yet, things had not turned out at all the way she had planned, and now, she must make the best of it.
     
    She strode along the stalls, admiring the dozen horses. She judged by the sheen of their coats that Lord Charlesworth insisted upon good care of his investment. In the center of the stable, a young groom was rubbing down a sturdy strawberry roan.
     
    Katharine lingered, rubbing her hand along the sleek damp coat. “He is beautiful. Who owns him?”
     
    The groom announced with obvious pride. “Why, this is Mr. Philip’s horse. ‘Aint he a beauty? None better in all of Surrey.”
     
    “ He is beautiful.” Katharine pictured herself seated upon this magnificent creature. Her riding habit of red polished cotton would flow over his solid flank as they flew across the meadow. It had been so long since she had ridden. She missed it terribly.
     
    She came back to her senses as the groom asked, “Is there something I can do for you here?”
     
    Katharine shook her head. “No. I was just taking a turn and, as an admirer of horses, I was drawn to the stable.”
     
    The groom grinned. “You can come any time you have the chance.”
     
    She smiled in return. “Thank you. I will remember.”
     
    She returned to the house, feeling in a much better mood than when she had departed. Perhaps she would find a way to gain permission to borrow a horse. Even if not, she could