Read Frovtunes’ Kiss for Free Online Page A

“You’re such a dear to visit me like this. We’ve missed you and your mother dreadfully these many months, and your stepfather, too, God rest his kindly soul. I daresay, things have not been the same since he left us. Dear me, not at all the same…”
    â€œMrs. Higgensworth, I need to speak with you.”
    â€œNot until I’ve seen a hot meal go into you. You’re as thin as a scarecrow, you poor little thing.” She returned to the table and plunked down beside Moira. “I suppose I should bring you upstairs and announce you, though I confess I’d rather keep you to myself for a while, give us time to catch up and all. But, Mrs. Foster—oh, can you believe the woman ordered me to call her
my lady
, as if it were her birthright. No, it’s her oldest son who’s inherited the Monteith name, and all the rest of ‘em are Missus, Miss, and Mister Foster as far as I’m concerned.”
    She went on, but Moira heard little after mention of the son who’d inherited Monteith. The very thought of him incited an infuriating flurry in her stomach. Her wrist still tingled, occasionally, where the rogue’s lips—and tongue—touched it the night of the ball.
    She suppressed a shiver.
    â€œPlease, Mrs. Higgensworth. I’m here because I need employment. As a maid.”
    Mrs. Higgensworth’s mouth dropped open. Something between mild amusement and abject horror flickered across her face.
    â€œCan you hire me, Mrs. Higgensworth?”
    Moira’s question roused the woman from her stunned silence. “Well, I…I don’t know…I can’t imagine…whatever do you mean, Miss Moira?”
    â€œI wish to work here as a maid.”
    â€œBut…you’re a gentlewoman.” Her voice plunged to an undertone. A wash of crimson stained her face. “You couldn’t possibly. Oh, what on earth’s happened, my dear, to drive you to such lengths?”
    How Moira wished she could explain, yet to do so would only burden a kind soul who had no means of offering the financial assistance she and her mother so desperately needed. “I don’t mean permanently. Just for a short time. You see, I believe my stepfather left something behind here, and I need to find it.”
    â€œIs that all?” The woman released the corner of apron she’d balled in her hands. “Why don’t you just ask the new Lord Monteith for it, whatever it is?”
    â€œOh, no, I couldn’t. You see, I don’t believe he wishes me to have it, though it belongs to my mother by rights. Please, Mrs. Higgensworth, couldn’t you fit me in as a parlor maid or the like? I need access to the library and study, and perhaps the master’s private rooms, as well.”
    â€œOh, now, Miss Moira, you’re as sensible a girl as ever were born, but this plan of yours is foolhardy. What if the family should discover you?”
    â€œThe only one who might recognize my face is Lord Monteith. The rest of the family has never met me. And I understand most of Papa’s staff has left. Is there anyone working above stairs who might recognize me?”
    â€œWell…” Mrs. Higgensworth tapped her chin. “There’s Stanley the groom, but you wouldn’t cross paths much with him, I don’t suppose. You’re right, nearly all the old staff was either let go or left on their own as soon as new positions became available. As I told you, things haven’t been the same around here, though better since the new Lord Monteith’s arrival, I must admit.”
    â€œSo, then.” Moira held the other woman’s gaze and her breath at the same time, and ignored her jolting pulse as she acknowledged how close she would be to Graham Foster during the next few days. “Will you help me?”
    â€œWell…forgive me for having to ask, my dear, but…” Mrs. Higgensworth appraised her with a doubtful air.