Read Never a Bride for Free Online Page B

unwed.”
    At the sound of a knock, Mirabella turned. Lily stood in the open doorway clutching the hem of her damp apron. Her pristine appearance and chipmunk cheeks always made Mirabella feel like smiling.
    “Pardon me, sir.”
    “Yes, Lily?”
    “Miss Bella’s wash water is poured.” She turned her attention to Mirabella. “I know how you hate for the water to get cold.”
    “Thank you, Lily.”
    “You run along and pamper yourself. We’ve had enough talk for one day. Be sure to come and let me see how lovely you look before you leave.”
    “I will, Papa.” She kissed his cheek, and then left the room.
    The last thing Mirabella wanted to do tonight was go to more parties with her uncle. She would much rather have dinner upstairs with her father and later read to him, or play a game of whist, cribbage or speculation unless—unless she could see the handsome man with the shiny brown eyes. She wondered if they would ever meet again.
    Mirabella walked into her room and closed the door. She loved her private chamber with its floral-printed walls and luxurious bedcovers. The yellow velvet draperies reminded her of a day filled with sunshine. Her dark wood furniture added a measure of distinction to the feminine decor. She slipped her lace fichu off her shoulders and turned her back to Lily so her maid could unbutton the bodice of her muslin morning gown.
    Mirabella chided herself. What did it matter about the stranger? She would never see him again or her phantom fiancé. Sarah had to be her only concern.
    “Lily, what are you doing on your day off?” Mirabella asked.
    The maid stopped her task and looked around her mistress’s shoulder at her. “I don’t get in trouble, Miss Bella. You know I’m a good girl.”
    “Of course I do.” Mirabella tried to sound casual. “I wasn’t scolding. I was just wondering if you still helped your sister at that place down on Fortenberry Street.”
    Lily went back to work on the buttons. “Hannah Jack’s Tavern? Every week. And if my mama, God bless her soul, doesn’t quit having babies to feed, I’m likely to be there the rest of my life.”
    Mirabella slipped her arms out of the long-sleeved bodice and turned for Lily to unlace her corset. “What exactly do you do there?”
    “Whatever they tell me to do. I scrub floors, wash dishes, whatever I’m told to do.”
    “Do you ever see any of the men who go there?”
    “Of course I do. It’s a place for gentlemen,” Lily said, sounding a bit perturbed as she pulled on the strings of the corset, but suddenly stopped. Her hands jerked to her portly hips and her brows drew together in a frown. “Why are you asking me these questions? Are you going to ask me to put on a man’s shirt and neckcloth again so you can practice slipping your finger down the collar of the shirt?”
    Mirabella felt color rise to her cheeks. Lily had grumbled for days about that; but without practice, how else was Mirabella to learn to check the neck area just above the collarbone quickly? Due to practicing on Lily, Mirabella was quite adept at the task, which saved her valuable time.
    “No, of course not.”
    “You shouldn’t be doing things like that, Miss Bella. It’s not natural.”
    “Oh, Lily, don’t fret so. I’m merely curious about what happens at a tavern or a gentleman’s club, or at a bathhouse.”
    “Bathhouses? Where did you hear about such?”
    “I read everything that comes into this house, and I also listen to the servants talk.”
    “Proper ladies like you shouldn’t be curious about such places. And you shouldn’t be wondering how to get your finger down a man’s tight neckcloth, either. Are you planning something improper?”
    “It wouldn’t concern you if I was, but I’m not.” Not right away. “Now, tell me about when men play billiards and cards at their clubs and in taverns. Do they take off their cravats and collars and get more relaxed?”
    Lily didn’t take her gaze off Mirabella’s face.