Part 28 (2/2)

She was now another year older-two-and-thirty.

It was a fact that only added to the oppressive gloominess outside. Then again, she'd long ago fallen out of the habit of celebrating the anniversary of her birth. For her it was a day, just like any other day. She didn't know why she even bothered to remember.

Oh yes, so I can feel the age difference between Leo and me all that much more.

With a sigh, she tossed back the covers and reached for her robe and slippers, sliding into both of them quickly to ward off the chill in the room.

As much as she wished she could crawl back under the covers and sleep for another hour, it was time to be about her day.

Leo had left shortly after dawn, murmuring something about having errands to run as he'd kissed her a drowsy good-bye. She couldn't imagine what errands he might have, but considering the amount of time they'd been spending together lately, she supposed he had been neglecting his business affairs and needed to catch up.

She had accounts and household matters of her own to which she ought to attend; this morning would be a good opportunity to get a few of them seen to before Leo returned later that afternoon.

Hera gave her a happy little meow from where she lay curled atop a blanket set in the window seat. Thalia went across to pet her, smiling at Hera's answering purrs.

She crossed next to the washstand, pleased when she found the water Parker had left for her still warm in the jug.

Face washed and teeth scrubbed clean with cinnamon tooth powder, she was brus.h.i.+ng her hair a few minutes later when Parker gave a quick tap at the door and came inside.

Her lady's maid carried a breakfast tray, a wide smile on her face. Delicious scents drifted to Thalia's nose and her stomach rumbled with antic.i.p.ation.

”Good morning, milady. I hope you slept well.”

”Very well.” She took a seat at the small table in her sitting room where she usually broke her fast-although her dining habits hadn't been quite as regulated since she and Leo had started seeing each other.

Her eyes widened when Parker lifted the cloche to reveal a mouthwatering selection of foodstuffs-biscuits, s.h.i.+rred eggs, steak, porridge, stewed apricots, honey, b.u.t.ter, hot tea and milk.

”Gracious. Mrs. Grove has outdone herself. How will I ever be able to eat all this?” Thalia asked.

Usually she contented herself with a simple breakfast of toast and tea, and occasionally an egg and a rasher of bacon if she was particularly hungry. So what was Mrs. Grove thinking to have prepared so much?

Thalia stared down at the plates and bowls, and at the steak in particular. Fresh meat was an expensive indulgence and one she rarely allowed herself these days. Her cook's actions made no sense.

”A big delivery arrived this morning,” Parker volunteered as if privy to Thalia's thoughts. ”The boy said it was all paid for and to enjoy. Mrs. Grove has been grinning and humming ever since she unpacked the hamper. There was a second basket that came just for the staff. It had a huge ham inside, fresh chickens and all sorts of dried fruits and nuts. Cook says she's going to bake us all some tarts for dinner. If it's all right with you, of course, milady.”

”Of course,” she said automatically.

Thalia frowned, her thoughts turning over quickly. An extravagant delivery that was already paid for? She didn't need to think long to know who'd sent it.

Leo.

Who else?

She remembered him remarking only the other evening about the small portions of meat served at dinner. While it was true that the end-of-the-month larder had been running lean on rations, Leo should not have sent her hampers of expensive victuals. She would speak to him about it as soon as she had the opportunity, and ask him not to do so again in future.

As for the hampers themselves, it seemed wrong to return the one he had sent for the servants. The staff were all clearly thrilled with the gift and she couldn't see disappointing them by insisting the items be returned. The one for her was another matter and she knew she ought to send word down to the kitchen to pack it up and have it delivered to Cavendish Square.

She gazed again at all the delicious food laid out before her. It seemed churlish and wasteful not to eat it, seeing it had already been prepared. It would just go in the slop bucket if she had it taken back to the kitchen.

And for the rest?

She would keep the hamper, she decided, but give orders to Mrs. Grove that its contents be served only on occasions when Lord Leo was present for a meal. Otherwise she would forgo the offerings.

Picking up her fork and knife, she cut a slice of steak and put it in her mouth. Inwardly, she sighed with delight; it was so tender and succulent. After pausing to pour herself a cup of steaming tea, she set to eating her breakfast in earnest.

She had made excellent inroads into the hearty meal when her lady's maid walked into the sitting room again. This time she was carrying several boxes, two large and one small.

Thalia laid her silverware aside, then patted her lips with her napkin. ”What are those?”

”Another delivery. They only just arrived for you, milady. Would you like me to open them?”

She nodded, then stood, saying nothing as her maid moved to the couch and set down the parcels. She watched as Parker untied the ribbon and lifted off the top of the first box.

Inside was an exquisite evening gown; she didn't need to read the card signed with a boldly inscribed L to know who had sent it.

Parker held up the garment so that Thalia could take in the full effect of the gorgeous, high-waisted gown of deep rose satin. It had long cap sleeves with sheer white oversleeves, and flounces along the hem trimmed with a row of tiny white rosebuds. The gown looked like something straight out of the latest fas.h.i.+on magazine. She hadn't been near something so new and pretty in over half a decade.

She barely had time to appreciate the beauty of the first garment before Parker laid it carefully aside and opened the second box to reveal another sartorial creation. It was an afternoon dress of blue-green crepe with long, lace-edged sleeves and a deep border of delicate embroidered scallops along the hem.

”Oh, and look,” her maid declared as she reached yet again into the box, ”there is a matching spencer and gloves. And the most adorable wide-brim bonnet with peac.o.c.k feathers, of all things. Won't you look a picture in this outfit, milady?”

Wouldn't I, just? Thalia thought with sudden longing. She could imagine Leo's reaction to her in the ensemble. How his brilliant eyes would s.h.i.+ne with approval and desire. How pleased he would be to see her wearing the clothes he had bought especially for her.

Clothes he had bought . . .

Parker folded the gown over her arm. ”I'll just nip out and give this a press while you finish the last of your meal. I won't be long.”

”No,” Thalia said firmly. ”Please pack everything back into the boxes and get one of my usual dresses out of the wardrobe. The navy merino, I believe.”

”But, milady-”

”And I am finished with breakfast. Please convey my thanks to Mrs. Grove for an excellent repast.”

The glow of excitement disappeared from Parker's face and she looked for a moment as if she might argue. Instead she nodded and laid the lovely dress aside, then disappeared into the bedroom.

Thalia's shoulders drooped as soon as she was alone, her gaze returning to the gowns. She moved close and reached out, running her fingertips over a piece of lace edging that she knew was Honiton made.

So soft. So delicate. So pretty.

And so expensive.

Too expensive for her.

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