An Improper Companion Read Online Free Page A

evening was pleasantly cool and my earlier mood returned. I felt almost gay as I asked the hostler how I might reach Sir Leslie Kinwell’s castle. His reply surprised me. “Why the divil do ye want to go there?” he demanded.
    Though startled, I retained my composure. “I am to be a companion at the castle.”
    His eyes swept over me, the disbelief evident. “Ye don’t look like a companion.”
    Pride rescued me. Frostily I said, “That’s as may be. Nevertheless, there are those who do not question my qualifications.”
    He eyed me almost sadly, or so it seemed. “Well, lass, if ye’re determined, I’ll take ye up there meself. Where’s yer cloak? ’Twill be a chilly ride.”
    This last remark came as the innkeeper put my trunk in his wagon. I flushed and was grateful for the night that masked my colour. “I-I have none,” I stammered “and it’s not so cold, I think.”
    He shook his head but said nothing more about it. As we rode he returned to the question of my position, “How did Sir Leslie convince ye to come to his castle?”
    “Oh, I’ve not seen Sir Leslie,” I explained. “Mr. Thornsby sent me.”
    “Mr. Thornsby?”
    “He has a domestic agency in London,” I said.
    The hostler was quiet for a moment. “Domestic agency, ye say,” he murmured. “As with maids and governesses?”
    “Yes, of course, and companions.”
    “Lass,” he blurted, “I’m thinking ye do not realise exactly the sort of work ye’ll be expected to do.”
    Haughtily I interrupted him. “Mr. Thornsby explained it was a somewhat unusual position. That does not disturb me. And Mr. Thornsby seemed certain that Sir Leslie would be satisfied.”
    I had reduced the gentle old man to silence. And in silence we travelled the remainder of the short journey. I regretted this for there were many questions. I would have asked had he been less disapproving. But I was determined to give him no further opportunity to cast me down. The castle was dark when we approached, and I could not truly judge its size that first night. My first thought was that Sir Leslie might be elsewhere and the castle shut. I must have spoken aloud for my companion growled, “Ye’ll not be so lucky.” He turned to me, “Lass, if ye find the job not to yer liking, come to me, Mike, at the Three Ducks and my wife and I will help ye.”
    I thanked him, but could not help feeling impatient with all the people who doubted I would be happy in my new position. I waited as he brought my trunk to the door. How good a bed would feel!
    The door opened suddenly and a sharp voice demanded, “Well, what do ye want?”
    Mike answered for me, “I’ve brought Miss—”
    “Heather Wade,” I said.
    “She’s to be-the new companion ,” he continued. “A Mr. Thornsby sent her, Mrs. Morgan.”
    Apparently Mrs. Morgan knew Mike well, for she answered curtly, “That will do, thank ye. Good-bye.” Grumbling, he turned and walked away. I called after him, ‘ ! Thank you, Mike, for bringing me.”
    I could not hear his reply and I turned to greet Mrs. Morgan. “Good evening,” I said, “I’ve a letter from Mr. Thornsby.”
    She took the letter and placed it in her pocket. “Come in, Miss Wade. John!” she yelled. Then to me, “He’ll bring yer things. There’s a chamber ready, of course, though Mr. Thornsby might have warned me earlier. Well, come, come. I suppose ye’ll be wanting tea?”
    I signified I would. Mrs. Morgan seemed to wish to intimidate me and I would not have it. So, with a mutual sense of dislike, we proceeded to my chamber with John close behind. My first impression of the room was that someone had made a mistake, that this room could not possibly be meant for me. The chamber was large with a fireplace and sitting room at one end, the bedroom at the other. Several carpets were placed about and the bed curtains were velvet. I turned and faced Mrs. Morgan. “Thank you. Tea will be very welcome.”
    Without a word, she withdrew. John