Dream a Little Dream Read Online Free

over, Abbie, join me and we can discuss the way forward.’
    There was complete silence until the door was closed behind him, then Edwina hissed, ‘You little madam! You know that’s going against my wishes.’
    ‘It’s what I want, Mother. I intend to go out to work, and to get a decent job I need qualifications. I won’t get those at a finishing school.’
    ‘Don’t you dare talk to me in that tone. You have no thought for what I would like for you. You want this, and you intend doing that. Selfish, selfish, selfish! You are a very ungrateful girl, Abigail, and you may find you live to rue the day you went against me.’
    ‘Oh, steady on, Mother!’ Nigel said. ‘If it’s what Abbie wants to do, why not let her?’
    ‘Keep out of it, Nigel,’ Victoria said, sitting back in her chair and crossing her legs. At twenty-two, she was four years older than her younger sister, who was not yet eighteen, and she had never felt any sisterly bonding between them. The difference in their ages meant they had different interests and little in common. It was only in the last year she’d noticed her sister blossoming into a very pretty girl. And envy had set in. For Abigail had inherited her father’s looks and colouring. She had jet-black, thick luxuriant hair, black eyebrows perfectly arched, long black lashes, a slightly turned-up nose and a set of strong white teeth. All set in a heart-shaped face, above a body beginning to show signs of a firm bosom, slim waist and hips, and long shapely legs. Competition was something Victoria wasn’t used to, and she’d be quite happy for her sister to be sent away to finishing school for a year.
    ‘I’m not selfish, Mother, and I’m not ungrateful.’ Abbie thought her mother was being very unfair. But then she’d noticed for years that she wasn’t given the same treatment as her brother and sister. She hadn’t worried about it because she knew her father loved her, but she couldn’t bow down to pressure now, she had to stick up for herself. ‘I don’t know what you have against me going to commercial college. My best friend in school is going – her parents think it’s a jolly good idea.’
    ‘If, by your best friend, you mean Rowena, I’m not surprised her parents agree. They are no doubt looking to her to find a job because they are not particularly well off. You are not in the same position. You do not need to go to work.’
    ‘But I want to! And what you said about Rowena wasn’t fair. Her—’ Abbie broke off when the housekeeper entered the room. ‘Oh, I’m sorry, Agnes, I was supposed to take the plates out to save you a journey.’
    The housekeeper could feel the tension in the air. She’d heard part of what the girl said, but not enough to know why she sounded so upset. The mistress had a face on her like thunder, but that wasn’t anything new, she was a miserable cow at the best of times. Victoria was wearing that supercilious expression that made Agnes want to clock her one, and Nigel was looking very uncomfortable. But it was the young girl’s flushed face and tear-filled eyes that brought forth a reaction. ‘What’s wrong, Miss Abbie? Is someone having a go at yer?’
    ‘No, I’m fine, Agnes, thank you.’
    Victoria clicked her tongue. ‘I really don’t think it’s any of your concern, Agnes. How dare you interfere in what is a private family matter! Now please remove these plates and bring in the dinner. I have a visitor coming soon.’
    Chubby arms were folded under a voluptuous bosom as Agnes took her stand. ‘Who was yer bleedin’ slave before I came along, eh? I might work here, but I’ll not be walked all over by an upstart like you. If yer want those plates removing, do it yer bleedin’ self, ’cos I’ve finished fetching and carrying for you lot. I’m off to pack me bags.’
    Edwina jumped to her feet. ‘Please, Agnes, don’t be hasty. Victoria didn’t mean it to come out the way it did. We are all very fond of you and