A Christmas Surprise Read Online Free Page B

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    “I know this will sound odd, but I truly don’t think he saw me as me, your lady’s maid, but as a gentlewoman. But I’m sure you get that a lot when men glance at you.”
    Aleece couldn’t help but laugh at the observation. Once calmed she said, “Then get used to the looks and stares from the men, not to mention the glares of jealousy from the ladies at the house party. Without a doubt you will be the most fetching guest.”
    “Oh no, m’ lady, it will be you who will turn heads.” She dipped her eyes down. “At least with one particular gentleman, if I’m not mistaken.”
    “Yes.” Then Aleece said, “Last night after dinner, at which you were wonderful, Mother and I discussed how I should introduce you. Calling you my lady’s maid won’t work, so we — Mama actually — suggested to have you presented as my companion. This way you won’t feel out of place.”
    “As you wish,” Debbi responded, as she worried her bottom lip with her teeth.
    Aleece took a deep breath, knowing the next bit of information wouldn’t sit well with the nervous girl.
    “And, Debbi, I’m sure you won’t be comfortable, but instead of referring to me, in public at least, as m’ lady, I would prefer either Lady Aleece or just Aleece. This way we can maintain the ruse.”
    Over the next several hours, with a stop at a tavern for their noon meal, Aleece filled Debbi in on the types of events most likely to be held over the course of the party.
    Having received from Susan the list of attendees, Aleece talked about the guests. This way Debbi would know which men in particular to watch out for and whom, besides Mr. Thomas, she could trust.
    She barely finished and tucked the sheet of paper in her reticule when their carriage turned onto the long sweeping drive leading to the Whitchurch mansion.
    Aleece noticed the panic-stricken look in Debbi’s eyes. Leaning over, she patted the girl on the hand. “You’ll do fine. Don’t forget we practically grew up together.”
    “You’re right on that point, Aleece,” Debbi said nervously.
    Minutes later the carriage came to a halt in front of the steps of the Earl of Whitchurch’s manor.
    “One last thing, John Coachman and the outriders have been threatened with discharge if they leak that you are my lady’s maid and not my companion.” Aleece barely got the words out when the coach door opened, revealing not the footman who would normal attend this duty.
    “Why, Mr. Thomas, what a pleasant surprise. Have you taken a posting here?” Aleece teased, surprised to see he was already at the party.
    “The only position I’m taking here is to make sure you have an enjoyable time, dear lady,” he said, assisting her from the carriage.
    Once she was comfortably set on the cobbled forecourt, he turned back to aid Debbi out.
    “And who might this delightful creature be? I’m afraid we haven’t been introduced,” he wistfully said, bowing over her hand.
    “You know who this is.” Aleece leaned over and whispered as she noticed footmen from the manor came to collect the trunks. She then straightened and said, “This is Miss Debbi Overstreet, my traveling companion and chaperone for the week.”
    Again Mr. Thomas bowed over her hand. “Miss Overstreet, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
    From behind them a squeal caused everyone to turn toward the noise, only to see Susan running down the steps to them.
    “Oh, Aleece, I’m so happy you’re here. Now the party can really begin.” She paused and looked to Debbi, whom she already knew. “And this must be the darling Miss Overstreet you wrote me about.”
    Susan stepped over to the frightened girl and embraced her as one would a sister.
    “You’re everything Aleece said you were, and I know we’re going to become bosom bows in no time.”
    “Thank you, Lady Susan,” Debbi nervously whispered. This was the first time she had addressed a family member of title by their Christian name as Aleece had told