Forbidden Angel Read Online Free Page A

sails. And then, a really grand adventure on a train.”
    “Really? I shall be the best sailor,” he said, bouncing with excitement. “And a real train?” The smile began to fade and he gazed at her uncertainly. “Why?”
    “You have other family that would like to meet you.” She brushed the hair back from his face.
    “Who are they?”
    “They’re your mother’s family. One is your uncle. He has asked that we join him at his home in America for a while. Isn’t that exciting?”
    Jimmy crossed his arms and stuck out his lower lip. “I will not leave here!” He marched to the window, and with his back to the room, planted his feet.
    Angeline could appreciate his sentiments, but neither of them really had a choice in the matter. “It’s something Father asked us to do, Jimmy.”
    “He didn’t ask me.”
    Placing her hands on his shoulders, she turned him to face her. “No he didn’t, but you are now Longhaven and there are things you must learn.” He frowned. “We’ll come back, I promise,” she added.
    He straightened his shoulders and lifted his chin. “All right then, we shall go.”
    “Thank you.” She ruffled his hair and smiled. “I think Cook has milk and a pastry waiting for you.”
    Jimmy gave a whoop and ran from the room, leaving her to stare after him.
    There was so much to do before they left. Angeline went directly to her room, planning to look through her clothing for anything still serviceable. Bunny was already there, sorting through her wardrobe.
    “My goodness, miss, I don’t believe there’s anything worth packing.”
    “Surly it cannot be that bad?” Angeline considered the pile Bunny had discarded and couldn’t remember when she’d last purchased anything for herself.
    “None of this will do, and we dare not leave the Manor until time for you to depart. We’ll just have to call for materials and seamstresses to come here.”
    “Bunny, I need to ask you something.”
    Bunny lifted her head. “What is it, miss?” The last garment dropped into the pile.
    “I’ve been assured you will be staying on. Is that so?”
    Bunny nodded. “Yes, miss. Like Mildred and Mr. Mansfield, this has been my home for a good, long time. I did consider going to live with my sister, but we’d be at each other afore long.”
    “Jimmy and I need someone to travel with us. Would you consider it?”
    “I did think on it when I heard, but that’s a long way from home and I always figured these old bones would be put to rest here.” At Angeline’s quick intake of breath, Bunny added, “‘Course, I don’t plan on that for some time yet.”
    Angeline dropped on the side of the bed. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
    Bunny patted her shoulder. “There isn’t a one of us wants to see you go but it’s not safe here. Who’s to say this won’t turn out to be a blessing in the end?”
    Angeline smiled at her old nurse. I sincerely hope it will.
    The next few weeks passed in a whirlwind of fittings and the choosing of accessories to go with the dozens of dresses being made for her. Angeline now had traveling dresses, day dresses and several beautiful gowns for evening, all with matching shoes and a few matching parasols. There were nightgowns and wrappers, petticoats and corsets, sheer stockings and garters, shifts and drawers.
    She had asked for a couple of riding habits, one in a deep shade of lavender, the other in black. Still in mourning, she needed a few black gowns and hats. Much to her surprise, a fur-lined pelisse had been delivered.
    The cost of the clothing had to be exorbitant. She could think of better uses for the money, Malcolm being one of them. Not a vain woman, she nevertheless felt a thrill of satisfaction as she regarded herself in the cheval glass. A light knock fell on the bedroom door and Bunny opened it to admit Shirley Whitaker.
    “Oh, miss, you do look lovely,” Shirley began, and was nudged by Bunny. “I’ve heard you need someone to travel with you