Jack of Clubs Read Online Free Page B

was catching Harriet’s cold. The sooner they reached their destination, the better. Surely Captain Endicott would let her stay the night, no matter how many nursemaids and tutors he already employed. One of the country’s fine, brave officers, born to the nobility, could not be less than gracious.
    â€œI bet he doesn’t want me either.”
    Allie did not pretend to misunderstand. The gentleman might not know of Harriet’s very existence. He certainly could not know that she would be arriving on his doorstep, bags and baggage, or what had not been lost in the fire, at any rate. Even more certainly, Heavens be praised, he could not know what a headache Harriet was.
    â€œOf course he will want you, his own good friend’s daughter,” Allie said to bolster both of their confidences. In the confines of the carriage, she tried to tidy up her charge’s appearance. “He is a gentleman of the first stare, and you must not embarrass him.”
    There was nothing to be done about the bedraggled pinafore, the muddied shoes or the missing bonnet, the dripping nose, and torn gloves. Allie did manage to get her own comb through Harriet’s snarled red hair and tied it with her own hair ribbon in a semblance of order, and used her own handkerchief to dab at a strawberry jam stain on Harriet’s cheek from breakfast. She would worry about her own appearance next. It was Harriet who had to make the best first impression. The second impression was bound to be worse.
    â€œAnd you absolutely must comport yourself like a lady,” she stated, looking Harriet in the eye to make sure she understood.
    â€œI do not see why. He won’t want me either.”
    â€œHe will if you are prettily behaved and show him what a bright, obedient child you are.” Allie almost choked on the falsehoods, but had to try. “Captain Endicott will come to love you.”
    â€œWant to bet?”
    Betting was abhorrent, of course, morally indefensible and more reprehensible when a child was involved. “How much?”
    â€œYou already owe me five thousand pounds. Double or nothing?”
    Since they had been wagering imaginary sums for the entire journey, Allie agreed. Miss Semple might have palpitations at Miss Silver’s method of discipline and sense of decorum, but the schoolmistress had not volunteered to accompany Harriet Hildebrand to her relatives. Allie was doing the best she could.
    Unfortunately, she could not do much with her own travel-worn appearance, for the carriage stopped before she could repin her hair or retie her hat’s bow under her chin. She crammed the bonnet back on her head, her hair stuffed underneath, and looked at their destination.
    The house was not as imposing as some they had passed on their way through Mayfair, but it was substantial, well-kept, and welcoming. Allie’s spirits lifted. “You see? A true gentleman’s residence. Captain Endicott will do the right, honorable thing.”
    Oddly, the house had two front doors, one red and one black. The coachman looked at Allie, as if asking where he should place their valises. “In the middle, I suppose,” she directed, finding a coin in her reticule to repay the man’s efforts. He tipped his hat and went back to the carriage.
    â€œWhich door?” Allie asked as the hired coach pulled away. “You choose.”
    Harriet studied the large house with its trimmed front hedges and gleaming windows. “No matter. We won’t be staying.”
    The afternoon light was fading. The night would be cold. They had nowhere else to go, and little funds to get there. “Do not bet on that, my girl. We are staying.”

Chapter Three
    Allie chose the red door, to match Harriet’s hair (and red nose).
    A very large, very angry man answered Allie’s knock. Harriet scurried behind her. “Can’t any of you widgeons read?” the man yelled, pointing to a sign above the door