Never Doubt I Love Read Online Free Page A

wide-brimmed hat perched á la bergere atop it, turned to her. “I require a response when I address you,” she declared awfully.
    â€œI am t-trying not to be a watering pot, ma’am,” responded Zoe, as steadily as she could manage. “But I had no notion this—this morning that I was to be ordered to leave my papa and—and Travisford, so—soon.”
    â€œIn which case your step-mama has more brains than I had credited her with. Change is the more difficult when one has time to brood upon it. What is done, is done, and you will do better to stop such foolish repining and turn your mind to your great good fortune. The chances of a plain young female such as yourself achieving a respectable match while dwelling in the wilds of nowhere are, I may tell you, exceeding remote.”
    â€œI have no desire to—”
    â€œBe—silent—miss!” Lady Buttershaw’s harsh bray drowned the pounding of the horses’ hooves and the creaking of the swaying coach. “You may speak when I have finished. And not before!”
    Intimidated as always by a display of anger, Zoe shrank.
    â€œThat is better. Now, as I was about to say before I was so rudely interrupted—in coming to me, you will reside in one of the most admired mansions in London Town. It is, I must own, a new structure. Our family home was destroyed by fire twenty years ago. The Earl, my father, was an enlightened man. He saw the advantages of establishing a fashionable and select area away from the common herd. Others followed his example, of course, for Yervilles have ever led the way. I myself am a leader of le haut ton. I assume you know what that means. Whereby I shall select a suitable mate for you. With your lack of fortune, looks, height, and grace, ’twill tax my ingenuity, but I shall rise to the challenge. We will cross that bridge when we come to it, however. Our first task must be the matter of your unfortunate wardrobe. I refuse to have anyone dwelling in my house whose garments run the gamut of fashion—from bad to worse!” My lady folded her fan and rapped Zoe smartly across the knuckles. “You may now speak.”
    â€œThank you, ma’am. But—”
    â€œSo I should think. Now—in return for the education you will receive in such vital areas as good taste, deportment, and social etiquette, you will act as a companion to my spinster sister. Let me tell you that you will not find your duties onerous. Lady Julia Yerville was severely burned in the fire I told you of, and has been a semi-invalid ever since. She is a gentle creature and will likely ask very little of you. Were I not so popular and in constant demand for Society events, I would provide all the companionship she requires.” My lady pursed her lips and considered for a moment, while Zoe watched her in growing fascination. “No. I shall be honest,” the grande dame continued. “For in all things I am honest. I myself possess a very high level of intelligence. You have doubtless already remarked it. On the other hand, my sister’s powers of understanding are not anything out of the way. It is a strain upon me to converse with her for any length of time. Do not mistake me. Lady Julia is of superior stock, as are all the Yervilles, and before the fire she was considered exceeding beautiful. She was, in fact, about to make a splendid marriage, but— Well, that has nothing to say to the case. It is good that the poor creature has her interests. I myself find them childish, but you will likely be able to enter into them without too much difficulty. If you wish to comment, you may do so.”
    Zoe blinked, and decided that whatever else, life at Yerville Hall would have its amusing side. “I was wondering, Lady Buttershaw, if the doctors cannot help your poor sister. Medicine has made great advances in this modern age, and—”
    â€œDoctors,” said my lady without