The Fairest of Them All Read Online Free

kindles another,” Sarah liked to say. “When I heard that you had been turned over to that disgusting man Davies for no other reason than that he was considered your only kin, I knew I had to do what I could to help you. He has a terrible reputation around London, especially for young girls.”
    Char hadn’t been certain what her aunt meant but she did know she did not feel comfortable around her uncle and decidedly did not like his wife. Her aunt May constantly complained about how much feeding Char cost no matter how little Char tried to eat to keep her happy.
    Back then, Char had been afraid of everything. Losing both of her parents had been beyond painful and it had left her destitute. Sarah had encouraged her to be brave. “Your truth is what you believe of yourself,” she’d told Char until the words were engraved in her soul.
    Under Sarah’s tutelage, Char had blossomed. Her aunt believed that a woman should seek knowledge. She was fiercely passionate about all aspects of life, especially the theater. Her one goal was to see her plays under her name someday performed on the London stage, or anywhere else for that matter. “I know it will happen,” she would say to Char, “as long as I don’t give up.”
    Char admired her aunt so much, she had once tried writing plays as well, but she had lost interest. Writing was hard work and she didn’t have anything to say.
    Instead, she had contented herself with taking care of their house, well, until she’d discovered the adventure of pickpocketing—­and then ­something had opened up inside Char. She didn’t know what she exactly wanted out of life except she knew she rather enjoyed living by her wits—­save for when her aunt was standing at the door and could, ­possibly, learn what mischief she’d been about.
    For all that had happened in her own adventurous life, Sarah could be very moral. She would not approve of pickpocketing.
    â€œYes?” Char said, and rubbed her eyes as if she had been woken from sleep. Of course she had to let go of the breeches and they fell to the floor at her feet, but Sarah didn’t notice.
    She was focused on Char. “Are you all right?”
    â€œOf course. Why do you ask?”
    â€œI’ve been calling you. In fact I knocked on your door not minutes ago.”
    â€œOh, that might be why I woke up. I was napping.”
    â€œYou never nap.”
    â€œI did today. By the way, why are you here? Shouldn’t you be at the theater?”
    Sarah grabbed the change of subject. “I should but Lady Baldwin came to me with such good news, I told Colman I had to go home. I was only the understudy tonight and Melissa has already arrived so I knew I would not be needed. Well, he would find something for me to do—­you know how he is—­but he let me off tonight.”
    Her aunt never missed a performance, even when all she had to do was stand backstage.
    Curious now, Char asked, “What news did Lady Baldwin have?”
    â€œSomething that involves you.” Sarah’s green eyes lit with excitement. “She’s downstairs. I will let her tell you herself. However, this is your chance, Char. At last , you have an opportunity to take your place in Society where you belong.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œCome downstairs and find out. I can’t wait to see your expression when you learn what it is.” She started to turn away but then stopped. She held up her hand to show Char the money purse. “By the way, I found this on the kitchen table. Is it from Davies?”
    Char could have cried.
    The money was now in her aunt’s hands. There would be no opportunity to remove five guineas. Sarah kept a strict accounting of expenses.
    â€œUm, yes. A servant delivered it earlier.”
    â€œI didn’t see it on the table when I first came in this afternoon,” Sarah said, puzzled.
    â€œPerhaps