The Ugly Duckling Read Online Free Page A

chiffon—red-haired, beautiful, exotic, totally confident. “I learned a long time ago back in Brooklyn that she who doesn’t fight back gets squashed.”
    Nadine would never get squashed, Nell thought wistfully. She had fought her way from Seventh Avenue to be one of the top runway models of Paris and never lost that earthy humor and boldness. She was invited everywhere, and Nell had run into her more and more frequently of late. Richard called her “designer window dressing,” but Nell was always glad to see her.
    Nadine glanced back over her shoulder. “You look great. Lost a few pounds?”
    “Maybe.” She knew she didn’t look great. She was as plump as when Nadine had seen her last month, her slacks were rumpled, and she hadn’t had time to comb her hair since that morning. Nadine was just trying to soothe her after that malicious savaging by Sally Brenden. Why not? Size six could afford to be kind to size twelve. She felt a rush of shame at the thought. Kindnessshould always be valued and never looked at askance. “I have to see Richard right away. I’ll see you later at the party.”
    Nadine smiled and waved.
    Nell took the stairs two at a time and ran down the long hall. Richard wasn’t in the sitting room. She could hear him humming in the bedroom. She paused outside to steel herself and then threw open the door. “I don’t want a nanny for Jill.”
    Richard turned away from the mirror. “What?”
    “Sally said you were considering a nanny. I don’t want one. We don’t need one.”
    “Why are you upset?” He turned back to the mirror and straightened his tie. “It was just an idle discussion. It’s not good to smother children with attention. All our friends have help. A nanny is something of a status symbol.”
    “You
are
considering it.”
    “Not without your consent.” He put on his tuxedo jacket. “What are you wearing tonight?”
    “I don’t know.” What difference did it make? She always looked the same anyway. “The blue lace gown, I guess.” Her hands clenched at her sides. “I don’t smother Jill.”
    “The blue is a good choice. That scalloped neckline makes your shoulders look wonderful.”
    She crossed the room and laid her head on his chest. “I want to take care of her myself. You’re gone so often and we’re company for each other.” She whispered, “Please, Richard.”
    He stroked her hair. “I want only what’s best for you. You know how hard I work to make sure you and Jill have a good life. Just help me a little, Nell.”
    He was going to do it, she realized in despair. “I try to help you.”
    “And you do.” He pushed her away and lookeddown into her face. “But I’m going to need more from you.” A flicker of excitement lit his face. “Kavinski’s the key, Nell. I’ve been waiting for six years for an opening like this. It’s not only the money, it’s the power. There’s no telling how far I can go now.”
    “I’ll work harder. I’ll do everything you tell me to do. Just let me keep Jill.”
    “We’ll talk about it tomorrow.” He kissed her on the forehead and turned away. “Now I’d better get downstairs. Kavinski will be here any minute.”
    She stared numbly at the door after it closed behind him. They would talk tomorrow and he would be gentle and firm and a little sad that he couldn’t do what she wanted. He would make her feel guilty and helpless and, when they returned to Paris, he would buy her favorite yellow roses and take care of the interviewing of the nanny himself in order not to distress her.
    “Mama, my bathwater’s getting cold,” Jill said reprovingly. She stood barefoot in the doorway, wrapped in a huge pink towel.
    “Is it?” She swallowed to ease the tightness in her throat. She would enjoy this precious time with Jill and try not to think of tomorrow. Maybe they wouldn’t get the Kavinski accounts. Perhaps Richard would change his mind. “Then I guess we’d better warm it up and get you in