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“Oh, thank you, Mary!”

“You’re welco as a whisper

Each unrestricted breath felt better than the last An ache took over her ribs and then faded into a pleasant warmth Sarah smiled at the wall “Where did you work before you came to us, Mary?”

The girl’s fingers froze for a bare second on Sarah’s leg before she continued unfastening the stockings Sarah iretted the question She did not speak to Mary about personal things The wine had loosened her tongue

“I worked for a Mrs Albertson, hters They were sixteen and eighteen”

“Ah I hope I am easier work then Simpler, at least”

“Yes, ma’am”

“Girls of that age can be difficult” But of course, she herself was only twenty Another strange thought

Most of her friends had held secret fantasies of entleirl into that sparkling swirl of society parties and elegant country retreats But Sarah had never wanted that She had wanted love and friendship Comfort and compatibility A man of her father’s station in life

When she’dbarrister who’d just acquired a seat in the commons, her heart had turned over and then beat so hard she’d wondered if he could see the pulse in her neck He was tall and handsoreen eyes And then he’d smiled

Sarah pressed a hand to her chest as her heart jumped to life at the memory

“Ma’am?”

Blinking, she found that Mary was standing before her, holding a gown of delicate muslin “Oh, so sorry” Sarah dutifully held her arms up and let Mary pull her chemise off over her head Her body was exposed for a moment, pale and vulnerable She closed her eyes until Mary pulled the sleeveless nightgown into place

They were nearly done She would sit in her chair for a few mo She would brush it out and then tidy up before lowering the la her mistress to herself

Sarah felt the pins in her hair loosen “Do you have fa to continue the conversation for reasons she could not fathoain, but Sarah looked into the mirror and saw Mary nod “Aye, ma’am Two brothers, two sisters A father Me ”