The Charlotte Series: Book 1: The Pirate's Treasure

chapter 06

London 1857

Millicent sat in her favorite chair in the library. At the moment she was replacing the button on her father's vest. Then there was a slipped hem to repair and the elbows on her robe needed patching. She blew a loose hair out of her way as she bit down to break the thread. She set his vest aside and reached for the skirt with the loose hem.

"Miss, Cook wants to know if you would like your tea now or if you would like to wait until after you visit your mother." Butler asked as he stood in the doorway.

"Thank you Butler, please tell Cook I'll take tea in the kitchen with her when I return."

With a glance at the clock and a quick calculation she hurried out. She snagged her shawl from the chair on her way out the door and walked briskly to the cemetery. She couldn't stay long. Her father mustn't realize she'd gone. As she knelt by her mother's headstone she swiped angrily at the tears on her cheeks.

"I love you Mama. I miss you so much. I'm keeping my promise. Lexi is helping me be an accomplished lady. I'll never have a dowry if he has anything to say about it. But don't worry Mama, Lexi says I could be a governess or maybe a companion. I have to go Mama. I can't be away too long. I'll visit soon. Bye Mama."

She kissed her fingers and placed them on the stone before she hurried home. She meant it when she said she couldn't be away long. As long as she remembered his schedule and stayed out of his way when she wasn't required, life was tolerable. Cook hugged her tightly when she returned as though she'd been away for a long time.

"It's hard to believe it's been three years since that gray day we buried your mother." Cook said as she poured the tea. "But you've done well and she would be proud of the fine lady you've become."

Millicent smiled as Cook fussed and hovered. All the while she was thinking that it was indeed hard to believe she had survived three years with him without the blessing of Mama's comfort. She startled when Butler stepped into the kitchen and cleared his throat.

"Excuse me Miss. Mr. Straub is here to see your father. He's in the study with a guest."

"Ah."

That explained why Butler didn't announce Mr. Straub himself. He didn't like to be disturbed when he had guests. However, Mr. Straub was their banker and if he was expecting the man, it would go badly for her if she didn't announce him.

"Nothing to be done about it, I suppose." She said setting her cup aside and smoothing her skirts. "I shall have to greet Mr. Straub and then announce him."

After properly greeting Mr. Straub she learned that he did indeed have an appointment. Leaving him to wait in the library she headed to the study. She stood outside the door and wondered what sort of pompous tantrum her father would throw over the interruption. She simply hadn't the time for his drama today. With a sigh, she slouched her shoulders and assumed a mousy posture.

Better to play the part of humbled subservient. She wrinkled her nose and rolled her eyes. Someday soon, I shall be free of him! But for now...She turned the knob and dropped her eyes to the floor.

"Father..."

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"Randall, you and I know this was a most unfortunate circumstance completely beyond your realm of control. This shipment was truly robbed. But think man! How can you expect our benefactors to believe you were robbed when we feed that same story to the insurance company when a shipment goes...shall we say...astray?"