Cinderella and the Lady Read online

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  Dedication

  A big thanks to Linda for the Finnish and Leanna Renee for answering any of my questions, no matter how strange they may be. And to Jess Haines, just because.

  For those still looking for their happily ever after:

  “Have faith in your dreams, and someday, your rainbow will come smiling through. No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true.” –Charles Perrault, 1697

  Chapter One

  The morning was too beautiful for a funeral. Ellie would have preferred clouds or rain to mark the occasion. The glare of the sun blinded her as she watched the coffin with her father’s body being lowered into the ground. The minister spoke from the Bible, reciting a passage about a body turning to dust and the soul rising up to meet the heavenly father in everlasting glory. She wasn’t certain she believed in God. She had stopped praying when everyone she ever loved was taken away from her.

  She wiped away a tear falling down her cheek and glanced away from the cheap wooden coffin her stepmother Geraldine could barely afford. Her caretaker for the past ten years sobbed into her handkerchief. Her daughter, Mina, whispered into her ear. Both women wore black well, their dresses expensive and of the current style, unlike Ellie’s frock that was two years out of date.

  Geraldine cried out Ellie’s father’s name—Louis— and would have fallen to her knees if not for Mina’s support. Ellie stopped rolling her eyes over her stepmother’s emotional display of grief. The last time Geraldine had acted in such a way was when the priest gave her father his last rites. Geraldine fell across the bed, bawling against Ellie’s father’s chest. Ellie was never given the chance to rest her cheek against her father’s and say her goodbyes. By the time she had been allowed to see him, it was too late.

  Another tear slipped down her cheek and she wiped it away with the back of her hand. She should have used a handkerchief, but she didn’t have one, even though she reached into her pocket of her dress, thinking a piece of cloth would magically appear. A few pieces of lint and her pet mouse, Jack, lined her pocket. He was dozing on a full stomach after she fed him a few blocks of cheese before the funeral procession to the cemetery.

  A chill came over her as the breeze picked up. She tugged her tattered shawl around her head to protect her from the elements. Spring was slowly making its notice, but winter still remained. Her one bonnet had been ruined when her cat, August, used it for a chew toy months ago.

  When the coffin was finally in the ground, the mourners spoke a prayer. She remained silent, watching those around her play their part accordingly. Her father had once been a respected member in the community, but due to his illness and lack of fortune, former friends and visitors were far and few between.

  Clement and Egan, partners who ran a popular tailor and dress shop in Aulnory, nodded in her direction. Egan’s son, Noah, smiled at her softly. She titled her head in acknowledgement, but couldn’t find the strength to lift her lips into a smile. Before she dipped her head down, Geraldine’s dear friend, the Countess Tremaine, caught her eye. The stare she gave her made her uncomfortable. The countess’s eyes remained on her, blazing with some sort of sentiment she couldn’t understand.

  She longed to flee and escape to her small bedroom. There she could hide her face under her pillow, pretending she was anywhere else instead of Aulnory, where she had been born and raised the first twenty-one years of her life, and would most likely remain for the next twenty-one and longer, abandoned and unloved.

  The mourners threw roses into the grave and paid their last respects. Afterward they would flock to her house for the repast. She was the only one without a rose. It had been decided her stepmother and stepsister should have one instead of her, the deceased’s daughter in truth. She slipped her hand inside her pocket to touch Jack, her only comfort, and walked away. She ignored the stares and the whispers sent her way. Most had no idea who she was, nor did they care to inquire about her association to the dead baron.

  The tears streaming down her face were her final goodbye to the man who rejected her the moment he brought his new wife and her daughter into his home to replace her mother, the one person who loved her, faults and all.

  * * * *

  The house was filled with neighbors and locals who enjoyed the food and drink on the dime of the de Saltin family. Ellie sat in a corner, partially hidden by plants her stepmother had in almost every room of the house. She was responsible for watering them, like most of the other household chores, but today she was exempt from her duties. She softly hummed while petting Jack, who dozed in her lap. Her skirt hid him from view from the guests.

  A group of women who ate their fill of small cakes—a generous donation from the bakery—commented on the loss of her father and how sad it was for a man in his prime to die so young.

  “Consumption of the heart, they say.” The innkeeper’s wife clucked and took a bite of her third cake. “He couldn’t move from his bed, and from what I heard, he would scream out in pain at all hours.”

  “Poor Geraldine, the dear.” The wife of one of the richest men in Aulnory shook her head in sorrow. She frowned, eyeing the outdated furnishings and faded wallpaper. “The baroness and her daughter have no other family to turn to for assistance. Geraldine is too advanced in her age to find another man to marry. It will fall on Mina’s shoulders to marry well and save the family from ruin.”

  “Didn’t de Saltin have another daughter? Ellen or Erin of some sort?” a woman unknown to Ellie asked, looking in her direction but then glancing away as if she wasn’t even there.

  I’m Eleanor! Not Ellen or Erin! She wanted to shout at the horrid women gossiping in front of her. She had a name she was proud of.

  More clucking and tsking came from the women. “They say de Saltin’s daughter isn’t too bright in the head and she must be kept hidden away. I also heard she has some sort of facial or body deformity. To spare Geraldine and Mina from embarrassment, they keep the poor child locked away,” the shoemaker’s wife announced.

  Ellie ground her teeth and a sharp pain ran up the side of her head. Jack let out a small squeak and she loosened her grip. She wasn’t deformed or otherwise! She just had an uninspiring and plain face and a body too lean from the long hours of housework.

  “Do you think she’s a hunchback like the ones displayed in cages at sideshows?” The innkeeper’s wife giggled.

  The shoemaker’s wife rolled her eyes. “I’ve lived in this town for more than thirty years and I haven’t seen a hunchback. It’s just gossip. The de Saltin girl is a recluse. She didn’t even attend the funeral and is probably hiding away somewhere until this all blows over. The death of her mother must have stunted her brain.”

  Ellie’s temper rose. Before she could confront the cruel harpies, Clement strode in. He nodded at the women and surveyed the room. The women whispered to one another and left the room chortling. A tender smile broke his face when he spotted her. He was a few years younger than her papa had been and made quite the dashing figure with his dark, wavy hair and earnest blue eyes.

  Clement held out his arms. She stood and quickly looked around to see if anyone would notice them. They were the only ones left. He engulfed her in a hug, comforted by the scent of bayberry in his jacket.

  “How are you doing, lovely Eleanor?”

  She gave him a shaky smile. “I’m good. Thank you for asking.”

  “Well. You should say you’re well, not good,” he corrected, but softened his criticism by rubbing her back.

  “Where’s Egan and N
oah?” she asked, folding her hands in front of her. She peeked over her shoulder, relieved Jack had curled into a ball in the corner of the couch.

  “They’re chatting with our neighbors. You should join us rather than hide in here.”

  “I like being alone. I’m not comfortable around many people.” She hugged her waist.

  Clement sighed and opened his mouth. He then shook his head and brushed back his hair. “If you have time tomorrow, you should come into the shop. The fabric you ordered for your mother and sister is in.”

  “Step. Not mother and sister, but step. There’s a big difference.” She stuck out her chin, waiting for him to correct her again.

  The corner of his mouth lifted and his eyes twinkled. “That’s what I like hearing. Why you don’t speak up more where your moth—the baroness is concerned is beyond me.”

  She stared at him in confusion. She started to ask him to explain his comment, but then the two people she had no desire to talk to entered the room.

  Holding back a groan, she wished she could hide. She flinched when the countess called out her name.

  “There you are, Eleanor. I’ve been looking for you everywhere!”

  Before Ellie could stop her, the countess pulled her into a hug. She turned her head to the side to catch her breath. Clement told the countess to take care, but she just laughed and gave her a kiss on her forehead. When she could move her head again, the countess’s mouth brushed over her cheek. After another tight hug she was released.

  She went to sit down, but the countess snatched her hand and held it against her chest. Ellie curled her hand into a fist and tried to ignore how the side her hand nudged the countess’s right breast. Something hard poked through the countess’s bodice. She bit the inside of her lip to stop from asking what it could be.

  Lord Robert Ranson, the countess’s brother, gave her an indifferent smile. Remembering her manners, she curtsied. “Thank you for coming, my lord and lady.”

  “Eleanor, there’s no need to stand on ceremony with us. How many times have I told you to call us by our Christian names? We are…were your mother’s and father’s good friends.” The countess gave her a bright smile, her golden blond hair swinging over her shoulders.

  “Sorry, I’ll remember next time,” she whispered and tugged her hand away to push back her poorly cut curls drooping over her eyes.

  The countess curved an arm around Ellie’s waist and led her back to the divan she’d been sitting on. She landed in a pile of fluffy skirts while Ellie took more care in order not to crush Jack. His head peeked up, wiggling his nose and blinking his little brown eyes.

  “Eleanor, I know your mind wanders, but you must concentrate while we discuss important matters.” The countess seized her chin in a soft grasp.

  She longed to run away from the countess. This lady had always been too liberal with her touches and ended up treating her more like a girl half her age.

  Clement folded his hands behind his back and widened his stance, staring down at them with a curl of his lips. “Madam, Ellie must be exhausted. Perhaps we should let her—”

  The countess waved her hand around. “Eleanor shouldn’t be alone at a time like this. Isn’t that right, dear?”

  She gave a small shrug and stared down at her lap. The countess’s palm landed on the side of her chest. She squeezed her hands together to stop from pushing the insistent hand away. The last time she did that was when the countess “accidently” touched her breast while serving her tea. The countess had looked offended, as well as hurt. Geraldine had locked her in the food pantry and left her there overnight as punishment for her rudeness.

  “Please answer when my sister asks you a question,” Lord Robert commanded.

  She gave the countess a timid smile, biting the inside of her cheek the entire time. “Forgive me. It’s been a long day, like Mr. Ruskin said. I appreciate you and Lord Robert for being here. It means a great deal to me and my family.”

  “We know.” The countess gently ran her fingers up and down Ellie’s side. She sat still, praying the countess would stop.

  “Ellie, would you like to come with me and get something to eat?” Clement asked.

  Relieved to have been given a way out, she reached out to take his hand but then the countess imprisoned her in a tight hold.

  “What a wonderful idea, Mr. Ruskin. I’ll keep Ellie…ahem, Eleanor, company while you do.” The countess settled her hands on Ellie’s hip. “Robbie, make me up a plate also so I can chat with our friend without you standing guard. You’re both badgering the poor girl.”

  Clement’s mouth fell into a flat line. Lord Robert gave his sister a wink. “Your servants, my ladies.” He turned to Clement. “Let’s leave these two to their conversation. It will also give me the perfect opportunity to inquire about your pricing since Yvonne and I will be staying in Aulnory for an extended stay. Even though we’re in a provincial town and away from London, I still need to be a well-dressed man.” Lord Robert chuckled and caressed the lapel of his coat while he dug his elbow into Clement’s side. Clement moved back, his hands clenching and unclenching.

  “I’ll be back soon. Don’t go anywhere.” Clement spoke directly to the countess. He then gave Ellie a softer stare. She nodded, her eyes telling him without words she would be fine even with the countess smothering her.

  Both men left the room, leaving her in near seclusion with a woman who was old enough to be her mother, but acted quite the opposite.

  “Here we are, two fast friends comforting one another during a loss of a loved one.” The countess wiped under her damp eyes.

  She made a noncommittal response and held back her surprise when Jack scampered into her lap.

  “During times like these, you need someone to help you get through the rough patches.” The countess pressed her cheek against Ellie’s and dug her fingers deeper into her waist.

  “My stepmother will be happy to know you’re here for her.” She couldn’t understand why the countess was fixated on being her friend when she had nothing to offer.

  The countess’s persistent stare made her stomach jump. Why does it seem the countess wants something more from me? Or is my imagination playing tricks on me?

  “Oh yes, I’m thinking of Geraldine and Mina as well, but your father can never be replaced, just like your mother who departed this earth too soon. I almost lost my sanity that day when was her body was found in the river.” She rubbed her mouth against the side of Ellie’s face. Ellie hid her dismay and bit the inside of her cheek. “I’ll never forgive myself for not saving Angelica, knowing you and your father would be all alone.”

  She closed her eyes to stop her tears. She hated how the countess brought up her mother’s death. She remembered that day also and how her father broke down, holding her as they cried together. That was the last time he told her he loved her.

  “It’s all in the past.” She gave the countess’s hand a soft pat.

  The countess smiled and brushed her nose across her cheek. “Sometimes you say just the right thing. You have a sharper mind than you let on. I’m going to talk to Geraldine about having you stay with me in London. I think it will do you a world of good. This house has too many unhappy memories for you.”

  Ellie sat up, at a loss for words. Yes, there were many unfortunate memories but this was all she knew. She had never ventured outside Aulnory, and the idea the countess wanted to take her to a large city like London unnerved her.

  “My lady—”

  “Yvonne. Why is it so difficult for you to call me by my first name?” the countess asked in frustration, her mouth molding into a pout.

  “I was taught to respect my elders,” she said without thinking.

  The countess stiffened and dropped her arms.

  “Young lady, I may be old enough to be your mother, but I’m not as ancient as you may think I am. Why, I look young enough to be your sister—”

  “There you are, you lazy girl!”

  Ellie winced and started t
o rise, but the countess latched onto her wrist.

  Geraldine hurried over to them, distaste apparent on her face. It was a typical sight for Ellie.

  “There’s no need to yell at the girl. We’re having a nice chat.” The countess tilted her head to the side and stared up at Geraldine, much like her cat August would do when he killed a rodent or bug and wanted to be praised. “I’ve extended Eleanor an invitation to join me in London before the summer begins.”

  Ellie opened her mouth to argue but stopped when Yvonne’s grip tightened around her wrist.

  Geraldine crossed her arms and tapped her foot encased in a satin slipper. Ellie couldn’t remember the last time she had a new pair of slippers. She always wore her wooden clogs—like now, even though they didn’t match her newly dyed black dress. To have a new dress and stockings, or an even a pair of slippers like Geraldine’s was a far-reaching dream, just like the ones she had where she no longer was a source of Geraldine’s ridicule and her stepsister’s pity.

  “Eleanor!” Geraldine screeched this time. “We will talk about Yvonne’s invitation later after you clean up the mess my guests have left behind.” She looked down at her in disgust. “Your father would be rolling in his grave if he could see you now, preying on Yvonne’s kindness. How can you be so selfish?”

  Ellie swallowed back her tears. When the countess’s hand came back around her waist, this time pressing down on her breast, she had enough. Silently asking Jack for forgiveness, she lifted up her skirt and he landed right in the countess’s lap.

  She shrieked and sprang up. “A mouse!”

  Jack squeaked and both women screamed. The countess climbed onto the couch with Geraldine, who latched onto her. People rushed into the room, and August made an appearance. He shot over to where Jack scampered around.

  Ellie tried not to smile as the countess and her stepmother made fools of themselves. Lord Robert and Clement returned with Egan and Noah. The men, including the other guests, looked around the floor for the rodent, but Jack had run away with August trailing behind.