The Secret of Pembrooke Park(48)

“I can imagine,” Abigail agreed.

Kitty grabbed her sister’s arm. “Come on, Leah. Let’s go upstairs.”

Leah resisted the younger girl’s tug, her wide-eyed gaze following the stairway up to the first landing.

Abigail wondered why she was so nervous. Was it more than the rumors? Did she have some bad experience with one of the former occupants? Had one of the Pembrooke brothers she’d heard about been cruel to the neighbor girl—the steward’s daughter?

Giving up, Leah allowed her sister to pull her toward the stairs. Leah looked ruefully over her shoulder at Abigail. “Sorry. Perhaps I ought to have come alone.”

“That’s all right. I can guess where she’s headed.”

They ascended the stairs, Leah’s head swiveling back and forth, taking in the framed portraits, tapestries, and intricately carved panels. Abigail followed, oddly proud of the house and its ability to awe, though she was only a tenant.

At the top of the stairs, Leah paused before a glass display table filled with framed miniature portraits and silhouettes, but again Kitty tugged her along. Abigail knew the girl’s goal—the dolls’ house.

As they approached her bedchamber, Leah hesitated again, staring at the door.

“Come on, Leah. I want you to see the dolls’ house,” Kitty insisted.

“It’s all right,” Abigail assured Leah.

Leah formed an unconvincing smile and allowed Kitty to lead her into the room, Abigail trailing behind.

Kitty went at once to the dolls’ house on its stand and knelt before it. Leah followed more slowly, turning in a slow circle to take in the canopied bed, the window seat, the wardrobe. She reached out a hand and touched the bed-curtains. Then the smooth oak surface of the dressing table.

“It’s lovely, isn’t it?” Abigail asked gently.

“Yes, it is,” Leah breathed. “You have a charming room.”

“It isn’t mine,” Abigail said with a shrug. “But I am glad I have the use of it for a while.”

“So am I.”

Leah gave her a genuine smile, and Abigail’s heart warmed. Maybe they’d become good friends yet.

“Come and see,” Kitty urged, and Leah went over to stand at her sister’s shoulder. “Isn’t it wonderful?”

“It is indeed.”

“Have you ever seen anything like it?”

“Not in ages, no.”

Abigail wondered if Leah had ever played with the daughter of the house. They’d been neighbors, after all.

Abigail turned to open the trunk she’d asked Duncan to bring in earlier. But for several minutes, Leah remained where she was, her gaze fastened on her little sister so enthralled with the dolls’ house.

Abigail returned to Leah’s side, watching as Kitty moved a small doll up the stairs and laid her on a canopied bed. Abigail glanced at Leah’s profile, expecting to see an indulgent smile there. Instead, she was surprised to see tears in the woman’s eyes.

Leah must have sensed her gaze. She glanced over and self-consciously wiped at her eyes. “I’m fine. It’s just . . . good to see her so happy.”

Abigail awkwardly reached out and squeezed Leah’s hand. “She is more than welcome to come here and play any time she likes.”

Leah blinked away the tears, then looked at Abigail with a distracted smile. “You are very kind. She would enjoy that, obviously.”

“Come, let’s look at the gowns. I was never a diamond of the first water, I’m afraid. I hope you aren’t disappointed.”

“I’m sure I won’t be.”

Abigail removed a protective layer of tissue and began lifting gowns from the trunk and laying them on her bed. She smoothed her hand over an elegant off-white muslin with an embroidered bodice and sheer lace over-sleeves. Its full skirt had a slightly shorter hem to allow for freedom of movement in dancing.

“I was thinking this one might look well with your coloring. But you are welcome to any that suit your fancy.”

“It’s lovely,” Leah breathed.

“Would you like to try it on? See how it fits you? We have time to make a few alterations if needed.”

A girlish smile dimpled Leah’s cheeks. “Very well. If you’ll help me.”

Abigail happily did so, unfastening the back of Leah’s day dress and then helping her on with the ball gown and lacing up the back.

Leah looked down at her neckline, pressing a self-conscious hand to her décolletage. “It’s a little low, isn’t it? I feel as though all is on display.”

“Not at all. It’s the fashion for evening wear. Though we could always tuck a little lace, if you prefer.”

Abigail turned Leah toward the long cheval looking glass in the corner. “It’s very becoming on you.”

Leah looked at herself, unable to suppress the smile that sprung to her face.

“You’re right—the dress is beautiful.”

“You’re beautiful, Leah,” Kitty said in breathless awe, her attention lured away from the dolls’ house at last. “You look like a duchess.”

“I feel like one in this,” she allowed, holding out the skirt and swaying side to side.

Abigail smiled. “Then you’ll wear it?”