Gilded Girl, page 1
Gilded Girl
Pamela Kelley
Copyright © 2022 by Pamela Kelley
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Ebook ISBN 9781953060013
ISBN 978-1-953060-29-7
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Epilogue
Nana’s Ravioli
1
The letter that changed everything arrived on a cold, dreary Monday. Eliza Chapman was arranging Lady Caroline Ashton’s hair into a French twist when her father, Lord Ashton, knocked at the door of her dressing room. The door was half-open, but he knocked anyway.
“You look lovely. Your mother’s pearls suit you.”
Lady Caroline was getting ready for an important dinner party. She was twenty, two years younger than Eliza, and her family was anxious for her to meet someone appropriate.
“Lord Billings is going to be swept off his feet by you. He’d make a very good match, you know,” her father added.
Lady Caroline sighed. “Yes, you keep telling me that.” She turned and smiled at him a moment later, though. “I’ll be on my best behavior. Promise.”
Her father laughed. Eliza had always admired the bond between the two. Lord Ashton clearly thought the world of his daughter. And she adored him, too. Eliza was a bit envious of that. Not their station in life, she knew better than to wish for something that she had no control over, but she longed for that kind of closeness. She’d had it once, with her mother, until she recently passed. But she never knew her father.
While the two of them talked, Eliza let her mind drift, and it went as it often did to her last moments with her mother. She’d been so sick and yet she struggled to tell Eliza something. But all she’d managed to say was, “I need to tell you the truth about your father.”
She wasn’t able to get the explanation out, though. Her energy was fading and her last two words were mumbled and almost incoherent. “A letter.” Eliza had no idea what that meant. Did she send a letter? Receive one? What was in the letter? Eliza didn’t know if she’d ever find out.
“Eliza?” By Lady Caroline’s suddenly sharp tone, Eliza guessed it wasn’t the first time she’d called her name.
“Yes?”
“Stop day-dreaming! Father was trying to get your attention.”
“I’m sorry, what is it?”
Lord Ashton spoke. “Lady Ashton would like to see you in her study at your earliest convenience.”
Eliza secured Lady Caroline’s hair with a final pin and took a step back.
Lady Caroline turned her head to admire her hair in all directions before nodding and saying, “That will do. You can run along.”
Eliza scurried out of the room and down the long hallway and two flights of stairs until she reached the study. She knocked lightly on the closed door.
“You may enter.”
Eliza pushed the door open and stepped inside. Lady Ashton sat behind a large, gleaming mahogany desk. She had a stack of papers in front of her and a newly opened envelope and folded letter on top.
“Have a seat.”
Eliza sat in one of the two leather padded chairs directly across from the desk and waited. The only other time she’d been sent to the study, she’d been in trouble for not following a rule she wasn’t aware of. She wondered what she’d done this time.
“Do you have any idea why you are here?”
“No. I am sorry, though, for whatever I did.”
Lady Ashton smiled. “You’re not in trouble, my dear. This is highly unusual, though. I’ve just received a letter… From your father.”
Eliza leaned forward in her chair. Surely, she’d heard wrong. “My father?”
“You don’t know anything about this?” She looked intrigued. “Do you even know who your father is?”
“My mother never said. She tried to tell me, before she passed, but she couldn’t manage it.”
“I see.” Lady Ashton fiddled with the letter for a moment as though debating what to do, what to say. “Maybe it’s best if I just read this to you.”
Eliza nodded and waited for her to begin.
“My dearest Lady Ashton, it has recently come to my attention that I may have a third daughter. I believe Eliza Chapman is currently in your employ as a ladies’ maid. I met her mother many years ago when you and Lord Ashton were kind enough to invite my family to spend several weeks with you one summer. Vivian and I grew close, but we lost touch when I returned to the states. I never knew that we had a daughter together until she sent me a letter. She mentioned being sick and wanting me to know before she passed.
After much consideration, I would like to invite Eliza to come to New York City to meet her family. I want to try to be a father to her, if she’ll allow it. I’ve enclosed a one-way ticket for her passage. Please give her my best regards and let her know that my daughters Alice and Rose also look forward to meeting her. I’ve enclosed a small sum of money so that she can purchase whatever she may need for the trip. Thank you for your kind assistance in this matter and I do apologize for stealing away one of your ladies’ maids. Yours most sincerely, Ward Redfield.”
Lady Ashton stopped reading and looked up for Eliza’s response, but she was speechless.
“Do you recognize the name Ward Redfield?” Lady Ashton asked.
“I don’t. Should I?”
“He is one of the richest and most successful men in Manhattan. His Upper East Side mansion is the largest in the city. Your father is a very rich man.”
It was a lot to absorb. “And he wants me to come visit?”
“He sent a one-way ticket. He wants you to stay. To go home.”
“Home. To New York City.” Eliza was stunned.
Lady Ashton leaned back in her chair and met Eliza’s gaze. “It won’t be easy, you know. There is the small matter of being illegitimate. Americans may be more accepting of that than we are, but it may still be problematic for you. It would be impossible here. But, perhaps we can help. Ward Redfield is a very good friend.”
Eliza thought about what it all meant. This man had met her mother years ago, left her with child and went home, having no idea.
“I wonder why she never told him?” What would have happened if her mother had sent the letter when she first found out?
Lady Ashton shook her head sadly. “It simply wasn’t done. She might not have been believed and even if she was, his parents never would have allowed them to be together. We always wondered what happened with your mother, who she was involved with. She never said a word to anyone. And we never judged.”
Eliza nodded. She knew her mother was always grateful that the Ashtons had kept her on when they learned of the pregnancy and that they didn’t ask any questions. Like Eliza, her mother had been a ladies’ maid too, for Lady Ashton.
Lady Ashton picked up her bell and rang it twice. A moment later, one of the housemaids stepped into the room.
“You rang, m’lady?”
“Yes, could you please fetch Lady Caroline and tell her to hurry?”
Minutes later, Lady Caroline strolled into the room, looking annoyed. “What is so important that I had to rush down here?”
“I think you should sit.”
Lady Caroline sat in the chair next to Eliza and listened as her mother explained what was in the letter. When she finished, Lady Caroline’s first words were, “So, this means I’m losing my ladies’ maid?”
Lady Ashton nodded. “That is correct. Though you won’t go without. Mrs. Thompson will send another girl up to take Eliza’s place.” She looked at her daughter thoughtfully for a moment before adding, “You and Eliza are about the same size. Take her to your room and choose a selection of your dresses, enough to fill two trunks. She’ll need daytime, evening and special occasion.”
Lady Caroline’s jaw dropped in confusion. “You want me to give her my clothes?”
“Yes, dear. You have plenty that you’ve worn and have no intention of wearing again. You know you never repeat your gowns that you’ve worn in public. They’re just going to collect dust. This will tide Eliza over until she reaches New York and can do more shopping.”
“More shopping?” Eliza felt dazed.
Lady Ashton smiled, a gleam of mischief in her eyes. “Eliza, you have no idea how your life is going to change.” She glan
Lady Caroline looked almost as dazed as Eliza, but finally managed a smile.
“All right, Eliza. Let’s go shopping.”
“Eliza, I’ll have Mrs. Thompson see you about coordinating your departure. Until then, please keep this to yourself. It’s best if the rest of the staff don’t know your business. As this is highly unusual.”
Eliza nodded. “Of course.” She guessed that she still had several weeks before she’d be leaving. It would be hard to keep the news to herself, but she imagined that Lady Ashton didn’t want the news to upset the staff or to give them ideas that they could aspire to rise above their station, too.
Once they reached her suite, Lady Caroline’s mood improved, and she actually seemed excited for Eliza.
“Mother is right. We are about the same size, though you are a bit slimmer around the waist and a little fuller on top. I think most of my dresses should fit you well enough. I have to admit, I’m a bit jealous.”
“Jealous? Of me?” Eliza couldn’t imagine why.
“Yes, silly. You’re going to the United States. To New York City. I’ve never been, and it’s supposed to be wonderful. My mother is right, you’re very lucky. This is an incredible opportunity for you. This doesn’t happen to most people—the chance to enter a new world. Are you excited?”
“Yes. Stunned is more like it, but yes, I’m excited to meet my father and my sisters.”
“Right. Two sisters. That will be interesting for you.” She turned and flung open the doors to her huge walk-in closet. “Well, shall we pick out some dresses?”
They spent the next hour going through Lady Caroline’s sizable wardrobe and selecting a wide range of dresses and hats that would suit just about every occasion. The clothes had barely been worn. Some, like her fanciest ball gowns, had only been worn once. Eliza gasped and sighed with happiness as Lady Caroline handed Eliza a dress she’d fallen in love with almost a year ago. It was a beautiful, shimmering blue ball gown and Eliza thought it looked fit for a princess. To think that now it would be hers! And that she might have an opportunity to wear it. She almost pinched herself in disbelief.
Mrs. Thompson stopped by looking for Eliza as they finished selecting the final dress. Eliza liked Mrs. Thompson. She oversaw housekeeping and the kitchen, and Eliza had known her for as long as she could remember. Mrs. Thompson looked around the room at the piles of clothing.
“Henry and James will be in shortly with the trunks for you. Go ahead and pack carefully and then they’ll take them down to the carriage house for loading. You’ll be leaving Thursday morning at five am. Your ship leaves at eight.”
Eliza must have heard incorrectly.
“This Thursday?” It was just two days away. She couldn’t possibly be leaving so soon. She wasn’t ready. She thought she’d have a few weeks to get used to the idea.
Mrs. Thompson smiled. “Yes, dear. Lady Ashton called to confirm and you’re all set. Remember, not a word to the others.”
“Yes, of course.”
“Eliza, you will be missed. But, I couldn’t be happier for you. Your mother is up there, looking down on us, and I know she’s thrilled too.”
“Thank you.”
“Well, I have to run down to dinner,” Lady Caroline said. “Eliza, you can manage packing up the rest by yourself?”
Eliza nodded. “Yes, and thank you. I’m so very grateful. You and Lady Ashton have been so generous.”
Lady Caroline smiled. “I’m glad to see they will get another life. I’ve always thought it was silly we only wear some of these dresses once.”
She and Mrs. Thompson left together and Eliza quickly got to work, packing all the dresses efficiently in the two trunks. She filled each of them to the brim, added the hats, and carefully closed the lid.
* * *
Eliza went downstairs to the kitchen and the servants’ dining room, where the evening meal was being plated as she arrived. It was a smaller group than usual, as there was a dinner party for twenty going on upstairs and half a dozen or so footmen were serving.
“Gravy, Eliza?” Mrs. Wiggins, the main cook, asked.
“Yes, please.” Eliza took the plate of roasted chicken, bread stuffing and potatoes, all covered with gravy and a few green beans on the side. She went into the dining room and sat next to her best friend, and fellow ladies’ maid, Sophie.
“Someone’s going on a trip,” Sophie said immediately.
“Oh?”
“Henry said there was a call for two trunks to be brought to Lady Caroline’s room. I wonder where she’s going. Has she said anything to you?”
Eliza had to force herself not to smile. “No, she hasn’t said a thing. Maybe it’s not her?”
“Who else could it be if the trunks were sent to her room? I wonder where she is going?”
“I have no idea.” Eliza was tempted to confide in Sophie, but she was the worst secret keeper. Sophie wouldn’t be able to resist telling everyone. And Eliza had given her word not to say anything.
The next day was a strange one, as Eliza went about her daily routine, same as usual, yet it was the last day she was going to be working as a ladies’ maid. Although she found that hard to believe and was fully prepared to have to look for work again. Perhaps her father’s family only meant for her to visit? What if they didn’t like her? Maybe she would stay and try to find work in New York City if she needed to. She was excited about all the possibilities that were ahead of her. And a little scared too, but mostly excited.
Lady Caroline wished her well at the end of the day. “I will miss you. It’s strange to think you won’t be here anymore. I am feeling a bit sorry for myself,” she admitted. “But I’m more excited for you. Please write to me once you are settled and let me know how you are getting on?”
“I will, I promise.”
Mrs. Thompson called for her to come by her office before dinner. When Eliza stepped into the room, Mrs. Thompson was sitting at her desk, writing a letter. She stood when she saw Eliza.
“I just wanted to say a proper goodbye, my dear. And to wish you all good things and a safe journey to your new life. I’m so very happy for you.” She pulled her in for a hug and squeezed her tight before letting go and dabbing at her eyes.
“Thank you. I’ll miss you too. I’ll write once I’m settled.”
“Wonderful, I look forward to it.”
At dinner, Sophie cocked her head and looked at Eliza curiously. “You know something, don’t you? And you’re not saying. I can tell. You’re being very quiet and mysterious. You must spill. You know I won’t say anything.”
Eliza laughed. “You know you can’t help yourself.”
“Well, true. But tell me anyway. Where is Lady Caroline going?”
“She’s not going anywhere. I swear, that’s the truth.”
Sophie sighed. “How strange. Must be someone else then.”
“Must be. Or maybe she was just donating some old clothes? That would explain the trunks, possibly.”
“Oh, I suppose so. That’s not nearly as exciting, though.”
“No, I guess not. So, have you heard anything about Henry and Ava?” There was a rumor going around that the footman and the ladies maid had started a romance.
Sophie leaned forward and lowered her voice. “Well, both deny it, of course. But, I don’t believe them. I’ve seen the way they look at each other. What do you think?”
“Hard to say. You never really know what people are up to.”
2
Thursday morning at a quarter to five, Eliza quietly walked downstairs to the carriage house. She carried one bag, which held all the money she had in the world, including what her father had sent along with the ticket—one book, two apples, a small hand mirror and a brush. She was wearing one of the gifted dresses that Lady Caroline had declared would be most suitable for traveling.
