Page 44 of A Very Bellamy Christmas

“I am so sor—”

“Do not speak.”

Stacia closed her mouth.

“I want an ice compress brought up every two hours. And I want it delivered without any noise.”

Stacia almost said yes, my lady, but caught herself at the last second. Instead, she closed the door without making a sound and immediately headed toward the kitchen.

She entered the warm, noisy room and skidding to a halt when she saw Lady Needham seated at the roughhewn oak table, drinking tea with the housekeeper, Mrs. Nutter, and the cook, Mrs. Barton.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, my lady.”

“It is no interruption, Miss Martin. I am finished here.” Lady Needham gave her a sunny smile and pushed to her feet with a groan. “Neither of these ladies needs direction to keep things running smoothly, but they both humor me and discuss the menu every week.”

Both women laughed, clearly at ease with their mistress.

“Did you need something, Miss Martin?” Lady Needham asked.

“The countess has a migraine and requires an ice compress.” She turned to Mrs. Nutter. “She asked that on be delivered every two hours. I will wait for the first one.”

Mrs. Nutter nodded and hurried off.

“This is unfortunate,” Lady Needham said, and then cocked her head. “Has my mother had one of these lately?”

“Not since I’ve come to work for her.”

“You should be aware that her migraines often last for days. Other than the compresses, what she really needs is complete quiet, darkness, and rest.”

“I understand, my lady.”

“There is no reason for you to wait, Miss Martin. A servant can bring the compresses to my mother—and Mrs. Nutter will make sure she gets them regularly.”

“Er, I really do feel that I should bring it myself, my lady.”

Lady Needham gave a dismissive flick of her hand. “Nonsense. I’ll see to her myself. I have years of experience with my mother’s migraines.” She smiled. “Why don’t you take the day for yourself while she is bedbound and does not need you?”

Stacia shoved down the excitement that bubbled up inside her at the other woman’s words. “I couldn’t—”

“Yes, you can. Needham is guiding a big party over to the pond. Our groundskeeper has assured him that it is frozen enough to bear even his great weight. You must go and have fun. I insist.”

“But—”

“If my mother asks for you, I will tell her that I have co-opted your services for the day. But she won’t ask for you. These episodes are quite debilitating, and it often takes her a week or more before she is ready to leave her room.”

A week?Stacia’s heart leapt at the other woman’s words. She was an awful, awful person.

“I’m afraid I don’t have any skates.” Stacia said. “I have only ever been one time before.”

Lady Needham chuckled. “My husband purchased enough skates to equip the entire neighborhood. Needham is from the north, Miss Martin. He believes that skating is a mandatory activity at Christmas. Go. You deserve to have a bit of entertainment.” She gave Stacia a mock stern look. “That is an order from your hostess.”

Stacia laughed. “Very well, then. I shall go.”

Lady Needham wagged a finger at her. “And you must have fun.”

“Yes. I promise to have fun.”