A Taste of Honey Read Free

Brentley explained.  “Also I enjoy helping some of the less fortunate women, offering them a chance at finding a well to do husband and during our time together in London we attend many events.  I do not choose them for their high breeding or financial status, but off of their poise and intelligence, which some, including myself, value above riches.”
    “I was not born into a very high status,” she continued without pause.  “While growing up, my father and mother kept a profitable little shop in London's market.  It was a comfortable life, if not a wealthy one.  Some of the friends I made were patrons of my father and of a higher class.  One even invited me to a ball with her.  Despite my poorer background I was then courted by a young gentleman of great financial means who appreciated me for my taste and sense of style and responsibility, instead of being critical of my lack of status.”
    Katherine was convinced that they were hearing the same speech that had been given to other young women many times before.  It was meant to speak to them about their situation and about not giving up despite the difficulties that they faced in making a good match.  Had Mrs. Brentley known what Robin was aspiring to be, she would not have bothered in trying to pep her up.
    “The next year, after being married, I introduced one of my poorer friends to my husband's circle of eligible bachelors. She was a delicate creature, despite her upbringing and many of the men flocked to her.  That year I was able to help her marry even better than I had.  It was then that I decided to choose one girl each year that I felt could climb to better means if guided and instructed correctly.  Over the years I have helped twenty-seven young women marry to a higher status than they were born to.  I have always been very picky in choosing a girl that is in her first season and who has exceptional qualities.  My interviews are usually extensive and my girls have come to be sought after by many men.”
    A proud smile spread across her lips. “My charges are somewhat famous in some circles.  The girls I take with me often have many proposals and are able to choose their husbands.  Due to the unique circumstance of finding a set of twins such as yourselves, I have decided that I would be willing to take on two girls this year, rather than choosing only one of you.”
    Katherine could feel Robin grasp her hand and squeeze gently.  It appeared to her sister that all of her dreams were finally coming true.  With a stern look from their mother, both girls silenced their many questions and untangled their hands.  They tried to be the obedient young women that their mother had claimed they were.
    Looking around the small room for something to drink, Mrs. Brentley appeared disappointed to find that no tea had been set out for her, let alone biscuits to break her hunger from the long journey.  “You do not entertain often, do you?” she asked Mrs. Wellings, motioning to the empty side table.
    At once Mrs. Wellings realized her mistake and turned to her girls.  “Go and fetch Laney.  Tell her to get us some tea and cake,” she instructed.
    Katherine rose to do her mother's bidding before being stilled by Mrs. Brentley.  “I would like to speak to your daughters alone for a moment.  Would you be so kind as to retrieve the maid yourself?”  The words were spoken kindly, yet with authority and Katherine could not remember her mother ever being told to do something by someone.  She did not keep any friends who might question her.  Their father had long ago given up on trying to direct their mother to do anything, as she often did the opposite merely to spite him.  For a moment Katherine thought that her mother would refuse Mrs. Brentley.  Then, with a stiff smile, she stood up and nodded before leaving the room.
    Mrs. Brentley waited for the door to click shut, then released a light sigh.  Turning to the girls she smiled warmly.