A Taste of Honey Read Free Page A

“Your mother wrote to me over a year ago asking for my assistance.  She has told me much about you through our correspondence, and you both appear to be likely candidates for my assistance.” 
    Robin smiled and nodded her head, clearly excited to please the woman in any way possible, at least for the moment.  Katherine wondered how long her sister's good behavior would last before she would again sink into a state of ill tempers.
    “However,” Mrs. Brentley continued with a far less friendly tone, “I have not yet decided.  As I would be taking care of you girls for as long as four of five months, I would like to know that we will be able to enjoy each other's company.”  Sitting back in her chair Mrs. Brentley seemed to be testing them.  “What can you tell me about yourselves that your mother might have missed?”
    “Well, we're nothing like our mother,” Robin said rudely before Katherine could poke her in the ribs.
    Instead of lecturing her for speaking ill of their mother Mrs. Brentley fought to hide a smile.  “What else?”  When the girls remained silent, Mrs. Brentley pushed a little harder.  “Do you know what kind of men you would be looking for and what kind of talents you posses s that would tempt them?”
    “I want a rich husband,” Robin declared before Katherine could stop her.
    Mrs. Brentley smiled warmly despite being taken aback by the girl's bluntness.  “Yes we all want wealthy husbands, but is there anything more particular that you see yourself searching for?”
    Robin thought for a moment.  “I supposed that I would be looking for the new money sort of men.  They are quickly becoming richer than even some of the oldest Lords and I would be very useful because I have an impeccable eye for things like fashion.  From what I have seen and heard about most of those men, they grew up very poor and have no idea of how best to use their money to show their status.  Since I am constantly keeping an eye on the newest trends in hair, clothing, and how to decorate one's house I believe that I could best help by giving them a direction for their money.”
    Mrs. Brentley's smile faded for a moment as she considered how to respond.  “There are a few advantages to marrying men such as the type that you describe.  However, I should warn you that in London, if not here, there is a certain stigma attached to that particular group of men.  They are known for being quite rowdy and irresponsible.  They allow their mistresses to appear publicly with them and are often encased in one scandal or another.  You must consider these kinds of things before choosing a husband.”
    “That might be true but I don't care about the man's reputation,” Robin blurted out even as Katherine pinched her side to keep her silent.
    They shared a simmering glance in which they spoke more quickly through thoughts than they could have with words.  After a moment Robin relented and fell back against the seat.  “I'll give it some thought,” she said moodily.
    “What about you, Katherine?”
    “I know French and a little German.  I have also been instructed in sewing and I play a few instruments.”  Mrs. Brentley nodded her head as she received the kind of information that she had expected.  Katherine hoped that she could smooth out any ruffled feathers that her sister had caused.  “I also have a great fondness for reading.”
    “That's wonderful.  Like many others I enjoy listening to music.  I would like for you to play for me some night after dinner.  There is a small piano forte at my apartments that rarely gets much use.”
    “I would enjoy that very much.” Katherine was surprised to hear Mrs. Brentley offer an invitation.  It seemed that their chances were better than she could have hoped.
    “What kind of husband do you consider yourself appropriate for?”  Mrs. Brentley asked.
    It was a strange question for Katherine to ponder and she wasn't given much time to do so.
    At the same