Just Like Magic Read Free

Lucy appeared, propelling Stepmama before her. “Mama, speak to her now! Ella does not appear to understand our situation.”
Gerta’s head popped around the door, too. Stepmama looked at me unhappily and began twisting the edge of her shawl. I raised my chin. “I certainly understand our situation, Lucy,” I said. “We’re poor. We don’t have quite as many maids as you’d like. And I think I’ll retire to my room now and get out of your way.”
“Your room! Well, my dear,” said Stepmama, looking around like a trapped sheep. “It’s just that this is a very little house, you know. We couldn’t afford a larger.”
“I know that. I know someone will have to share. I assume I’m sharing a chamber with Gerta?” Glancing from Lucy to Gerta, I saw they were both smirking. I looked back at Stepmama. “Isn’t that so?” My voice rose.
“Well, actually, dear, we’ve given you the most comfortable room in the house. So warm!” babbled Stepmama, waving her hands with an anxious look.
I stepped back. “What do you mean? Where?”
Stepmama looked at me pleadingly, and Lucy spoke. “In the kitchen,” she said shortly.
“Wha-a-at?” My voice was incredulous, and Stepmama grasped at my arm.
“My dear, it’s the only way. There are only three bedchambers, and the attic is for our boxes. We couldn’t leave all our things at Merton Manor, not with the tenants—”
I pulled away from her, trying to keep my temper. “I don’t understand,” I snapped.
“It’s very simple, Ella,” said Lucy in a maddeningly calm voice. “Mama decided. You are to sleep in the kitchen.”
“That’s ridiculous! Kitchens are for servants. Stepmama, you couldn’t mean—”
“Besides,” interrupted Gerta, “it’ll be so handy for you to do the cooking.”
“What? The cook will be doing the cooking—”
“But we couldn’t afford the cook and the maid, dearest,” wailed Stepmama, wringing her handkerchief. “Not with a house on this street! Not with all the expenses of the Season, the dresses and jewels!”
“Why didn’t we rent a different house, then?” A chill was growing inside me.
“The girls showed me how we needed a house with a good address for the Season. We’ll be having a boy to do chores and errands a few days a week, and we’ll all be helping out, Ella. It won’t be only you.”
I stared at her in disbelief. “Then what will Lucy and Gerta be doing? Tending the fires? Washing the clothes? Stepmama, this is ridiculous.”
“That would be ridiculous,” said Lucy, with an unpleasant half-smile. “But we shall dust our rooms—”
“And I shall walk Mon Petit—” Gerta added.
I was angry but still couldn’t make myself believe they were serious. “And I’m to cook.”
“Well, yes, actually…you are. That’s what we decided.” Stepmama said, her eyes fixed on the floor.
“ We decided? Who decided? I’m not a cook!”
“But we can’t afford one,” said Stepmama, raising her voice plaintively. “You must, Ella!”
“Your mother was a cook. Surely it runs in the blood,” said Lucy, staring intently at her nails.
I stared at Lucy, my mouth open.
“And, and I bought you something,” Stepmama added as she bent over and fumbled about in her bag. “Where could it be? Here…no…ah!” She straightened, holding a book, which she pressed into my hand with a pat. “This is just for you. I’m sure everything will work out in the end. And now I’ll be taking a nap. I find travel so fatiguing.”
“As do I,” said Lucy. “I shan’t be disturbed for the next hour. My bag, Ella.”
I couldn’t believe my ears. “Stepmama!”
“Oh, Ella dear! We all must help with a few odds and ends. I’m sure I can’t see any other way.” She was gently herding us out of the room now, moaning, “My head! How I do miss Marie.”
Gerta hissed at me as Stepmama’s door shut, “You see? Because of you, Mama can’t even have her maid anymore, who’s been with us for years and years—”
“Because