The Last Heiress Read Free Page A

like.”
    If Amanda had wanted to speculate on her mother’s responseto her plans, enthusiasm would have been last on the list. All of this continued divergence from Mama’s typical behavior made her more than a little nervous.

    April 1864
    â€œDo you suppose I should hire another lady’s maid?” Abigail Henthorne’s question drifted toward the twelve-foot ceilings of the dining room without a corresponding answer. “Jackson,” she murmured in her modulated tone.
    â€œWhat’s that, my dear?” Her husband lowered his copy of the Wilmington Star News . Lately, he’d picked up the habit of reading at the breakfast table, something her father never would have tolerated.
    â€œMy sister will be arriving in a few weeks. I was wondering if I should hire another maid.” Abigail sipped her coffee, an acquired taste since coming to America.
    Jackson folded his newspaper. “Five years in the Carolinas and some customs still escape your notice. If one needs additional help, the lady of the house doesn’t run an advertisement in the paper for available domestics. She informs her husband, who then purchases another slave either from a broker or the auction.” He picked up his fork and began eating with great gusto.
    Abigail glanced nervously at the slaves lined up by the break-front—maids, footmen, and the butler—all with faces from light cocoa to deepest ebony. It wasn’t as though Dunncliff Manor hadn’t an equal number of servants, but they had been paid wages along with room and board. “All right then, dear husband. I wish for another maid to assist Amanda during her visit. You know how horrible I am at sharing.”
    â€œAnd why should you share? I will happily accommodate you,but don’t expect to receive someone who has been styling the latest coiffures.” Jackson gestured toward her elaborately arranged curls.
    â€œWhy not? Estelle is quite handy with a brush and comb.”
    He smiled indulgently. “She was a wedding gift to you from my mother. She’d been specially trained to assist a lady. I will certainly inquire among the brokers, but house slaves aren’t usually as talented as Estelle.” Jackson held out his cup, which was promptly refilled by a footman. “But enough about tiresome subjects. Do you really think your twin will step off a clipper ship here in Wilmington?”
    â€œI do. According to her letter, Amanda should arrive by month’s end.” Abigail could barely contain her excitement. “And she’s sailing alone. Can you imagine my parents permitting such liberty? She must have grown adept at maneuvering Papa.”
    â€œApparently you’re not identical in all aspects.”
    â€œNo, I suppose not. I never could stand up to him. He seldom granted me more than a few moments of his precious time.” Abigail folded her hands in her lap, her eggs and ham forgotten.
    â€œDon’t trouble yourself with that old codger, my dear. That’s all behind you.” Jackson sipped his coffee without taking his focus from her.
    â€œAccording to her letter, the name on her travel documents is Mrs. Amanda Dunn, as though she had married a cousin or some such. Papa agreed, saying that a matron wouldn’t attract much untoward attention during the Atlantic crossing. Truthfully, I would be surprised if Papa didn’t have her locked inside her cabin until the ship docks. He always treated Amanda as though she were a rare porcelain vase.”
    â€œYour sister lied on the ship’s manifest?”
    â€œThose were her plans. I wonder what the village vicar would say about bearing false witness. Of course, it was probably thebest course of action. The captain might have refused passage if he knew she was single.”
    Jackson sniffed. “Indeed. Just don’t get too excited too soon. Storms or overly calm winds, not to mention infernal interference by Mr.