The Princess's Bride Read Free Page A

pay closer attention. You are no longer a little girl, but a young woman of noble birth.” He took a sip of his coffee and sat back, folding his hands over his protruding stomach. “Next week is Lord Humphrey’s annual summer celebration ball. I expect you to allow his lordship to have two dances with you, one of them a waltz.”
    “Oh, Papa, you know I don’t care very much for balls. They are too stuffy and overheated. I can barely breathe because of the lack of hygiene our neighbors have.”
    Thomas stifled a laugh and looked down at his coffee when his father gave him a pointed stare.
    Conrad scratched his graying beard. “Young lady, a woman of your breeding does not make mention of a person’s bathing habits. Nevertheless, you will attend, and, if Humphrey gives you his permission, you will engage his attentions.”
    “But—”
    He held up his hand. “Enough. It is about time you think about marriage and giving me grandchildren. Your mother, god rest her soul, was eighteen when we married. I thank the Lord every single day for our fifteen wonderful years together, ruling in harmony, before she succumbed to the fever.” Her father paused before adding: “Humphrey is worthy of your consideration and quite the catch! He is twenty-seven and a much-respected naval captain with his own shipping company. You need to stop your silly daydreaming and this nonsense of always having your nose in some book.”
    Daisy stared down at her lap, fighting the urge to run from the room in tears. She knew that, if she acted out, her father might punish her and take away her precious books.
    “Oh, my child,” Conrad sighed and dropped a hand on her shoulder. “I only want the best for you and Thomas. You do realize this, don’t you?” He swallowed hard. “Ever since your mother left us to go to the great beyond, I have tried to be a good parent, but it hasn't been easy without a mother to guide you.”
    Daisy gave her father a small smile. She knew he had done his best with a daughter who had lost her mother when she was so young. Not to mention dealing with the anxiety of exile and the task of setting up residence in a strange country. “Papa, you have done quite well with Thomas and I. I didn't mean to sound ungrateful. Please forgive me.”
    Daisy’s father smiled and kissed her on the cheek. “That’s a good girl. Thomas, let us go into my study and work on those ledgers we have been neglecting.”
    Thomas rolled his eyes, and Daisy smothered a laugh. All three stood up from the table and walked out into the hall.
    “Daisy, I expect you to help Martha today. She mentioned something about airing the bed sheets.” He shuddered. “Since that is women’s work, I know you will be more than willing to help. Thomas, come.”
    Daisy’s father walked away, and Thomas gave Daisy a look of exasperation before following him. She waved back. She did feel sorry for her brother. For the next few hours, he would be stuck inside a small room going over numbers while she would be outside reading on this beautiful day.
    “Miss Daisy?” Martha called from above the steps, and Daisy moaned.
    “Coming, Martha!” she yelled as she walked up the stairs.
    She would spend a few hours in the morning doing 'women’s work,' and then she would get to enjoy the rest of the afternoon. She would read and dream about living on a deserted island where she could sleep as late as she wanted and sit under shady trees eating coconuts.

    ****
    “Oh, Lord Ramsey. You evil, nasty man,” Daisy muttered as she reached the final scene where he would fight against the hero to the death.
    “Who is Lord Ramsey?”
    Daisy sat up and pressed a hand over her rapidly beating heart. “Dear heavens, you gave me a fright.”
    Daisy looked up. Chelsey stood at the edge of the blanket, watching her. Her head blocked the rays of the sun, creating a halo around her face.
    “He’s a character f-from my book. But why would you care? I have never seen you