The Training of Scarlet Worthy Read Free Page A

follow. I'm looking forward to this afternoon."
    Madison smiled. The uniformed man gracefully ushered me out of the Old Hotel Abbey and into the afternoon sun. The man had a peace about him, his demeanor that of peaceful efficiency. I felt immediately at ease with him.
    A black Bentley sat curbside. The limo was clearly a priceless gem of a vehicle and also neatly cleaned and polished – Madison’s handiwork I presumed. The same red crest that was engraved on Madison’s business card was painted beneath the door handles of the automobile. The vehicle was long and sleek. I estimated it to be twenty feet long. I didn't know much about cars, but this one showed the tradition of old English about it. The spare tire elaborately encased above the fender, and from the front, the grill was tall and rectangular, silver with an ornate winged B below the polished radiator emblem.
    Madison slipped on a pair of white gloves. He opened the rear door and I slid inside the room-sized interior. I felt like I had stepped into the world of the 1920's. The floor was richly carpeted. The ceiling boasted a circular light fixture that mirrored the look of a chandelier.
    The seats were dark burgundy velvet, and the seatbacks rose tall along my back, more of a couch height than that of a standard car. I sat as if I was in a raised position. Behind me, the vehicle was elongated and more square, unlike a standard tapered sedan. I presumed it was designed to carry extra luggage.
    Two sets of windows spanned each side of the car and below them two matching lounges shaped more like fainting couches. I almost giggled. I looked forward, it must have been a span of nine feet from where I sat to the velvet wall that separated me from Madison.
    The velvet wall descended. Now a glass window separated Madison from me. I felt very small, but I was thrilled. This is living the good life Sybil girl . I thought. Do not mess this up today.
    Madison eased the big auto away from the curb and easily into the Bath traffic. His voice came over an intercom. "The Estate is about thirty miles from Bath Miss. It is actually outside of town next to the small town of Twilling. You will find bottled water and other refreshments in the console behind me. Please help yourself."
    I inched forward in my seat. The velvet felt exquisitely decadent on the backs of my thighs. "Can you hear me Madison?"
    I was unsure if the speaker system worked two ways.
    “Yes, I can hear you Miss. When the light above the glass is green the intercom is on. If it is red you will have your privacy."
    "How long have you been working for the Manor?" I could see Madison's eyes in the rear view mirror.
    "I've have been in service to Lady Julia for fifteen years - give or take a month or so."
    "Is it a good place to work?"
    "The best," Madison answered. "I have always been treated splendidly and you will see the lovely working conditions for yourself when we reach the Manor. It is quite stunning and, personally speaking, my lodgings in the stable house are better than most fine gentlemen could hope for - no, I have not a regret Miss. Not a one. It has been a privilege to serve Lady Julia."
    I settled back in my seat. This is getting better and better . I did the simple math in my head. If Madison has been with the Lady for fifteen years, then she must be a senior Lady. No wonder she needs someone to help her. This is going to be a breeze. My confidence was unbridled.
    The little light turned red. The velvet wall ascended and I sat alone. The car was soundproof, I adjusted to the eerie quiet. We drove the remainder of the journey in silence.
    Along the way, my idle curiosity once more got the better of my judgment. I may not get a second chance to ride alone in such luxury, I thought. I might as well look around. This car has too many goodies to go without checking them out. I’ll take the risk of Madison catching me.
    I loved gadgets, and I liked to discover how they worked. This car was like a toy store