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Excerpt

     ​Gabrielle thought Madeline fancied her tutor. That idea disturbed her, but she couldn’t decide why. Whenever Master Simmons arrived, Madeline would find a place out of the way in the parlor, and busy herself with dusting and polishing. The room was beginning to shine, making the rest of the house dull by comparison. But Gabrielle knew Madeline watched them, and she appeared to hang on every word that came from Master Simmons’ mouth.  Gabrielle wondered what could be so appealing about the lanky giant.
     Madeline held out a dress for Gabrielle’s approval that morning.
     Gabrielle looked up. She never bothered to challenge what Madeline chose, as it was always appropriate. “This will be perfect. Thank you.”
     Madeline laid the dress on the bed.
     Gabrielle watched her unbutton the delicate buttons. “Do you not think Master Simmons is quite handsome?”
     Madeline chuckled. “Not at all. Why’d you ask?”
     “No reason.”
     Madeline set the dress down. “Do you like him?”
     “He’s a very good tutor. Not that I have anything to compare with.”
     “But do ya think about him in other ways?”
     “What other ways would there be?”
     “As a prospect for marriage, perhaps?”
     “Marriage?” Gabrielle shrieked. “Have you lost your senses?”
     “Well, ya asked if I found him attractive?”
     “Because you’re always in the room when he comes to see me!” Gabrielle shouted.
     “I didn’t realize you’d be so bothered.” Madeline busied herself again with the buttons, keeping her head down. “I’ll go somewhere else when he comes,” she choked.
     “Are you going to cry?”
     “No.” Madeline sniffed and wiped her eyes on her sleeve.
     “Why are you so upset?”
     “Why are ya so angry?”
     Gabrielle made sure to speak gently this time. “I was just trying to understand why you are always in the room.”
     “I wish to hear what he has to say.”
     “You find the subjects he discusses interesting?”
     “Do you not?”
     “I confess I have not given it much thought.”
     “I think about the things he says the rest of the day. And the stories he reads you. I wish I could see the books he uses.”
     “Well, I will show you the books.”
     “I’d like that.”
     Gabrielle sat beside Madeline on the bed. “I did not mean to make you cry, Maddie.” She put her arms around Madeline. “You know, you are my dearest friend.”
     “And you, mine.”
     Gabrielle felt Madeline relax in her arms. “So, when you are helping me prepare for bed, we can talk about what I learned that day. I can lend you the books too.”
     “But Auntie says I do not need to learn.”
     “Then it will be our secret.” Gabrielle kissed her friend’s cheek. “Okay?”
      “Our secret,” Madeline agreed.

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