Free A Lady of Hidden Intent by Tracie Peterson Page A

apprenticed with him. Carter could easily see himself working with someone like Hollis Fulbright.
    Carter and the carriage were ready and waiting when Winifred reappeared. She had positioned a green bonnet on her head and allowed Wilson, the butler, to help her into a trim little black coat. She seemed so happy. Carter wished he could find a good husband for her. If his father pushed forward with his own plans, Winifred would no doubt be married off to a wealthy man twice her age, never to know true love.
    Once they were in the carriage, Carter couldn’t help but comment on Winifred’s spirits. “You seem quite content today. I don’t believe I’ve seen you smile this much in ages.”
    “I am happy. I truly like visiting with Miss Shay. She cares about what I have to say and offers good suggestions when I ask for advice.”
    “And what kind of advice do you seek?” Carter asked in a teasing voice.
    Winifred smoothed out the material of her green skirts and folded her black-gloved hands in her lap. “I ask her about clothing mostly. She knows a great deal about fashion. I like hearing about England, too. While we waited for Mama the other day, Catherine told me about London. I think I would very much like to see it. I think you would enjoy talking with her too. She is very well-read on other topics and seems quite accomplished.”
    “Indeed? That is rather an oddity for a seamstress, is it not?”
    Winifred shrugged. “She does not have much free time. She told me they work some fifteen to twenty hours a day during the social seasons. They even work on Saturday.” She shook her head. “I cannot imagine having to work for my keep.”
    “Nor shall you ever have to worry about it,” Carter replied.
    “Not so long as I have breath.”
    “I wish it could be so for every young woman. It seems quite unfair that some women may merely run a house and direct servants, while others must slave for their very existence.”
    Carter was rather surprised by his sister’s comments. He had never heard her talk quite like this. “There are a great many unfair situations in this world,” he admitted. “I suppose we must change what we can and help those less fortunate to endure as best they are able.”
    “I suppose you are right,” Winifred said, looking to the world outside the carriage. “Do you have plans for Sunday? There is a lecture being given by the antislavery people.”
    “I already have arrangements,” Carter answered. “Lee and I plan to go riding.”
    “Oh, that sounds quite delightful.”
    There was something in her voice that drew Carter’s attention. She sounded so wistful that he thought perhaps Winifred had been too long neglected. “You would be welcome to join us. I know that Lee would not care.”
    “Mr. Arlington is a very . . . good . . . friend,” Winifred said, seeming to pick her words carefully.
    Carter checked his watch. “He is indeed. I cannot imagine a better friend in all the world.”
    “I wish I had a friend like that. Unfortunately, it is unseemly for a woman to share a man’s company to any degree of intimacy— unless, of course, they are courting or related. And the young ladies I grew up with are far more concerned with their social standing and the next party or gown. I find myself quite weary of their company, yet I always end up going back to their affairs simply out of desperation to have someone with whom to talk.”
    “I am sorry for that.” Carter looked at her as if seeing her for the first time. “I did not realize how miserable you’d become.”
    Winifred reached out a gloved hand and patted his arm. “Do not fret over it. Mother says it’s my own doing. My shyness makes people uncomfortable. However, I would never have become so shy had my peers been less opinionated and harsh. I have no desire to spend my evenings gossiping about a friend who had, until that moment, been perfectly admired. Women, Carter dear, can be so very nonsensical.”
    Carter laughed