Chapter One
When the heat of summer became unbearable, many removed themselves to where activities out of doors were possible. With servants in tow, those who were fortunate enough to have a country estate, or have a friend with such a dwelling, made their way from the city.
For a guest on a country estate, there was entertainment and relaxation. For a servant, however, things were quite different. Even for a lady’s maid.
The breeze carried the scent of flowers on it, and I breathed it in when I opened the window of the dressing room. In five years, the freshness of country air was something I’d dearly missed in London. No perfume could compare to the natural scent of the country.
As the fresh air swept through the room, chasing out the staleness, I set about my daily duty of putting the room in order. It was not a task that would take long, and I was soon sorting out the delicate items of Lady Leith’s wardrobe to launder.
Behind me, I heard the slight squeak of the door swinging open. “Miss Nelson, the flowers for my lady’s dressing room.”
Of all the tasks they expected me to do each day, arranging flowers was by far the easiest and most enjoyable. I would have preferred to select the flowers myself, but Lady Leith chose to do so herself. She would arrange flowers for the main areas of the house and send what was left for her dressing room.
I filled a vase with water and set the flowers in the liquid. Taking a step back, I studied the blossoms, working out the best way to position them. The pale sweet peas seemed a little homely for the house of a baronet, but Lady Leith favored them.
“Nelson, I intend on a walk this afternoon.”
Startled by the sudden statement, I glanced over my shoulder at my mistress, Lady Leith, who had just entered the dressing room. “Of course, my lady,” I said, obediently. I left the flowers to go to the wardrobe. I pulled out a pale blue walking dress.
“No, no,” she said, waving her hand in a dismissive way. “I doubt we will come across anyone who will remark upon my attire. The gown I am wearing will suffice. All I will need is my pelisse and bonnet.”
Without comment, for I had done much the same when I’d gone walking about my father’s estate, I collected the requested items. In a matter of minutes, Lady Leith was ready to set off. She had a strange expression of determination on her face.
“Now, you must make yourself ready, Nelson,” she said, barely glancing in my direction.
Astonished, I stared at her. “You wish for me to go with you?”
While lady Leith had often gone for walks since we had arrived at Clarendon, she had done so alone. Why did she wish for my company this time?
She faced me, an amused smile on her rosebud lips. “Is that so surprising? Do you really wish to remain inside on a day like this? Shall I meet you in the hall in ten minutes? Will that be enough time for you to ready yourself?”
It was more than enough time. All I had to do was collect my Spencer jacket and a suitable bonnet. To be honest, no matter why she wished for my company, the idea of a walk appealed to me. I’d had little opportunity to step outside of the four walls that made up Clarendon.
“Yes, ma’am.”
In the hallway, Lady Leith went one way and I went the other. I kept my steps quick as I made my way up to my room. It was the same size as the one I’d used in the Burnham house in London, but the view from the small window was infinitely better. The tiny space felt more like home than any place I’d been in since I left Faircroft house.
I took my spencer jacket from my wardrobe and slipped it on. Hopefully, with the sun shining, it would not become too hot on the walk. For the chance to have some fresh air, I’d take the risk.
Before I left my room, I ran my fingers over my father’s pocket watch. It was a reminder of the time that continued to march on. Although I knew I had to find some way to get to the bottom of my family’s death or accept defeat, I was so tired.
Tired of confusion, lies, and danger.
One would not expect peace and rest would be found as a lady’s maid, but such had been the case. At least, it did when one was not employed by a selfish woman who loved to abuse those around her, with a brother who thought a maid should accept his attention without protest.
Shaking my head to clear away those troubling thoughts, I made my way down the servants staircase and took the long way around to the hall. Even though the corridors used by servants were not as elegant as the main areas of the house, they were clean, neat, and well cared for.
Lady Leith was already in the hall, and she smiled as I approached. “Ah, there you are,” she said. She bent down, picked up a basket, and held it out to me. “Let’s be off. We don’t have a long distance to go.”
Since we’d left Bath, my newest employer’s spirits had lifted more and more each day. A sparkle had come to her eyes and her cheeks flushed with the enjoyment of life. I suspected the cause to be the distance between herself and her mother-in-law.
Of course, there was one other matter that might have added to her delight with life.
“Are you sure a long walk is wise, my lady?” I asked as I followed Lady Leith past the stables. In fact, the more I thought about it, I ought to have queried her before we stepped foot out of the manor. “You wouldn’t want to tire yourself.”
Since taking on the position of her personal maid, I’d come to know more about the young woman, who was not much older than myself. She appreciated plain speaking, though I may have overstepped my boundaries with this particular question.
“I am more than capable of a walk, Nelson,” Lady Leith said, glancing over her shoulder. To my relief, her tone was not irritated but amused. “Besides, it is far too beautiful a day to remain inside. Why should we not enjoy it?”
As I wasn’t about to argue with her, I decided to allow the matter to drop. I would simply remain as close as I could so if she did become unsteady, I would be able to catch and support her. For a moment, I wondered what was in the basket she’d handed to me. It wasn’t exactly heavy, but it wasn’t empty either. Who was the intended recipient?
Lady Leith led the way past the massive maze that took up most of the grounds. On my next half day, I hoped to explore and solve it. At least it would be a puzzle that did not have some importance attached to it.
Although my family’s estate hadn’t been as large as Clarendon, I couldn’t help but see the similarities between the estates. Both were built of stone with many windows. The grounds were well-tended, though there had been no maze at my childhood home. There had been countless times I’d made a walk such as the one I was on with Lady Leith, with the sun shining overhead and the scent of growing things on the wind.
“You seem happy.” Lady Leith’s statement brought me back to the task at hand. “I think that is the first time I’ve seen you smile.”
“I’ve smiled before,” I said in protest.
The lady laughed softly. “Perhaps, but not with your eyes, Nelson. Right now, you look happy. I assume you’ve spent time in the country before?”
“Most of my life.” It was difficult to make the admission. I had never spoken of my background with any of my other employers. Mrs. Burnham and Rose Dunbar were too self-centered to be granted such confidence, and Eugenia Burnham, as sweet as her temperament was, had been occupied with untangling her emotions and hopes for the future.
“Just how did you end up in Bath then?”
Surprised, I stared at her for a moment. The expression of curiosity on her face was sincere, and she’d slowed her steps so that she was by my side instead of ahead of me, which would have been more proper. “I… answered an ad,” I said, choosing my words with care. “I thought to see some of the world while I could.”
“Of course. I suppose that is one benefit to being in a position such as you have,” Lady Leith said with a nod. “Though I don’t imagine you expected to endure someone such as Rose Dunbar.”
“True.” I appreciated that Lady Leith had never questioned me about what I had been subjected to when I was in the Dunbar house. She must have heard about Daniel Dunbar’s ‘injuries’ and the rumors that the maid—me—had inflicted on the man, but she never questioned me for the details.
Perhaps she knew the kind of man he was and believed, as few did, that I had acted in the only way I could.
“So, before you were in Bath, where did you live?”
These were the questions I’d thought to get before she hired me. I suppose I should have expected them to come at some point. “London, your ladyship. I was in the employ of a lady by name of Burnham.”
“Burnham? I believe my husband and I know the family, at least in passing.”
That, of course, did not surprise me. All the families of society knew each other somehow, with many connected through marriage.
“I do remember hearing that Miss Eugenia Burnham was engaged to be married,” Lady Leith continued, her tone thoughtful. “In fact, if I remember correctly, I believe her wedding day was last month and she is now Mrs. Gerard Landon.”
Happiness swelled in my heart. Eugenia Burnham had been newly engaged when I left her father’s house. I hadn’t known when she would be married, but I knew she was happy with her choice. She was away from her domineering mother and had begun a new chapter in life.
“I’m glad to hear it. Miss Burnham was a sweet girl.”
Lady Leith glanced at me with a raised eyebrow. “She underwent an incredible transformation this past season from what I have heard. One day she is known as pretty enough, and the next she is declared an incarnation of Aphrodite. However did she manage it, I wonder.”
Aphrodite? Now that particular rumor hadn’t reached my ears and really was an exaggeration. “It’s astonishing what a new hairstyle and a change in one’s garments can do for a young lady’s confidence,” I said with a smile, remembering the lengths I had gone to help Eugenia.
“I’d wondered if you’d had a hand in it.” Lady Leith laughed softly. “I remember how overshadowed Miss Burnham always seemed to be with as many ribbons and adornments that were on her gowns. I take it those were not her choice?”
Did she expect me to tell tales about the Burnhams? Perhaps it was everything I’d gone through as a lady’s maid, but questioning always set me on edge. “An unskilled seamstress with no eye for what flatters a lady can be a trial,” I said in as vague a way as I could manage.
“Too true.” Her tone had a cool note to it, but before I had time to work out why, Lady Leith’s steps quickened. “Come along, Nelson.”
Had something I said unsettled her? Why had her mood changed so quickly? Puzzled, I hurried after her. It would seem I would have to be a little careful when it came to getting to know my newest employer.
***
To my surprise, Lady Leith’s destination was a small cottage hidden among some trees. We’d passed three other tenant homes to get to this one. There was no farm nearby to support those who lived there, and I knew the cottage was lived in from the clean laundry that hung between two of the lines.
“I’ll take the basket now,” Lady Leith said, lifting her right hand and waving. Though I didn’t see anyone in sight, someone must have been watching from a window, for the front door swung open. A young man, his clothing of a much better quality than I would have expected, came rushing out.
He couldn’t have been much younger than me. His brown hair was a bit longer than was currently fashionable. When he reached Lady Leith, I could see that he was a head taller than her, and she was above average in height.
With enthusiasm, he embraced Lady Leith, nearly lifting her off her feet. Then, he took a step back and offered a formal bow. His brown eyes were bright with delight, though there was a flash of curiosity when he glanced at me. On closer inspection, I would have put him at about twenty years, if that.
Lady Leith let out a laugh and held her hand out to take the basket from me. She then passed it to the young man. Immediately, he pulled the cloth that had covered the contents and his grin widened as he saw what was inside.
“Simon has an insatiable thirst for books,” Lady Leith said, without glancing at me. She reached over and put her hand on the young man’s arm. “Allow me to introduce you to my brother-in-law, Simon Leith.”
Mr. Simon Leith lifted his gaze and then glanced from his sister-in-law to me. “Pleased to meet you, sir,” I said, wondering why he lived so far from the estate house and in such a small cottage. Why hadn’t I heard about him before this point?
To my surprise, he gave a nod and then returned his focus to Lady Leith. He made a gesture in my direction. “Your friend?” he asked. His voice was a strange monotone which I would not have expected for a young man.
“My maid,” Lady Leith said, keeping her gaze on Mr. Leith. “Nelson.”
The young man raised an eyebrow and then dropped his gaze back to the basket. He pulled a book out and began to examine it. His grin widened, which made him look even younger than before.
“My lady?” I asked, confused about what was happening.
“Simon cannot hear, Nelson,” Lady Leith said, her voice quiet. “He does not intend to be rude.”
“The thought never crossed my mind.” In fact, I was once again reminded of home. Although I hadn’t had a sibling who was deaf, there was a family on the estate who had. However they had kept their child with them, not sent him away as though he were something to be ashamed of.
I watched as the pair communicated in an elaborate game of charades and miming. They seemed to know each other well and, if I’d been a passerby, I would have taken them for siblings. Which, of course, they were by marriage, but such closeness did not always happen when a woman married into a family.
Still, it made my heart ache with sadness. Seeing them together and happy made me remember the times I’d been with my brother. I missed Jonathan more than ever. He may have kept secrets from me and after my adventure in Bath, I felt maybe I hadn’t known him as well as I once thought I did. Jonathan had been my best friend, though, whatever the secrets he’d kept.
Blinking rapidly, I forced back the tears that threatened to fall. At least, I had the comfort of knowing Jonathan’s killer couldn’t hurt anyone again. Mr. Ingram’s death had given me that small comfort.
The cottage door squeaked as it opened. Startled by the sound, I shifted my gaze to the small structure. “Would you be wanting some tea, my lady?” an older woman, her hair a greying brown, asked as she dried her hands on a towel. She frowned as though she disapproved of what she was seeing.
“Not today, Miss Webber,” Lady Leith said, true regret in her voice. “Perhaps when I return.”
Miss Webber gave a nod, and then her gaze shifted back to me. Suspicion crossed her face as her eyes narrowed. I resisted the urge to take a step back. Spinning on her heel, the woman entered the house and closed the door.
Clasping Mr. Leith’s hands in hers, Lady Leith went up on her toes and kissed his cheek. He returned the affectionate gesture, leaning down to do so, and then opened up the book in his hand. With a laugh, my employer turned and walked away.
“Come along, Nelson,” she said. “He will be occupied with his book for some time.”
My mind still on the mistrust Miss Webber had shown, I followed without even thinking about it. Once more, I had so many questions to join ones that had gone unanswered.
“Sir Horace told me Simon came down with a fever when he was only six years old and when the fever passed, his brother couldn’t hear anymore.”
Surprised by the random statement, I glanced over at Lady Leith. “I’ve heard of it happening before,” I said, since she seemed to be waiting for a response from me. “Mr. Leith seems to be doing well despite it?”
A slight smile flickered on her face. “I believe so. He would be better if he were at Clarendon House.”
“How long has he been with Miss Webber?”
“Since he was seven.” A frown creased Lady Leith’s forehead. “The dowager felt it would be best for her other children if he were elsewhere. Miss Webber was their nurse, and she took on the responsibility in exchange for the cottage. It is her’s for the duration of her life.”
It wasn’t hard to believe that of the Dowager. Any deviation from what she considered proper would not be tolerated. I had only to look at how she treated her own daughter-in-law, who was a sweet lady and had never done anything improper, to know she would put her poor son as far from her as possible. No doubt she would prefer that everyone forget Mr. leith ever existed.
“At least he has you to brighten his day. The young gentleman enjoys reading?”
Lady Leith gave a nod. “He was fortunate enough to have already begun to learn before he lost his hearing. I cannot imagine how difficult it would have been to teach him how to read after and he didn’t have a foundation to build on.”
I could well believe it. Remembering the tenant family on my father’s estate and how they hadn’t tried to give him an education beyond how to use the tools of a carpenter, I was glad that Mr. Leith hadn’t had that particular trouble and wouldn’t have to provide for himself.
“You look rather sad, Nelson. What are you thinking of?”
“Oh, just a memory. A family on my… well, near where I grew up had a son who was born deaf,” I said, catching myself before I gave away too much. “He was taught carpentry by his father and became very good, if I remember right. I don’t think he was ever taught how to read or do figures.”
“I don’t suppose many have that opportunity if they are not from a well born family.” This was said with a sigh, and Lady Leith shook her head. “At least the young man was not ignored and had a trade to occupy him. He could not doubt his family’s love for him.”
There seemed to be nothing I could say to that. The silence persisted until we reached the main house. In the same moment, we both saw the carriage that was now sitting in front. Who had come visiting? Lady Leith hadn’t mentioned…
“Oh, it seems the dowager has arrived,” Lady Leith said, interrupting my thoughts. Her voice flat and resigned. “Isn’t that… perfect.”
Chapter Two
While Lady Leith hurried to greet her mother-in-law, I went around to the servants’ entrance. No one was in sight, no doubt rushing to ensure that the Dowager’s room was ready for her. Unhindered, I was able to make my way up to my own room to remove my pelisse and then continued with my own duties.
The first task I needed to do was arrange the flowers before they wilted too much. As I worked with the blossoms, my mind wandered. There had been a second reason, besides my desire to leave Bath as soon as possible. Rest had brought with it the energy and desire to see my quest to its completion.
I knew that my brother had intercepted messages from someone I only knew as ‘H’, and from the way Jonathan had referred to this person, it was someone well-known to him. Since I was well aware that I didn’t know all aspects of my brother’s life, it had been hard to know whether I had accounted for all his close acquaintances whose names begin with the letter H.
Sir Horace Leith was one of those people. However, he’d left for parts unknown almost as soon as we’d arrived at Clarendon. Determining a man’s disposition and past was difficult when he was not available to be observed.
Of course, I could not forget that ‘H’ could refer to a man’s surname and not his Christian name. Mr. Oswyn Harper had been my first thought on that note. He had turned up so often over the past few months, it was difficult not to number him among those who were suspect.
There was also a John Hampton who had been another school companion of Jonathan. He lived somewhere in the North, if I remembered correctly. What had become of him? Had he kept up a correspondence with my brother at all?
Heaving a sigh, I realized I had completed my easy task and I had no excuse to put off the laundry. Laundering the more delicate items of any of my employers was one of the many things I really did not enjoy. My hands were raw from the soap and hot water. It would take weeks for my poor hands to return to their former softness.
It was another task that allowed me a little too much time to think. My great-aunt Beth’s letters as of late had been filled with pleas for me to give up my self appointed mission. When I thought of how impossible it would be to find ‘H’ and I was faced with tedious tasks, I was tempted to do as she asked.
But then, what a waste my year would have been! Every hardship I’d faced, the abuse from unpleasant employers, would have been for nothing. This worry was foremost in my mind as I made my way down the servant’s staircase to where I could
“… fall down around you and you wouldn’t even notice.”
With a gasp, I lifted my gaze to find a rail thin woman in front of me. An amused smile on her face kept her from appearing severe. Mrs. Horner was the housekeeper at Clarendon House, and was an amiable woman who had made me welcome.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. I’m afraid I wasn’t listening,” I said with a slight laugh. I adjusted my grip on my basket, grateful I had made sucha cake of myself as to drop it.
“I know. I said the walls of the house would fall down and you wouldn’t even notice,” she said with a laugh. “What has your head up in the clouds, Nelson?”
She was a garrulous person, and I’d learned the entirety of her life within two days of meeting her. While it was refreshing to not be the object of disdain, it made me all the more careful with what I said.
“I saw that the Dowager had arrived,” I said, choosing a topic that had nothing to do with me. “I had not heard she was expected for a visit.”
Mrs. Horner shook her head, discontent visible in her expression for a moment. “No one knew, but I shouldn’t be surprised. She has a habit of returning without warning. I suppose that’s the prerogative of the gentry, to do as they please whenever they wish. At least, she brought her own abigail so you won’t have to look after her needs.”
I hadn’t even thought of that possibility! “Yes, that is something for me to be thankful for.” Just before leaving Bath, I’d overheard the dowager’s opinion of me, someone she had not personally approved of.
“Did you and Lady Leith have a nice walk?”
“We did.” On a whim, I decided to continue on that subject. “She took me to Miss Webber’s cottage and introduced me to young Mr. Leith. I had no idea the baron had a younger brother.”
The woman’s brown eyes lit up. “Oh, the sweet boy,” she said, a note of affection in her voice. “I make sure the cook sends him treats every week. Goodness knows Miss Webber only provides the bare necessities when Master Simon deserves some loving attention. Why if I’d known where my lady was going, I would have prepared a basket.”
I assured her that Lady Leith had done so. “Well, I won’t keep you,” Mrs. Horner said, her tone becoming brisk. “We all have our tasks to finish, and with the Dowager back in the house, we would be wise to be on our toes. She is a particular woman and isn’t afraid to let her complaints be known.”
It was the closest thing to criticism I’d heard her speak. She continued on her way and I went mine. Once I finished the wash, I had one of Lady Leith’s evening gowns in need of a repair on the hem. It was one of my employer’s favorites, and I had the feeling she was going to want to be in her best looks with her mother-in-law in the house.
***
“She says she tired of the society in Bath.” Lady Leith’s tone was annoyed as she spoke. She frowned at her reflection in the mirror “She’s never tired of Bath, so I cannot believe she has suddenly developed an aversion to her friends.”
I held my silence as I slipped the last hair pin in place in her hair. “What could bring her all the way back to Clarendon?” she continued, a note of confusion entering her voice. “Every time she visits, she has only complaints and criticism.”
“Perhaps she wished to ensure you and Sir Horace had arrived safely,” I said, reaching for some rosebuds to place among her brown curls. “After all, you were unwell often while you were in Bath.”
To my surprise, a smile appeared on Lady Leith’s lips. “I have not forgotten,” she said, softly. After a moment, she shook her head. “That is a nice sentiment, but no. The dowager has never been concerned with my well being, unless it somehow reflects badly on the family name. No, I am certain there is something else that brought her here this time.”
“And you cannot come out and ask her?” A strange question coming from me given my position. “Perhaps such bluntness might startle her into giving you the truth.”
Lady Leith laughed, pulling me from my thoughts. “Oh, you are refreshing, Nelson,” she said. She twisted her head from side to side, inspecting my work. “However am I going to survive a dinner alone with her? What will we talk about?”
“I am certain you are more than up for the challenge.”
Of all the young ladies I’d encountered since becoming a lady’s maid, Lady Leith was the most mature and confident. She’d had time in society and had been the wife of a baron for over a year. Her mother-in-law may be a termagant, an opinion I kept to myself, but Lady Leith could more than hold her own, even if she doubted herself.
With a sigh, Lady Leith stood up. “I’m glad one of us is certain about something.” She thanked me and then walked out of the room.
If only she knew just how much there was that I wasn’t certain about!
It only took a matter of minutes to return the room to it’s spotless state. Before I returned it to the wardrobe, I inspected the day dress she’d changed out of, making sure there were no stains or tears that needed attention. My task was made easier whenever I caught small things before they became big ones.
As it would be some time before Lady Letih would require my attention and my stomach rumbled, I left the dressing room for my own chamber and the tray of food that awaited me. The solitude that had suited me when I arrived was becoming rather tiresome, but what could I do about it?
In the narrow corridor, I encountered an unfamiliar woman. She was tall and thin, perhaps even more slender than Mrs. Horner. Her expression was one of disapproval and condescension. I may not have known her but, apparently, she knew me. “You are Julie Nelson,” she said, her lip curling up.
“I am,” I said warily. I may not have known her name, but it wasn’t difficult to guess who she was. “You are the Dowager’s abigail.”
“I am Mary Hanson,” she said haughtily.
“Welcome back to Clarendon, Miss Hanson. I hope you had a pleasant journey.”
She raised her chin. “You think you’re so superior that you are the one to welcome me back?” she demanded, her tone offended. “Of all the impertinent ideas! I have served the Leith family longer than you’ve even been alive.”
Taken aback by the exaggeration and attack, I stared at her. I’d meant to be polite and welcoming. “I’m sorry to have offended you, Miss Hanson.” The last thing I wanted was to have an enemy in the household. I’d endured that before and had no interest in repeating the experience.
The woman gave a derisive sniff. “Once you’ve had some experience as a lady’s maid, you’ll understand your proper place, Nelson.”
“If I am not mistaken, Miss Hanson, as I am maid to the mistress of the house, I have done nothing to overstep my bounds,” I said, struggling to keep my tone even. I didn’t want to fight, but I wasn’t about to let her lord it over me. Once she started, she wouldn’t cease. “Good evening.”
Her eyes widened. “Well, I never! My lady shall hear of this impertinence I promise you!”
“If you feel you ought to advise Lady Leith, you are welcome to do so.”
For a moment, she stared at me and then she stalked away, her back rigid with outrage. Letting out a sigh, I continued on my way.
Given what I knew of my employer, she would not listen to the close servant of her mother-in-law. In fact, I was interested in just how Lady Leith would handle Miss Hanson approaching her.
When I entered my chamber, I spotted a thick missives resting on my supper tray. Though I was hungry, my appetite increased after the walk earlier in the day, I snatched up the letter first. Knowing the thickness indicated more than one letter was enclosed, I settled on the edge of my bed to read them.
The first was from my great-aunt Beth. I briefly scanned the familiar writing, searching for anything beside admonition to return to Faircroft. It was toward the end that I came across a sentence that made me sit up.
“Your Uncle Frederick says he is returning, and I believe he truly means it this time. A man his age must cease his wanderings and return home. What a relief it will be to have him back home.”
Breathing out, I let the letter fall to my lap. Uncle Frederick? Returning to London? “Why now? After five years, why did he have to return now?”
My guardian would want to know where I was, and I doubted he would be as understanding about my charade as Aunt Beth had been. Though disapproving and continually urging me to return, my great aunt had nonetheless kept my secret.
Uncle Frederick could throw me into Bethlehem Hospital if he so chose.
A glance at the second letter revealed it to be written by my uncle’s hand. I broke the seal and unfolded the paper.
“My dear niece,
It will not be long before I am once again at home in Faircroft. Aunt Beth is correct. I have been pursuing my own interests too long, and have neglected you in the process.
Young Mr. Douglas’ death is unfortunate. I have other acquaintances, though, so we shall simply find another admirable young man…”
Astonished, I stared at the words. Who ought I to be more angry with? Aunt Beth for convincing Uncle Frederick to return, knowing it would force me to end my mission unresolved? Or my uncle, for thinking he would be oh-so-helpful in seeking a match for me among his literary friends?
I couldn’t bring myself to read the rest of the letter. My uncle knew me not at all. How could he? Since becoming my guardian, he had spent all of a week in the same house and before that he had visited only a handful of times. How did he think he was going to arrange a marriage for me when he didn’t know my temperament, my likes and dislikes, or what would make me happy?
“What am I to do?
Of course, I knew already. In what little time I had left, I had to prove Sir Horace’s innocence or guilt. With the other acquaintances of my brother whose names began with ‘H’, I would have to devise a different way to approach them. Or, I would have to give it up as a lost cause.
Well, a Sinclair had never backed down from a challenge before and I would not be the first to do so.
Chapter Three
Lady Leith’s eyes were rimmed with red when she entered her dressing room later that night. “My lady, what’s wrong?” I asked in concern. Had dinner gone that badly?
She managed a smile as she removed her pearl necklace. “After such a long journey, my mother-in-law’s nerves are—” She paused and sighed before continuing with only the slightest tremor in her voice, “Well, let’s just say she is not at her most charming at the moment,” she said with only the slightest tremor in her voice. “She ought to have rested and taken a tray in her room, but the dowager does what she will.”
“I’m sorry, my lady.” I began to remove the hair pins since there was really nothing else I could say.
“Oh, it’s not your fault, Nelson.” Lady Leith closed her eyes with another sigh. “I do wish my husband were home. He calms her and laughs off the worst of her criticisms. However, I don’t know when he will return.”
It was the first time she’d mentioned such a thing. Was this a common occurrence? When I had first encountered Lady Leith, her husband had been away. “Perhaps his business will conclude sooner than expected and he will return,” I said, trying to infuse hope and confidence in my voice. “You might send him a note and explain what has happened. Ask him to return.”
A loving husband wouldn’t hesitate to do so, would he? I only had my father as an example and I knew he would never have left my mother alone to face a distressing situation.
“When I don’t even know what business he is on, it would be incredible if I had any idea whether that was possible or not.” Lady Letih opened her eyes, and the expression in them was bleak. “He never confides in me. Whatever business it is that takes him from Clarendon, I know not what it is.”
Sir Horace had secret business, then? How strange. As much as my heart went out to Lady Leith, my mind couldn’t help but see the possible connection to the mysterious ‘H’.
“Has this always been the case?” I asked. Was it terrible of me to take advantage of the confidence between a lady and her maid?
“Yes, and I suppose it was foolish of me to think anything would change after we were married.” Lady Leith stood up so that we could remove her fine evening gown. “The dowager believes that a proper baroness would be able to keep her husband at home.”
“Surely she did not say that!” I said as I pulled the gown over her head. A man was permitted to do as he wished, to a point, and a woman’s opinion carried no weight. At least as far I had seen, such was the way of the world. To insinuate otherwise was ridiculous. How was Lady Leith to keep her husband by her side if his responsibilities, wherever they were, kept him away?
“Well, she didn’t say those exact words, but her comments make it clear what she is thinking.” In only her chemise, Lady Letih turned away. “After two years, I ought to be used to her opinion, but every time I am in the room with her, she manages to find something new to make me feel inferior.”
I’d encountered ladies of a similar nature during my one Season, however my mother had been beside me to give me confidence. Where was Lady Leith’s mother? She had never mentioned any family. Did she have no friend to support her?
“At first, I thought time, perhaps a b—” She broke off and shook her head. “Well, I hoped he would come to confide in me as we became closer, but I was wrong,” she continued. Her shoulders rose and fell as she sighed. “I’m sure I’m not the first wife to complain of such things, but what can I do besides being a good, patient wife at home?”
For a moment, her hand rested on her stomach. As I helped her into her nightgown, I remembered the times I’d seen her ill in Bath. My mind also went to what I’d learned about an expectant mother from friends who’d been so blessed.
Was Lady Leith with child as I had suspected?
Of course, I had not been in my position long enough to ask such an impertinent question, but it was a matter I would have to keep my eye on.
If Sir Horace was the man involved in the treasonous behavior my brother had been looking into, what would it do to Lady Leith if she were, at long last, expecting a child? Did I have it in me to ruin her reputation, her life, after she’d been so kind to me?
“Is something wrong, Nelson?”
Shaking myself from my thoughts, I picked up the hairbrush and lied through my teeth once again. “Not at all, my lady. I am just surprised, nothing more.”
“So, you see, I could not even send a note if I wished to,” Lady Leith said with a sigh. “I would not know where to send it. Of course, the last thing I wish is to give the impression that I am incapable of handling matters here. My husband must know he can rely on me.”
I couldn’t help but feel for her. If only there were some way to help her.
“And you can rely on me, my lady.”
Her smile was forced as she met my gaze in the mirror. “Of course, Nelson. I am relieved I have you on my side. I shall need all the help I can get to manage the dowager.”
***
When I was brought my breakfast the next morning, I made an attempt to garner some insight into the Leith family. I’d refrained while I gathered my thoughts and strength, but now I felt such information would help me. To my surprise, my simple question was met with umbrage from Fanny the maid.
She would not spread tales or gossip about the family to me or any other person.
Her loyalty was as admirable as it was amusing. By the time that I assured her that I only wanted to understand how the family and estate worked, she had been too long in my room. She left without telling me anything at all.
Disappointed, I sipped my tea and tried to formulate some kind of a plan. Somehow, I had to find evidence proving either Sir Horace’s innocence or his guilt.
There was an office, I knew, that the steward made use of. I had not made an attempt to enter it yet. I’d assumed Sir Horace would take any important papers with him on his journey,but perhaps that wasn’t the case. Might a search produce something of use to me?
How would I manage to slip in undetected?
I mulled it over as I went to Lady Leith. Thankfully, she did not seem to notice my distracted state, and she did not ask anything out of the ordinary for me.
Once she was dressed in a pretty pale pink morning gown, the lady went off to her sitting room where correspondence awaited her attention. Writing letters to her friends and family seemed to be the one task my employer took delight in. She would spend hours at her desk. With so little change from day to day, I wondered what she wrote of.
Did she truly have that many acquaintances to write to each time she sat down? Or was it merely one way to avoid having to entertain the implacable dowager?
With Lady Leith occupied, I gathered my courage and left the dressing room. The hallway was quiet, the maids having completed their work in the main part of the house. With any luck, I would not encounter anyone.
As I walked, I kept my head high and my steps even. If I had the appearance of knowing where I was going and a task I wished to accomplish, it was less likely I would be stopped by an inquiring servant. As it was, I saw no one from Lady Leith’s dressing room to the hallway off of which Sir Horace’s office was located.
In fact, I was steps from the closed door, and thought I had succeeded in my self appointed task. A voice halted me.
“Are you searching for something, miss?”
Startled, I spun around. An unfamiliar gentleman, short in height with plain brown hair, stood a few yards away from me. His attire was simple and practical. In his hand were several letters. He had to be Sir Horace’s steward.
“Are you lost?” he asked, his tone impatient. “Who are you?”
“Not precisely,” I said, thinking quickly. “I am Lady Leith’s maid, Miss Nelson. I have been trying to become better acquainted with the house so that I can get about quickly if my lady requires me to carry a message or some such task”
The man raised his eyebrow, his expression skeptical. “Indeed. I cannot imagine what circumstances would require such a message but I admire your… well, I shall call it your dedication to being ready for any occasion.”
There was a slight note of sarcasm in his voice that made my straighten his shoulders. “And you are?” Knowing who had access to Sir Horace’s correspondence might be important, and I was astonished he hadn’t done the polite thing and introduced himself when I had offered my own name.
“Richard Stone, Sir Horace’s steward.” He spoke as though it should have been obvious, and he gave a bow in an almost mocking fashion. “At last, we meet. It has been some time since Lady Leith has had a maid to attend to her.”
My delight at being correct in my guess was overshadowed by my annoyance at his mannerisms. Perhaps I would be able to get some information from him in spite of it. “At last? My lady and I have not been here so long for that phrase to be applicable, I think, Mr. Stone.”
He gave a nod in the most condescending manner. “Indeed, one might think that, but you have been like a ghost. I was beginning to think you were a figment of her ladyship’s imagination, but all in the household gone on about how diligent you are in tending to your mistress’ needs.”
What exactly was he trying to imply? I’d expected the other servants in the house to gossip and wonder about me, the newcomer who kept to herself. Mr. Stone was trying to make it sound as though I had failed in some way.
“I am glad my work speaks for me,” I said, holding myself to my highest height. Of course I took pride in what I did and if it had been noticed, well and good. “Lady Leith has had no complaints.”
His gaze moved over me reminded me of Mr. Dunbar, probing and impertinent. It set me on edge and I wondered what he was thinking. “Well, it isn’t as though she has anyone to compare you to,” he said, his lips curved in a slight smile.
How dare he? Did he think I would take that insult? I was in no mood to verbally spare with him and my excursion was not having the results I’d desired. “I will keep that in mind, Mr. Stone. Now I will not keep you from your work, Mr. Stone,” I said, eager to put an end to the conversation. “I know you must be busy with Sir Horace away. I’m sure Lady Leith is looking forward to your next report. Good day.”
His jaw dropped as I swept past him. I tried to banish the feeling of victory that shot through over having startled him. How was I going to get into the study with Mr. Stone lurking about?
Frustrated at being thwarted and annoyed that he felt free to insult Lady Leith, I returned to the dressing room. As I entered, a hat sailed in front of my face. Experience from my previous employer made me come to a halt. While I knew I could not possibly have been the intended target, it was better to be cautious.
Lady Leith was not one to throw things when angered. In fact, I could not recall any time when she’d even shown her temper. What must have happened in the hour since she’d left the dressing room to provoke this kind of reaction?
“My lady?” I said with no little caution. “Is something amiss?”
She spun away from the wall she’d been facing. Color was high in her cheeks and her shoulders moved as though she was breathing deeply. “Amiss? What could possibly be amiss, Nelson? I am sure it is a common occurrence for a lady to be outmaneuvered and—and managed in her own house!”
Stopping to hide my flinch, I picked up the battered straw hat. I suppose the dowager being difficult was reason enough for Lady Leith to need to vent her anger. When I lifted my gaze, the woman appeared to be close to tears.
“What am I to do?” she asked, sinking onto the chair in front of the dressing table. “I have no wish for company at the moment, but how can I stop her? She has decided to host a party in three weeks. I do not even know if my husband will have returned by then! What will he think if he returns and I am entertaining without him?”
Many had been the time I had heard tell of mother-in-laws who would refuse to give way to their son’s new wife. I had thought myself fortunate that Henry Bladen had a kind mother who was fond of me. There would have been no such trouble between us.
That thought, however, belonged in the past as a naive schoolgirl’s dream.
“If you state plainly that you will not allow a party and then forbid the servants to cooperate with her, would that not put an end to the matter?” I asked, pulling my thoughts from what might have been. “As you say, this is your home now and you are the mistress.”
She gave a scoff. “What would be the point? I am convinced that at least half of the staff are loyal to the Dowager. She was mistress of the house for twenty nine years before I arrived. They look to her for direction.”
“But since Sir Horace is the current baron, and you his lady, you are the one with the authority to dismiss anyone who disobeys you.” It was a ruthless suggestion, but the situation seemed to call for such an attack. “Make it clear you will do so. Be a force to be reckoned with.”
It seemed simple enough to me, but she shook her head. “Dismiss someone whose family has served the Leith family for a hundred some years? I would make myself even more of an outsider. My husband would be disappointed in me and hire them on again once he returned.”
Again, she had a point. Goodness, how was a wife supposed to navigate such a convoluted situation? “What if you tell the Dowager that your husband would be displeased with such a plan? Surely, she would respect her son’s wishes.”
“I appreciate that you are trying to help, Nelson, but it is hopeless,” she said, closing her eyes. She brought her hand up to rub her forehead. “I would not be at all surprised that when I join her for dinner, she will tell me she has made the guest list and has begun to write out the invitations.”
Who knew what kind of companions the Dowager would invite to her party. Naturally, the idea of there being strangers—or even worse, someone who knew Juliet Sinclair!—in the house filled me with dread. There had to be some way to control. Maybe…
“Well, if you cannot stop her, perhaps you can beat her at her own game,” I said slowly.
Lifting her head, Lady Leith blinked, a frown creasing her forehead. “Beat her? What do you mean?”
“If there is no way to avoid a party, make your own guest list. Invite your friends, who will be on your side, and you can enjoy yourself.”
After a moment and just when I was ready to believe I had gone too far, she let out a laugh. “And what would stop her from ignoring my list in favor of her own?”
“At the moment, the Dowager has only her hand for any correspondence she wishes to write. Though you said she might even now be penning the invitations, she has no companion to assist with the task. It will take her some time to finish them all.”
“And you think I could write my own invitations faster?” There was no mistaking the doubt in Lady Leith’s voice. “You forget I have no companion to help lighten the load.”
“I don’t wish you to think I am bragging, but I am reported to have a fine hand, my lady. Between us, invitations could be written in a trice.”
“You make a convincing argument, Nelson.” Lady Leith leaned back, her expression thoughtful. “Your gift for strategy quite puts me in mind of the great Lord Nelson. Are you a relation of his by any chance?”
“I can tell you in most emphatic terms that I am not.”
She didn’t seem to hear me. “I suppose if I must endure company, it may as well be those I can tolerate. For the most part, of course. I’m sure the Dowager will insist on a few of her own close friends being invited.”
“Does she have friends, then? I am astounded!” The words left my lips before I knew I was even thinking them. I clapped my hand over my mouth.
Lady Leith laughed, and then appeared ashamed. “Nelson, you ought not be so impertinent.”
Embarrassed, I lowered my hand. “Forgive me, my lady. I did not mean any offense.”
“I’m sure you didn’t. Finish whatever tasks require your attention, and then join me in my sitting room,” she said with a note of determination entering her voice. She rose from the chair. “I shall decide on the guest list.”
I barely managed to murmur an acknowledgement before she strode from the room. Lightly bouncing the hat against my hand, I shook my head. Why did I allow myself to be pulled into helping those around me?
“Right. House party,” I said aloud. “Members of society who may or may not know me in this house. They wouldn’t possibly pay attention to a maid.”
Unless they were a blackmailing traitor like Mr. Ingram who kept a sharp look out for abnormalities.
“What could possibly go wrong?”