Chapter 22

Giles stoodin the damp kitchen garden watching Dithers and Mrs. Osprey approach him from opposite directions. He had been out here walking the rainy paths for some time, working out some frustrations, and he surmised they sensed his agitation already.

His morning had not gone according to plan. The first thing that bothered him was that his valet, Worth, was doing a poor job. He seemed distracted and had ruined nine neckcloths before Giles was presentable enough for company.

That delay did not help Giles catch Lilly alone for even a moment. She was already sitting at the breakfast table with her father and the obsequious cousin. Barrette loitered around her. And he seemed to be trying to direct Lord Winter. First he suggested a country ride, but since it was raining, Lord Winter did not consider it. And, as Giles also pointed out, his stables housed carriage animals, not horses suited for riding.

Then Barrette proposed a walk, but the wet grounds were unsuitable for Lilly to trudge. Winter abandoned that idea, too. Giles had been pleased she would not risk becoming chilled.

Dithers did not stand close to Mrs. Osprey when they reached him. “You sent for us, milord.”

He could sense anger from Dithers and, judging by the stubborn set of her face, Mrs. Osprey knew exactly what she was doing. Had Dithers hinted that Mrs. Osprey was losing her mind?

This was not the face of a woman with failing understanding. They had both been duped. Giles would have laughed aloud if he did not think that Dithers would quit. The man’s pride had been sorely battered.

“What do you think of our houseguests?”

The butler shot one last disgusted look at Mrs. Osprey before answering. “Well, Lord Winter has recovered from the shock quickly. It’s good he is going to bring her out in London soon, don’t you think? His staff is excited for her.”

He looked as if he’d continue, but then he pressed his lips together over another tidbit of information.

“Dithers, I do not have time for evasions.” Giles wanted to return to the house as quickly as he could. “Just tell me the rest.”

“I’d not like to be held accountable for bringing grief between friends.”

“Out with it.”

Dithers stood straight. “I noticed Lord Carrington has been spending much time with Mr. Barrette. Given his disapproval of Miss Winter, I thought you should know.”

“With my consent, Dithers.” Giles pinched the bridge of his nose. “I cannot watch over Miss Winter and the cousin at the same time.”

“But given the viscount’s opinions of Miss Winter, milord, I—”

Giles barked a laugh. Damn that woman. She had all his staff looking out for her best interests. “Don’t worry about Carrington. Miss Winter is well on her way to winning him over. She could make a dead man smile.”

Dithers appeared affronted by his comment, and Giles held back a grin. When Lilly left, would she take his butler too? It seemed a distinct possibility.

“Listen, I need to return to my guests soon, but I would like to ask you to keep your eyes open and report back to me if there is anything that disturbs you.”

Mrs. Osprey cleared her throat. “Disturbs us? About what, my lord?” Dithers scowled at Mrs. Osprey and the little woman had the good sense to drop her eyes.

“About Lilly, of course. Keep an eye on her. I don’t know why but I have a bad feeling about Mr. Barrette.” He turned to leave.

“Before you go, milord, Lord Winter’s servants have finally noticed the absence of the nurse.”

“Christ, I had forgotten all about that woman.” Giles shook his head. That was going to be an awkward conversation too. “Oh, and by the way, I don’t care what your problems are, but settle your differences and do your jobs, unless you prefer to see others promoted to take over your positions.”

Giles strode off for the house without waiting to see the reaction to his threat. Dithers was an idiot and Mrs. Osprey had played him, and continued to play him, for a fool. That woman might have run rings around the aging rogue before, but the cat was out of the bag now. He wondered what Dithers would do. He should probably run, but then Giles would have to endure the training of one of the younger footmen into the role of butler. That was all the trouble he needed this week.

Luncheon was followed with another musical performance, and while Barrette was distracted by his playing, Giles studied both Lord Winter and Lilly. Lilly sat back into her chair with a posture that was not quite correct. A scandalous lapse in London, but a necessary posture today. Since Giles had not managed to visit Lilly last night, he imagined she was in pain.

Tonight, he would get into her room and help her. But how she was going to cope with the trip to London for her triumphant launch on society, without his hands on her at the end of each day, escaped him.

But Lord Winter appeared happy. That was such a new outlook for the older man that Giles could not decide if it boded good or ill. Lord Winter frequently held his daughter’s hand and, when they were not watching, Barrette glanced at their entwined fingers with an unreadable expression. Giles was sure, however, that it was not delight.

When Barrette took his leave of them, they could talk freely again and Lord Winter was quick with his questions. “What has become of the nurse I left in charge of Lilly?” Lord Winter asked. “Lilly mentioned she disappeared one night.”

Giles scrubbed his face before he answered. He could tell the truth and would prefer to do so, but Lilly—sweet, innocent Lilly—could be damaged by it. He would be careful how much he revealed. “She left us the night of your departure. We found not a trace of her the next day.”

He could tell Lord Winter that he suspected the nurse might have made Lilly ill but he had no real proof only suspicions..

Lord Winter nodded. “I did not think she would be with us long, but I had hoped she would await my return. None of them seem to stay. However, it appears that you have exceptional servants to rehabilitate my daughter so quickly, when years of consultations and examination have failed us. Would you do me the honor of pointing out the servant responsible so I can reward her? My daughter’s recovery is due in no small part by her efforts, and the stubbornness of a Winter’s willpower.” He leaned forward conspiratorially. “I might steal the woman from you.”

“Of course.” He refused to correct the man of his wrong assumptions. It would have to be Mrs. Osprey who took the credit. He could not claim it himself when to do so would make Lilly’s father look at her with disapproval.

“Wherever did you acquire the gowns my daughter wears? If there is a bill to pay, I would like to hear of it now, if you please.” Lord Winter reached out a finger and touched the trail of gown strewn beside his daughter’s leg.

Giles laughed in surprise. He had forgotten about the clothes. “My sister maintains a substantial wardrobe here still. Shocking, is it not? Katarina is addicted to fashion, but will probably never wear half of them. Perhaps you could approach her with the request for the bill, but perhaps not. Katarina is a bit of a shrew, after all. Lilly was deemed a similar size and I have allowed her access to my sister’s possessions. She could not continue to wander the house in her nightgown.”

Winter stilled, and then his jaw clenched tight as Giles realized just how bad that sounded. It sounded as if Giles had seen Lilly in her nightgown more than once, which was true, but Lord Winter did not need to know the full details. He would have to be more careful how he phrased these matters relating to Lilly.

Winter gave him a strange look. “Cottingstone is as lovely as I remember. You’ve had work done since I left.”

While Giles spoke of his improvements, Lord Winter stirred three lumps of sugar into Lilly’s teacup. Since Lilly only liked one, Giles swapped his untouched cup with hers.

“Thank you, Giles.”

When Giles sat down again, the baron was glancing between him and Lilly, a frown restoring his face to its usual expression. Giles held his gaze. The man should have predicted he’d at least speak to his daughter while he was off in Wales. He shouldn’t be surprised he knew how she liked her tea either. There was nothing scandalous about knowing that.

Lilly fidgeted.

Come to think of it, why hadn’t Winter simply asked these questions of Lilly already? Did the baron not believe her explanations? Lilly was unusually pale, even for her, and while he could not guarantee it, he was pretty certain Lilly had something on her mind.

Giles caught her eye. “How do you think Cottingstone compare’s to your ancestral home?”

Her frown grew. “Cottingstone is—”

“Cottingstone is a lovely, rustic setting, but it cannot compare to the splendor of Dumas,” Barrette assured them from the doorway. “I have been reacquainting myself with the house and grounds but I must say it could use Lady Winter’s superior touch. She will be greatly relieved to have my cousin under her wing again.”

Giles had not heard Barrette in the hall, and he wondered just how long he had been there. Lilly didn’t want to return to Dumas. She had been very insistent on that point just a few days ago. “I did not realize that you had visited Cottingstone before.”

Lord Carrington swept into the room and circled behind Barrette to take a chair a little to the side of the group. His expression appeared puzzled.

“I have always been invited everywhere,” he promised.

Giles had to think. Barrette had not been at Cottingstone during the time Giles had held the title. He would never have invited this toady anywhere in the past or in the future.

He also couldn’t bear to let the quip about his home being rustic pass without comment. “Cottingstone is the least of my concerns in England, Barrette. Like many progressive men, I find great pleasure in pursuing investment in other areas that offer a higher return.”

Had he thought that because Giles was not a substantial landowner that he was not wealthy in other ways? Did he think that the lack of servants and ostentation was an indication of economy? It was an exercise in achieving a peaceful, responsibility-free existence. There were many ways to acquire wealth, after all.

Barrette clenched his jaw. “As am I.”

Giles thought that an exaggeration. If Barrette had funds to spare, he wouldn’t be hanging around his uncle and trespassing where he wasn’t invited.

Barrette settled himself in a vacant chair with a cup of tea and appeared inclined to brood so Giles left him to stew in his own juices.

Lord Winter reached for his daughter’s hand suddenly and squeezed. His action to reassure Lilly confirmed that Lord Winter was not entirely comfortable around her cousin either, though why he did not get rid of the leech escaped Giles.

Dinner was unbearable. Giles could clearly see the internal strength Lilly used to support a happy demeanor all through the meal, but wondered at her stubborn avoidance of rest. He wanted to say something, but given the way Lord Winter hovered, he didn’t dare.

After dinner, Barrette suggested a game of cards, and when Winter started to refuse on Lilly’s behalf, Lilly stopped him. “I would be happy to play, Papa. I know a little of the games people play.”

Barrette grinned.

It was fortunate Lilly was a fast learner. But they had never played for money—not once. They’d never gambled. He doubted the game would end well or in her favor unless he helped her along.

When the stack of coins landed on the table before her, Lilly looked at them, puzzled, and then her gaze darted to Giles. She held his gaze for a long moment. Giles nodded an encouragement, and settled on a chair facing the table with a clear view of the proceedings. She knew how to play, but not how to bet. He hoped Lilly would understand his signals well enough to put up even a brief resistance.

“You will have to forgive me if I am a little rusty. It has been quite a while since I’ve felt well enough for games,” Lilly murmured.

“Of course. I always make allowances for you, my dear.” Contempt dripped from Barrette’s tongue and Giles wondered if Lord Winter could hear it too.

“That is so very kind of you.” Lilly’s lips pulled into a small smile. “Barty.”

Barrette’s jaw clenched at the nickname, and he swiftly dealt cards then settled into his chair, exuding confidence. Giles sat forward a little. This was not going to be a friendly match after all, and he was pleased that Lilly would stand up to her cousin.

Through a series of finger taps on his bent knee, he counted out the greatest number of coins to bet. At times she followed him, and others she did not. Giles could not see her cards, so it was not necessarily cheating. At least, not to his mind.

Barrette’s brow glistened with a light sheen of perspiration. There was not a lot of cash involved with the bets, and Giles wondered at his display. Was his anxiety an accurate representation of his hand or was anger he was trying to contain? Giles was betting on the former.

He started when the sound of glass striking glass broke his focus. Carrington and Lord Winter had moved away to replenish their glasses. With the tension of the game, he had forgotten anyone else was in the room.

Winter sank down on the cushion beside him to watch the game to completion. He nudged his arm. “An excellent match, don’t you think?”

Given the way Lilly avoided Giles’ gaze, he had a feeling she had overheard her father. Giles hoped Lord Winter meant the card game, and not a potential match between Lilly and his heir. The thought revolted him.

Carrington laughed when Giles remained silent. “Yes, it seemed a fair match in the end. Mr. Barrette wins.”

Lilly made her excuses and retired.

* * *

As the library door closed behind Lilly’s back, she found herself surrounded by servants. Dithers and Mrs. Osprey were waiting, worried expressions clouding their features. Mrs. Osprey slipped an arm around her waist and Dithers held out his arm. She was grateful for their support. Her back and legs ached like fire. It took an eternity to reach the halfway point up the stairs.

“If you will forgive me, miss, this will be faster.”

Dithers swung her up into his arms and carried her the remaining distance to her bedchamber. Just before she crossed the threshold, she heard a deep chuckle behind them.

“Better not let Daventry catch you doing that, man.”

Dithers turned his head slightly. “My wishes exactly, Lord Carrington. Excuse us.”

“You have bewitched an entire household, Miss Winter,” Carrington said as he followed them as far as her doorway. “I hope you do not play with my friend’s affections insincerely.”

Lilly glanced at him, pain spearing down her legs and robbing her of patience. “I play at nothing, my lord. Life is too short for insincerity. You should know that better than anyone. Now get out. I must rest.”

Mrs. Osprey helped her to bed and she heard Dithers step out into the hall.

“That gent is so suspicious of everyone.”

“Ignore him.” At the moment, Lilly didn’t care a whit for Lord Carrington. All she cared about was getting off her feet.

Mrs. Osprey huffed. “He’s been watching you too often for my comfort. He may be betrothed and all, but he’s got no right to be so watchful of you.”

Lilly shrugged and the gesture caused more pain. “He is only looking out for his friend, Mrs. Osprey. Don’t let him trouble you.”

Lilly crawled into bed and stretched out. Her body complained heartily and she closed her eyes so Mrs. Osprey wouldn’t see just how bad it was.

One of the maids rattled into the room, bringing a supper for Mrs. Osprey, by the sound of it. The housekeeper sighed just a little. She sounded sad, and Lilly wished she were well enough to ask what troubled her.

But there was no escaping the agony. She needed Giles tonight more than ever. She missed him. Once Papa had his wish, she would return to London and descend into a pain-filled existence once more.

Her eyes filled with tears as she understood just how much she had grown to depend on him. Decadent, impulsive pleasure-seeker that he was. She hadn’t meant to fall for him too but she had. He had made her love him for his gentle ways and determination that she take better care of herself. She had not considered any other way to live in so long.

A light pressure on her cheek wiped away her tears and the cloud of cinnamon-sweet scent that always cloaked Mrs. Osprey surrounded her. She liked Mrs. Osprey. She liked this house and its servants. She did not want to be made to leave.

A sob escaped her, and she turned her head away to cry. She did not want to leave Giles either, but she’d always known this interlude couldn’t last. She was far too much trouble for a rogue to bother with past the moment of amusement.

“The master will set you to rights soon,” Mrs. Osprey whispered. “I know what he’s become to you and I am glad for you and for him. He will not let you suffer through another night of pain when he knows how to take it away forever. Trust in him and all will be well, you’ll see.”

Bless Mrs. Osprey her romantic heart, but he would not have a chance. Lilly would be gone from Cottingstone in a matter of days. Once Papa made his mind up there was no stopping him having his way.

* * *

Bartholomew hugged the shadows and watched Lord Daventry’s servants scurry about. Although he thought his present location was beneath him, he had to determine who best would suit his purpose. The kitchen thrummed with activity, but he caught sight of a buxom country maid with a head of dull brown hair, and hoped she would be the one.

This time he would do the deed himself. He’d not let some transient servant destroy his future with her fickle attention to detail. But first he needed accurate information and a way to reach Lilly undetected.

He could see a breakfast tray waiting to be filled as the cook scurried back and forth, piling the plates high and fiddling with the little flower arrangement. She called to the maid he had his eye on and, when she picked up the tray, Bartholomew backed away, preceding the girl up the servants’ steps until he was well beyond the stairs.

The timing was perfect, the upper hall empty. Lords Daventry, Carrington, and Bartholomew’s uncle were still talking together below. He snatched a curio from the hall table, pocketed it, and then withdrew his knife from his boot. The blade glowed in the morning sunlight, dancing shadows upon the wall.

He sliced his skin.

Blood welled from the shallow cut and he leaned against the wall, near a table, and arranged his body untidily.

Footsteps clattered up the steps and hurried along the hall toward him. The maid glanced at the hand he cradled. “Oh my word, are you hurt, Mr. Barrette?”

“Quickly, fetch a towel from my chamber.”

The maid slid the tray onto the table beside him and raced for his room.

Servants were indeed a stupid breed. He tugged the cork from the bottle and added drops of laudanum to every dish of his cousin’s food.

Holding in a chuckle, he tucked the bottle into his inner jacket pocket and accosted the maid in his bedchamber. “You can forget the cloth. I’ve got you where I want you now.”

The maid spun and made a show of refusing his advances. She tried to dart past him, and he let her think she had a chance. But he still extracted a kiss and groped her breasts before he let her escape the room.

The door crashed shut behind her, and he placed a hand over his mouth to cover a laugh. The foolish chit wouldn’t speak of his advances and, if he were lucky, he’d have her clutching at his arms tonight while his cousin struggled for her life.

Bartholomew whistled a merry tune, removed the trinket from his pocket, and examined it in better light. Old, but given its quaint appearance, the duck was potentially worth trading for a tumble along the road. He crossed to his trunk, lifting out a handful of linen to reveal his hidden treasures.

The duck fit snugly beside a pair of candlesticks, and he secured the compartment, placing his linens over it carefully. He didn’t want any helpful servant thinking he needed them to straighten things for him but their help would serve him in other ways soon enough.