Chapter 10

"Are you sure about this?" George asked as he and Adam got out of the carriage. "You are not showing that you even like Lady Phoebe Cavendish, and yet you're going to take her for a walk?"

"I know what I'm doing, George," Adam said briskly. "You may think I'm mad, but there is a method to my madness."

"You mean you want to speak to the pretty maid she has without having to go through a lot of rigmarole," George commented under his breath.

Adam turned to him, but his friend's expression was somewhat innocent. Not completely innocent, but close enough.

"What are you implying, George?" he demanded. "I don't like it when people tiptoe around things. You know I prefer things to be spoken plainly."

"You're not going to like what I have to say."

"Try me."

George sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. He glanced away for a moment before looking his friend in the eye.

"You have a fancy for the maid. Maggie, is that her name? I've only seen you two briefly, but it's enough for me to know that you find her attractive."

"And?" Adam folded his arms. "Is that all?"

"It's not appropriate, Adam. You know that perfectly well. She's a servant, and you …"

"I'm perfectly aware of what I am, George. I'm not likely to forget it, especially when everyone keeps reminding me. But all that is happening is that I'm appreciating an attractive young woman. I can see that she's pretty, yes, and I'll admit that to you. But that's it. I'm not going to be pursuing it any further."

George frowned.

"If only you could sound more convincing. Then I might actually believe you."

Adam was aware that his voice had sounded hollow when he spoke. He hadn't sounded convincing at all; George was right about that. He closed his eyes and rubbed his hands over his face. Why was he trying to deny this from someone who knew him too well?

"Alright, fine. I am attracted to her. It's not something I expected to happen, and the fact that it's occurring at all is disconcerting. I can't help myself."

"I never said you should help yourself here," George said quietly. "Feelings and emotions are not as easy to control as people keep believing."

"Well, I'm struggling. I shouldn't find Maggie attractive, and yet I do." Adam didn't realize he was pacing until he almost bumped into a gentleman and his young son leaving the park. He sidestepped them and bowed, waiting until they were out of earshot before he turned back to George. "And I know it's not a good idea to supposedly court Lady Phoebe because she's the mistress, but …"

"But you want to see her. And you know that she'll accompany her mistress."

"Pretty much."

George shook his head. He still didn't look happy.

"God, Adam …"

"You think I don't know this is a mess already? I can't help myself or how I feel about someone!"

"I know that, and I know you're not the type to suddenly have your head turned by a simple servant." George pursed his lips. "But you must know that this will end up going very wrong once people find out what you're up to. And if you even attempt to have anything romantic to do with Maggie …"

"I know, George! You make it sound like I'm not aware of my position."

"Just make sure that you are."

Adam stopped pacing, feeling himself getting a little light-headed. He closed his eyes and counted to ten. It calmed him a little, although not much. He took a deep breath.

"Anyway, I do need to interact with Maggie for now. She might have more information on her attack."

"I thought you said she didn't have anything extra to add," George reminded him.

"Perhaps she remembers something now. Or she might have information that I couldn't get out of her before that could be useful."

"Do you think that you're beginning to think of excuses to be around her instead of accepting that she's told you everything she knows?"

Adam had contemplated that and knew he was treading the line. But there was also a part of him that was sure that Maggie knew more than she believed. He spread his hands.

"Let's put it this way: she's a member of the working class. And you know how much they gossip. I swear they do it more than the ton do."

George raised his eyebrows.

"You're planning on using her to listen in on possible leads among her own people?"

"I think it would work. She wouldn't be noticed as much as one of my servants, and the women are better at gathering information than the men. If she can find something that we can't, maybe we can figure out who is doing this."

"And if it goes wrong and she finds nothing or, God forbid, she's caught?" George questioned. "What then?"

Adam didn't want to think about that. He was sure that Maggie could obtain anything she could if she put her mind to it. Servants could be sly, and they knew the nooks and crannies to hide and spill secrets. There was a chance that Maggie knew a few.

He just had to ask her and to do that, he needed to see her. Which meant seeing Lady Phoebe. Adam wasn't comfortable about that, not when he saw how spoiled and rude Lady Phoebe was to anyone around her, especially Maggie, but if that meant he could see Maggie …

This was unkind to Lady Phoebe. As horrible as she was – which Adam found shocking at such a young age – she didn't deserve to be led on like this. Adam would make sure that he didn't give her too much of an impression about his intentions, but he didn't know if he could cope with Lady Phoebe's attitude if she threw herself into believing that she would eventually become his duchess.

Adam knew that wouldn't happen. His mother had spoken to him about Lady Phoebe after the weekend they had visited, and she had not been impressed at all. While Adam wasn't about to get his mother's approval for whomever he married, it would be nice. And if they were all going to live in the same house, Lady Banbury deserved to be comfortable as well. Eleanor hadn't liked Lady Phoebe, either, wrinkling her nose whenever she spoke.

She would not be a good duchess. If the woman Adam wanted to marry couldn't get along with his family, he wasn't interested.

Then you need to ensure that you're not leading her on, or it will get messy later.

"Here they come," George said suddenly, nudging Adam as he adjusted his hat. "I just saw a carriage pull up with the baron's coat of arms on the door."

Looking around, Adam saw that he was right. The carriage door opened, and Lady Phoebe got out first, looking splendid in a pale yellow gown with matching gloves and hat. She did look radiant, especially with that smile. If Adam hadn't interacted with her already, she certainly would have captured his attention.

Just behind her, Maggie climbed out, her expression blank, but Adam could see the anger in her eyes even at a distance. He wondered if that was directed at Lady Phoebe or just in general. Why would she be so angry? He wanted to ask her, but that would have been inappropriate.

As the door was being closed and Lady Phoebe was giving instructions to her driver, a woman with a flower basket came over and held out a red rose to Lady Phoebe. Adam had bought a flower from her many times before when he was out for a walk.

The middle-aged woman, who looked exhausted with her hair falling out of its bun, was a regular at the park. Very pleasant and gentle. Yet Lady Phoebe looked at her like she had come out of the sewer and waved her away, almost hitting the woman in the face with her hand.

Adam strode over, fixing Lady Phoebe with a bland smile before bowing to her.

"Lady Phoebe, good morning."

"Good morning, Your Grace," Lady Phoebe gushed and dropped to a low curtsy. Going from her cruel look to a pretty smile was so swift it was shocking. "Thank you for inviting me out for a walk. It was very kind of you."

"I wouldn't say kind." Adam reached into his pocket and pulled out a coin. "I have my reasons."

Lady Phoebe giggled.

"I'm sure you do."

Adam turned to the flower lady and gave her a warm smile. The woman dropped a quick curtsy.

"Your Grace."

"Tamsin. How's business this morning?"

"It's going well, thank you." Tamsin glanced quickly at Lady Phoebe before turning back to him. "It's a lovely morning, so plenty of people are around."

"It certainly is a lovely morning." Adam pressed the coin into her palm. "I'll take a pink carnation, please. Those are looking perfectly in bloom right now."

"Of course, Your Grace." Tamsin brought out a carnation from the woven basket she had slung over her arm and held it out. "I always make sure to carry these flowers for you, Your Grace."

"I'm delighted you know what my favourite flower is." Snapping off the stem, Adam managed to slide the flower into his buttonhole. "You're such a darling for that, Tamsin."

Tamsin laughed, her cheeks now a rosy red. She took the broken stem from him and curtsied again.

"Enjoy your day, Your Grace."

As she walked away, Adam turned back to Lady Phoebe, who was frowning at him.

"Do you normally talk to those beneath you in such a familiar way?" she asked.

"You think I shouldn't treat them as any other person?"

"Well …" she began, but Adam cut her off.

"I think it's nice to treat others how you want to be treated. They're less likely to do something to hurt you in the future, and they are people as well." Adam glanced past her at Maggie, who was watching him. "Kindness goes a long way, don't you think? It doesn't matter who it's directed at, it will be remembered far better than abuse."

#

Maggie watched as Lady Phoebe spluttered over what Banbury had just said and did her best to fight back a smile. She had seen how rude her mistress had been to the flower lady, who had merely come over to offer Lady Phoebe a rose. Lady Phoebe's reaction was to tell her to get away as she didn't want to catch anything, calling her a peasant. Maggie had never felt so embarrassed, and she was merely a servant and not a parent.

Her parents had to know that this attitude couldn't carry on. Lady Phoebe needed to grow up, but no one seemed to be willing enough to force her to do that.

"I think kindness is a very good thing." A flame-haired young man appeared at Banbury's side, giving Lady Phoebe an easygoing smile. "It's nice to be remembered for being kind, isn't it, My Lady?"

"I … I suppose so." Lady Phoebe frowned at him. "It's Lord Fletcher, isn't it?"

"I'm pleased that you remember me, Lady Phoebe." Lord Fletcher bowed. "I hope you're having a pleasant day so far."

"I …"

"How about we aim these questions at Lady Phoebe once we're inside the park and not barrage her on the pavement?" Banbury held out an arm. "Shall we?"

Maggie watched as Lady Phoebe quickly recovered and gave the duke a broad smile as she slipped her arm through his.

"I think we shall, Your Grace."

Maggie wanted to make a face at her distaste. This just felt incredibly wrong. She knew she should be supportive, but it was difficult to do so with Lady Phoebe when she had been treated so badly in the last few days. Just as they started to walk towards the park gates, Banbury glanced back, and Maggie found herself rooted to the spot. She couldn't move, unable to look away from the duke's piercing gaze. It was like nobody else existed anymore.

Then he turned away and led Lady Phoebe into the park, and Maggie felt as if she had come back to reality with a hard thud. She swayed, wondering what had just happened. That had never occurred before.

"Are you alright?"

Fletcher was standing beside her, watching her with a concerned expression. Maggie managed a small smile and nodded.

"I'm fine, My Lord. It's just been a long day."

"It's only ten in the morning."

"My day starts a lot earlier than yours, My Lord," Maggie reminded him.

Fletcher seemed to concede this. He beckoned her to follow him.

"Shall we walk together? I'm sure we'll not be needed for now, but Banbury wouldn't want us to be too far away."

Maggie silently agreed, falling into step beside the gentleman. There was something calming about being in his presence, which was surprising. Maggie didn't think that was possible. Fletcher seemed to give off an aura that made everyone around him relax. It had worked on Lady Phoebe very quickly. Maggie wondered if the gentleman knew what he was doing and using it to his advantage.

She didn't get the impression that he was a bad person, though, although she did keep a bit of her guard up. If Fletcher suspected that she had developed an attraction for the Duke of Banbury, he would certainly be saying how much of a bad idea that was. Maggie knew she wasn't about to lower her guard and get too familiar, but she still needed to be careful with what she said.

As Banbury and Lady Phoebe walked on ahead, Lady Phoebe seeming to take charge of the conversation, Fletcher regarded Maggie thoughtfully.

"How are you feeling?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"After what happened with that … individual at the duke's residence?"

"Oh. You mean …" Maggie shrugged. "I'm alright now. I was rather shocked at the time, but there's no long-lasting damage."

"It could have been a lot worse, so it's good that you weren't seriously hurt."

"It's a shame that my dress was ruined. We can't get the paint out, so I will have to save up to buy another outfit." Maggie sighed. "That paint must have been mixed with something so it would stick properly because I've never had that problem before."

"I'm sure the duke will purchase a new outfit for you, Maggie."

"What?" Maggie stopped and stared at him. "Why would he do that?"

"Because it happened on his property, and he would want to make sure you're compensated for what occurred. He could replace the ruined clothes if you're unable to."

"He doesn't need …"

"I think he's going to do it whether you protest or accept," Fletcher cut her off gently. "His grace is someone who wants to be sure that those affected by something like this are looked after properly. You just need to let him know, and he'll sort it out."

Maggie didn't know what to say about that. She had never encountered anything like this before. Never had a gentleman offered to replace a servant's garments. She licked her lips.

"I don't think that would be appropriate, My Lord."

"Even if you've lost something you can't afford to replace?"

"I'm sure you can understand." Maggie glanced towards Lady Phoebe. "If my mistress finds out what the duke has done by replacing my clothes, she's not going to be happy."

Fletcher snorted.

"Lady Phoebe will understand. I'm surprised she hasn't offered to replace your ruined items herself. That's what a proper mistress would do."

Maggie didn't say anything. She wasn't about to start gossiping about how horribly Lady Phoebe treated her. That was improper conduct, especially not to a ton member. Fletcher sighed, and they started walking away.

"I'll speak to the duke about it. He does feel bad that someone else has become mixed up in the mess surrounding him."

"His grace mentioned something about someone stealing a family ring. That he had to dismiss his valet for it?"

Fletcher arched an eyebrow.

"He spoke to you about it?"

"He also mentioned previous attacks on the stables. He was worried that someone would go after his family, that it might escalate from just vandalizing property."

Fletcher looked bemused. Maggie began to feel nervous. Had she said too much? Was she not supposed to know? Fletcher sighed, the pair turning right on the fork in the path to follow Banbury and Lady Phoebe.

The other pair were just up ahead, not out of sight, but close enough that Maggie could see Lady Phoebe's smile and how she was leaning towards him. Something didn't sit right with her witnessing this. It was almost as if she were jealous.

She couldn't be jealous. This wasn't something that she was permitted to be jealous about. It was ridiculous. And yet …

"His grace is concerned that things are going to escalate," Fletcher said, keeping his voice low as he nodded at a group of young ladies who walked the other way with their chaperones. "He loves his mother and sisters, and they don't need to be dealing with this after the death of the previous duke."

"Does he have any idea why someone is doing this?" Maggie asked.

"No, none at all. It just suddenly happened, and his grace is confused and concerned. I mean, who would sneak into the stables and paint accusatory words on the walls?"

"Maybe someone with a problem regarding authority. I know quite a few people like that."

"But there would have to be an inciting reason for its happening now. If it were authority, the previous duke would have been targeted as well."

He did have a point. It had just suddenly happened out of nowhere. And vandalism was strongly different from theft. Someone had actually snuck into the house and stolen from the duke. That was more serious.

Whoever was targeting him was making it clear that they had something to settle with Banbury, but it sounded like nobody knew what that was.

"I could probably find out something myself," Maggie said as she watched Lady Phoebe laugh loudly at something the duke had said, the sound reaching her ears. "I know quite a few people, and I'm sure they would talk to me if I asked."

Fletcher frowned.

"Do you think anyone would talk to you about someone going after a member of the ton? If they're doing it for nefarious reasons, they will not openly talk to you about it."

"I'm good at finding things out. And I did encounter the vandal myself. Maybe something will jump out at me while I'm looking …"

"Stop right there, Maggie." Fletcher held up a hand. "I know his grace was considering asking you about it, but I think it's a bad idea."

"Why?"

"Your safety, for one thing. This vandal could be a lot more dangerous than we believe, and if you go into this on your own …"

"I can take care of myself," Maggie said stoutly. "My brother was in the army. He taught me a few things."

"That doesn't mean anything when you're on your own." Fletcher sighed. "I know you want to help, and I know his grace appreciates you wanting to help, but this could get complicated, and you might end up hurt again. I don't know what's going on between the two of you, but I know he's rather protective of you already."

Maggie thought she had heard wrong. She stared at him.

"He is?"

"I'm not entirely sure what's going on here, but he is." Fletcher rubbed a hand across his face. "He's not the sort of person to take this lightly, and while he wants to involve you and thinks you could be helpful, if something happened to you …"

Maggie didn't know what to say to that. It was surprising that the Duke of Banbury would even feel this way about it, but to hear it from someone else, a friend, who had noticed it himself …

She wondered what else had been noticed with their innocent interactions. This would get both of them into trouble if they weren't careful. And part of Maggie realized that she didn't care.

That way of thinking was definitely going to backfire on her.