Chapter 13

Adam was glad that Maggie seemed to be enjoying herself on the estate. He hadn't asked for his family to be accepting of Maggie's presence, just pleasant and respectful. And it appeared that his sisters and mother had been more than accepting of Maggie.

They had accommodated her and got her to join in on many activities. It had reached the point where she was almost spending all her time with Eleanor and Sabrina instead of with him.

Why was he feeling jealous because of that? It didn't make any sense. But Adam wasn't going to focus on that.

He was just glad that he got to spend time with Maggie. True, their talks about how to figure out who was doing this stuff to his family had ended up being nonsensical, but it had made Maggie laugh. Adam liked hearing her laugh, a sound that was both soothing and exhilarating. That had never happened before.

He did have to keep reminding himself that this was not a courtship, and Maggie wasn't here for anything beyond helping him with a problem. Adam couldn't lose sight of that, even if he wanted to. Despite being beautiful, quick-witted and interesting, Maggie was not appropriate for anything beyond what they were doing, and even then, they were blurring the lines of what was respectable.

Adam wished that she was appropriate. Because if she were a lady, he would be actively pursuing her and not having to entertain a spoiled little girl like Lady Phoebe. Adam was aware that he shouldn't get the young woman's hopes up like that, but he was being selfish. If he saw Lady Phoebe, he could see Maggie.

This was not going to end well, but Adam couldn't think of a way to resolve it without causing an uproar and having people question Maggie's reputation. He didn't want that at all.

But he couldn't bring himself to send her away, which would be safer for both of them.

And yet …

"Would you like anything else, Your Grace?" Morrison asked.

He was standing by the dresser, having tidied everything away as Adam sat by the fire. Adam shook his head and lowered his book.

"No, that's fine, Morrison. Thank you."

"And are you having breakfast with everyone in the morning, or shall I notify the kitchen to send up a breakfast tray?"

"I'll have breakfast with the family." Adam lifted his book, wriggling his toes as they were propped up on the ottoman. "Goodnight, Morrison."

"Goodnight, Your Grace."

Morrison bowed and left the room, leaving Adam with his book. It was late, but Adam didn't think he would get to sleep for a while. Not when he wasn't sure that whoever was ruining his property would not come tonight. Although that might mean he would end up awake all night with the fear that someone would come and cause damage again.

He was going to be exhausted if he carried on like this. But it wouldn't hurt to stay up for a little longer.

As the fire warmed his toes and the heat crept up his legs, Adam wondered what Maggie was doing right now. Was she staying up like him? Or had she gone to sleep instead? He was tempted to go and find out but decided against it. That was really not a good idea. If anyone saw him or heard about it, that would start gossip. While Adam was confident that it wouldn't go outside the estate, if his mother heard about it …

She would certainly not be happy about his behaviour. Even if it was innocent. In her mind, no matter the girl's status, she was not to be jeopardized by a male who desired her.

Although she didn't know that Adam found Maggie attractive. Did she? Adam wouldn't be surprised if she were more than aware of it. His mother was astute.

The clock above the mantlepiece was ticking, showing that it was past midnight, and Adam found that soothing as he read his book. He could feel himself starting to drift off, and the lines in his book were becoming blurred. So he put his book against his chest and closed his eyes. If he just rested his eyes for a moment …

The sound of a loud crash jerked Adam awake. His book fell off his chest and onto the floor with a thud. Rubbing his eyes, Adam looked around. The clock said that it was nearly three in the morning, and the fire was down to its burning embers.

Where had that crash come from?

Scrambling to his feet, Adam lit a candle on the dresser and headed out into the hallway. It was pitch black aside from his candle, which made the shadows dance and jump along the walls. Adam couldn't remember the last time he had sneaked around in the dark, but he reminded himself never to do it again. When it was as quiet as this and so dark he couldn't see much beyond the light of the candle, it was quite scary.

He would rather stay in his bedchamber and keep the door locked than venture out. But this crash was close, and it could be …

It could be someone trying to break in to steal something else.

Deciding that he wouldn't go out into the dark without a weapon, Adam returned to his bedchamber and snatched up the envelope opener from the dresser. He had put it to one side to take downstairs and had forgotten about it. Grateful for that now, he kept it out and pointed in front of him as he returned to the hall. Now the shadows didn't seem as scary, but he was more on edge.

As he made his way down the hallway, Adam wondered how he would look if someone came upon him now. His sisters would certainly be teasing him about jumping at shadows when there was nothing there and his mother would comment that Adam was still afraid of the day.

At least Maggie wouldn't see him behaving like a frightened animal ready to bolt. That certainly would be embarrassing.

Adam reached the end of the hall, which broke into two, with one hallway going straight ahead and one off to the left. He paused, wondering which way he should go. Should he investigate the house and check on his family?

Or should he go and see if Maggie was alright? She was off to the left in the guest quarters. Adam wanted to be sure she was safe before he went to look.

Just as he was turning to make that decision, he heard the clink of something. It sounded like china on china as if someone was shifting plates around. And it was coming from the direction that Maggie's room would be.

Curiosity warring with worry, Adam headed towards Maggie's room. And almost fell over her when he turned a corner. Maggie was crouching, a lit candle on the floor beside her, and was picking up broken pieces of a vase.

"Maggie?" Catching his balance, Adam lowered the letter opener and stared at her. "What are you doing?"

"Your Grace!" Eyes wide, Maggie shot to her feet. She looked embarrassed as she tugged at the sash on her robe. "I … I heard a noise, and I thought …" She swallowed. "I thought the thief had managed to get back in. So I went to have a look."

"You went to look?" Adam had to let the words sink in. "Are you serious? You left your room to look?"

"There are children in the house, Your Grace. I was thinking more about them." Maggie bit her lip. "And someone was here."

Adam stiffened.

"What?"

"I saw someone skulking around in the hall. I confronted him, and he pushed me. I knocked into …" Maggie gestured at the broken vase. "I knocked into the vase and its stand, and everything just crashed down around me. By the time I got up, whoever it was had gone."

So someone had barged into his house and tried to steal again. Adam had thought that this would happen a second time, but to do it like this …

He had to go and look around the house and wake the staff to see if they could find the culprit. But first, he wanted to check on Maggie. She was standing tall before him, but Adam could see she was trembling.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"I … I'm not hurt," Maggie whispered. "But your vase. I can't apologize enough …"

"It's a vase. It can be replaced."

"It must have cost you thousands, though."

Adam smiled and stepped towards her, tucking the letter opener into the back of his breeches.

"I didn't like that vase, anyway."

"But …"

"I'm more concerned about you. You were assaulted, after all." Adam reached up and brushed his fingers across her cheek. "You didn't hurt yourself on the vase, did you?"

"I …" Maggie blinked, her eyes widening as his fingers touched her. "I wasn't hurt. I'm fine."

"I'm glad."

Adam didn't think about what he did next; he just reacted. Cupping Maggie's head with his free hand, he leaned in and kissed her. Only a moment later did he remember that this was inappropriate and he shouldn't be doing this at all. But the feel of Maggie's mouth against his was too much for Adam, and he couldn't pull away.

Maggie stiffened, and for a split second, Adam felt her kissing him back. She was actually responding to him. Adam was sure he would wake up and find this was some dream he had conjured up. But no, Maggie was kissing him as well. She wasn't touching him, but Adam could tell from how her mouth moved against his.

Then, just as suddenly, Maggie was pulling away and backing up. She was clutching the lapels of her robe and pulling them tighter around herself, her eyes wide in shock. Adam watched her, unsure of what to say. Then Maggie mumbled something that he didn't catch and hurried away, leaving her candle on the floor. She disappeared into her room a moment later and shut the door a little too hard.

Now Adam felt like a cad. He shouldn't have done that. She was a maid, not a potential bride, but even then, Adam couldn't just kiss her like that. The relief that she wasn't hurt had been too much and … Adam couldn't help himself.

He wanted to apologize for putting her in that position. It was not fair on Maggie to treat her like that. But he didn't regret it.

Adam only regretted the circumstances of their kiss.

#

Maggie couldn't believe what had just happened. Banbury had just kissed her. How had that even happened? Why was he kissing her when they both knew this was not permitted? It didn't matter whatever reason he gave her; it was unacceptable.

How was she supposed to look him in the eye after that kiss? One that she wanted to keep happening? Maggie hadn't wanted to stop the kiss, but she knew she had to. If they had been caught …

She would have been ruined, for certain.

Maggie was unable to get to sleep for some time after that, finally falling asleep just as the birds were beginning to chirp outside and the sun was peeking through the curtains. Her mind was still turning fast over what happened between her and the duke, but she was just too tired to fight the sleep. It sucked her under, and Maggie couldn't be bothered to fight it.

She only awoke when someone was gently shaking her shoulder. Maggie mumbled and swatted the hand away, but then it was back again.

"Maggie? Maggie, are you alright?"

It took Maggie a moment to figure out who was trying to drag her out of her sleep. Rubbing her eyes, she opened them and managed to focus them on the girl leaning over her.

"Eleanor? What are you doing in here?"

"You didn't come down for breakfast. I was getting worried about you." Eleanor frowned. "Mother said we shouldn't bother you if you want to sleep in, but it's not like you at all."

"I …"

What was Maggie supposed to say to this? That she was so flustered over kissing this girl's brother that it stopped her from sleeping? She fumbled through her words.

"I guess I was more tired than I thought. It must be catching up with me."

Eleanor gave her a sympathetic smile.

"I understand. You work too much and sleep too little, don't you?"

"In a manner of speaking." Maggie grimaced. "That sounds awful that I'm complaining, doesn't it?"

"Not at all. It's just showing that you're always working hard and never taking care of yourself."

"That's not …"

"It's normal. Mother says the servants deserve more than just one day off a week, and she's always telling me to be respectful and not treat anyone badly." Eleanor wrinkled her nose and shook her head. "I don't know why people have to behave like that towards those who help them. It doesn't make any sense."

Maggie couldn't help giving a wry smile.

"Do you think you could tell Lady Phoebe that? I think she missed that lesson."

Eleanor snorted.

"I wouldn't go near Lady Phoebe unless I absolutely had to. She's such a horrible person. I don't know what Adam sees in her; she's not suitable for our family."

Maggie didn't respond. She had already overstepped her boundaries by making the comment about Lady Phoebe in the first place. But she couldn't help agreeing with Eleanor about her not being suitable for Banbury. They would not be a good match at all; even if the duke could put up with her antics now, that patience would quickly wear off. Lady Phoebe's attitude was off-putting.

However, thinking about it would not get them anywhere, especially Maggie. She knew it would be dangerous thinking, and she had been doing that a lot lately.

It wasn't her fault that the man she had fallen for was not of the same social standing as her.

That made Maggie freeze. Did she just admit to herself that she was in love with the Duke of Banbury? How was that possible?

"Maggie?" Eleanor peered at her. "Are you alright? You look a little … odd."

"I'm fine." Maggie pretended to yawn, only to actually yawn. "I'm just really tired, that's all."

"Would you like me to let you sleep a little longer?"

"If you wouldn't mind? It's not going to inconvenience anyone, is it?"

"No, I'm sure it would be fine. You're our guest here, after all." Eleanor smiled and touched Maggie's shoulder. "You get some rest. I'll make sure that Sabrina doesn't come jumping in here asking you to play."

Maggie smiled.

"Thank you. I'll be down soon."

"Take your time. Mother and Adam wouldn't want you overexerting yourself if you're not feeling your best." Eleanor headed towards the door. "I'll let the kitchen know that you don't need breakfast just yet but to keep something to one side for you."

Maggie felt strange about this. It was not normal for a member of the aristocracy to wait on a servant. That was just not something that happened, yet Eleanor was taking it in her stride. Maggie had no idea how a girl like her was so calm and open-minded about these things.

The dowager duchess had raised her daughter to have a kind heart.

Maggie wondered if she could fall back to sleep, but she didn't think it would be possible. Not when her mind had started turning again. It was going to be even tougher to go back into a slumber when she was thinking about the kiss the night before. Maggie was sure she would see Banbury in her mind once she closed her eyes, which would result in her missing her sleep due to the guilt.

The only saving grace was that they were alone and nobody had seen them, but if someone had spied Banbury kissing her it would be Maggie who would be run out of London. She wouldn't be able to show her face without anyone murmuring about her attempting to seduce a duke. She would never do that, but when it was juicy gossip, nobody would pay attention to the truth.

She needed to keep her distance from the duke from now on. This couldn't happen again. Even if Maggie desired it, they couldn't be intimate again. Banbury might be able to weather the storm, but Maggie couldn't. Neither could his sisters; they didn't deserve the ridicule of what their brother had done.

Only a few more days, and then Maggie had to return to Baron Atterbury. Should she stay and make the most of her time away – it was feeling like a holiday for Maggie – or should she make an excuse to head home?

They hadn't made any headway on how to figure out who the thief was, and Maggie hadn't got a look at whoever attacked her the night before. But she couldn't be around the duke when her feelings deepened like this. If anything, it was just going to make leaving him even worse.

Perhaps she should think about leaving and apologizing for not being able to help. Maybe they were never going to find out who the thief was. Maggie felt bad for leaving when she was supposed to be helping, but it had to be done.

Not that she could tell Banbury that; he would certainly persuade her to stay, and Maggie didn't think she could deny him.

After a while spent trying to get back to sleep, Maggie just gave up and got out of bed. She might as well go for a walk and see if she could clear her head. She would be able to figure out what to do if she could do that. Nobody was around her, just the wind, the sun, and her own thoughts.

Although her thoughts were in a complete tangle right now.

After washing and dressing, Maggie tied her hair back into a chignon and checked herself in the mirror. She looked pale and tired, with dark smudges under her eyes. Absently, she touched her lips and remembered the kiss from the night before. It had been beautiful, something Maggie had always dreamed about. But why did it have to be with the one person she couldn't have?

With her mood lowered again, Maggie left her room and headed downstairs. As she made her way to the front door, hoping to slip out without anyone noticing, the morning room opened.

"Maggie! I thought you were going to sleep in this morning."

Lady Banbury walked towards her with a warm smile. Maggie hesitated, wondering if she could get away with just leaving the house without saying anything. But she couldn't do that, not to the dowager duchess. That would be incredibly rude, among other things. She managed a tiny smile and curtsied.

"Your Grace. I thought I'd go for a walk. It's a lovely day, and it might help wake me up."

"I do apologize for Eleanor waking you up." Lady Banbury joined her. "I did say that maybe we should let you rest, but she just had to check that you were alright."

"It wasn't Lady Eleanor's fault." Maggie wondered if the duke had told his mother about the attempted theft in the night but decided to leave it. "I'll wake myself up with a walk around the estate."

"That sounds like a good idea, dear. But don't you want to eat first? You shouldn't go out there without some food in your belly."

"It's very kind of you to think of me, but I'll be fine. I'm not normally hungry at this point, anyway." Maggie retrieved her coat from the closet and shrugged it on. "I won't be long, Your Grace."

"Alright." The dowager duchess looked unsure about letting her go. "Just be safe. You never know who you're going to meet out there."

"I'll be careful, Your Grace."

Maggie fumbled for the door handle and slipped out into the sunshine. Only then was she able to breathe a sigh of relief. At least it had been Lady Banbury who had come out to her and not the duke himself. That would have been very awkward, and Maggie wouldn't have been able to keep her composure.

Hopefully, by the time her walk was done, she would be more clear-headed and know what she needed to do. Being in love with a duke and staying under the same roof was not safe. Not for her, anyway.