Chapter 4

Maggie kept quiet as she followed after Mrs Crawford, heading into the kitchen, where she was left. Mrs Crawford didn't look back as she made her way through from the back door to the door leading into the main house, but Maggie could tell from her body language that the housekeeper was not pleased with what she had witnessed. Maggie couldn't blame her; anyone would have got the wrong idea from what they saw.

How had she got herself into that situation? Why had she decided to run outside and hide in the maze? Maggie knew, looking back, that what she had done was incredibly foolish, but at the time, it had been the best thing to do. She hadn't expected him to follow her and find her. Nor did she anticipate that she would have such a strong physical reaction to him.

Even now, long after they had touched when he pulled her to her feet, Maggie couldn't stop thinking about it. Was that normal? Or was it because she was aware that she was touching a member of the ton, something a servant was not meant to do in this capacity? She didn't know, and it was going around her head, leaving her confused.

It wasn't like she could ask someone what that meant; it would reveal that Maggie had been alone with someone she shouldn't, and then rumours would start flying around. Maggie preferred to keep her head down regarding things like that. The last thing she wanted was for speculation about her reputation. Maggie was not like that. She wanted to keep herself with a clean image so her parents weren't embarrassed.

But people liked to make a big thing out of the smallest interactions. Even with Maggie's brief meeting with the most handsome man she had ever seen, that could be misconstrued. More than likely, what Mrs Crawford had done. Maggie didn't want her friend to see her any differently.

For the rest of the evening, Maggie kept herself busy. She concentrated on what she was meant to be doing and didn't allow herself a chance to stop so she could think about the gentleman – the duke – who had made her heart race and feel like she was giddy. Maggie wasn't sure what to make of that.

Especially when he didn't seem to feel the same way regarding her with such distrust, which was uncomfortable. Did he think that she was up to no good? It was possible, but how was she going to persuade him otherwise?

Once the evening was over and the guests were beginning to leave, Mrs Crawford finally came back into the kitchen. She was a little flushed, and sweat beaded her forehead, but she still managed to look composed. She approached Maggie as she washed her hands in the huge sink, the ice-cold water making Maggie's chapped hands sting.

"Lady Phoebe will be heading up to her bedchamber shortly, Maggie. You'd better go on ahead and get things prepared."

"Yes, Mrs Crawford." Maggie hesitated. "And I apologize about what happened earlier. I didn't anticipate bumping into that gentleman. It was a complete accident."

Mrs Crawford patted her shoulder.

"I know you're not like that, Maggie, but it was still a shock. I didn't expect you to be the one who was away from your duties."

"I … I was taking a breath of air, that's all. It's incredibly warm in here." That much was true enough. Despite her hands feeling cold, the rest of Maggie was feeling like she was in a furnace. "He was just taking a breath outside himself, and we … just bumped into each other."

"I don't doubt that, dear." Mrs Crawford frowned. "But you have to be extremely careful, especially when talking to a member of the ton. If someone else had come upon you, things would have been very different."

"I'm well aware of that," Maggie murmured.

She was perfectly aware that if someone had come upon them and believed the worst, then she would have ended up dismissed and her reputation ruined. Nothing needed to have happened for that to occur, just that a maid was alone with a member of the ton. The most innocent of interactions were speculated on hugely and taken way out of proportion. Maggie had seen and heard of it plenty of times.

She didn't want to be one of those people caught up in a web of lies that she didn't start.

"I hope you remember that in the future," Mrs Crawford said. "Because I don't want to see you disappear as well."

"Disappear?" Maggie stared at her. "What do you mean by that?"

"Young ladies in service cross the line with a nobleman, and then they're gone. Some go back to their families with ruined reputations, others are paid off and sent away for … other reasons." Mrs Crawford cleared her throat. "I just don't want you to end up the same way. You're a good worker, Maggie, and far too valuable to lose."

Maggie didn't need to ask what the older woman meant by other reasons. She had heard of these affairs and bearing illegitimate children from it. It wasn't often, but it was gossiped about a lot. Maggie had no intention of becoming one of those people.

Despite her physical reaction to him and how her heart raced about the gentleman, she knew nothing could ever happen. She was a maid, not a lady. That would definitely cause an uproar.

She knew her place.

"Who was he, anyway?" Maggie asked, wiping her hands on her apron. Her fingers hurt to move them.

"He's the Duke of Banbury. He came out of mourning not too long ago." Mrs Crawford pursed her lips. "And from what I can tell, Lady Phoebe is quite taken with him and would like to see him again. If she found out about what happened with you …"

"I won't ruin anything for her," Maggie said quickly, managing a reassuring smile. "You don't need to worry about that."

The housekeeper's expression softened, and she squeezed Maggie's arm.

"I know. But I feel like I need to warn you, Maggie. People more level-headed than you have been distracted for less. And I don't want you to go the same way."

"You can trust me, Mrs Crawford."

With one last smile, Mrs Crawford moved away and went to join Maurice, the baron's chef. As they conversed, Maggie took that opportunity to leave, heading to the stairs and making her way up the narrow stairwell. As she did, her thoughts turned back to the Duke of Banbury and their very brief interaction. It hadn't been a good one, but Maggie could still remember being in his arms and how nice it felt.

If Mrs Crawford had come along at that moment, their conversation just now would have been incredibly different. Maggie was relieved about that.

But she did wonder why the duke was so suspicious of her. What was going on there? Was he normally so paranoid? Did he suspect everyone of doing something awful? It wasn't every day that Maggie got chased by a member of the ton because they suspected her of doing something suspicious.

She wondered if she would ever get an answer to that.

Lady Phoebe hadn't reached her bedchamber yet, so Maggie could slip in and prepare everything ready for bed without being bothered. The girl really liked to get in the way, demand Maggie's attention, and then scold her for not doing what she was supposed to. Lady Phoebe was just a mass of contradictions.

Maggie wondered if she could ask if someone else could be the young woman's maid because she was going to lose her temper eventually. The pay was really good, and Maggie did appreciate that, but it wasn't worth being verbally abused every day. There was only so much being called slow and stupid before Maggie snapped.

Then Lady Phoebe would have won because she made Maggie lose her temper, and then she would have a reason for dismissal. Maggie needed this job. She had been working for Baron Atterbury for some years, so she liked to think she had a good reputation, but that could come crumbling down with just one bad thing.

The bad things often stuck around far longer than the good things. Maggie never understood it, and she hated it. Ben would say that was the way of the world, and they were destined for it to happen like that. Maggie couldn't help agreeing with him on this.

Everything was laid out and prepared by the time Lady Phoebe swept through the door. She was pink-cheeked and bright-eyed, looking very pleased with herself.

"Oh, good, you're here." Knocking the door shut with a bang, Lady Phoebe spun around to show her back to Maggie. "Undo the back so I can get out of this. And I want it laundered tonight."

"Yes, My Lady."

Laundered tonight? Maggie wondered if she was going to get any sleep tonight. She approached the girl and undid the ribbons on the back, part of the intricate design of the dress. Once they were loosened enough, Lady Phoebe tugged her arms out and shimmied out of her dress, which fell to the floor and left her standing in just her shift.

"That was a wonderful evening!" she declared as she snatched up her nightgown and went behind the screen in the corner of the room. "I think I'm going to have fun in Society. It was just what I expected."

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, My Lady," Maggie said as she picked up the dress and laid it on the bed, beginning to fold it properly. "Was there anyone who caught your attention?"

"I got the attention of a duke!" Lady Phoebe sounded practically giddy with it. "And he's invited me to visit him this weekend at his estate! Can you imagine? I've got a duke paying attention to me already!"

So Mrs Crawford was telling the truth about Lady Phoebe taking an interest in the Duke of Banbury. Maggie remained calm, concentrating on her folding.

"That sounds wonderful. Was he good-looking?"

"One of the best-looking men in the room! And he had eyes only for me, according to Mother!" Lady Phoebe sighed and came out from behind the screen, wearing her nightgown. She tossed the shift in Maggie's direction. "I can see myself becoming a duchess in no time at all."

She sounded so pleased about that, so happy. Maggie had to bite back a sharp retort, not wanting to ruin the mood. When Lady Phoebe was like this, she was actually pleasant towards her. It was best to remain quiet until she was asked something, for the most part.

"Would you like help with your hair, My Lady?" Maggie asked as Lady Phoebe practically bounced over to the dresser.

"No, I'll do it myself. I'm going straight to bed in a moment." Lady Phoebe waved a hand dismissively. "You launder my dress and retire yourself. I have no need for you tonight."

"Yes, My Lady." Maggie curtsied and picked up the dress. "Goodnight."

She was in for a long night, and Maggie was wondering if she would get any sleep.

#

"Adam! Are you coming?"

Adam looked up to see the waif-like girl in the doorway, her dark hair a mass of curls that didn't seem to be tamed at all. She beamed at him, revealing a few gaps in her teeth, and came scurrying across the room.

Adam couldn't help smiling at the sight of his seven-year-old sister. Sabrina was precocious and a delight to be around, even if she was a bit much and didn't quite understand personal space. She was also the more sociable one out of his two young sisters, so ever since he announced that they would have visitors for a long weekend, Sabrina had been squealing and jumping up and down in delight. Eleanor looked a little downcast about it, but she had accepted it graciously.

"Where are we going, Sabrina?" Adam put down his pen and sat back, lifting Sabrina onto his lap. "I didn't think we were going anywhere except for a ride around the estate."

"That's what I was talking about!" Sabrina giggled. "Eleanor and I are coming as well, remember?"

"I thought you two were going to finish your lessons with Mrs Franklin, though."

"We've done our lessons, and now we've got the afternoon free." Sabrina started to bounce on his leg. "Please, Adam, can we come with you?"

"Careful! You're going to make sure I can't ride if you keep doing that." Adam eased her off his lap. His sister was getting too heavy to do that. "Are you sure that you've done everything?"

"Of course!" Sabrina pouted. "Do you think I would lie to you about that?"

"I'm just making sure. You have been known to tell little lies in the past, Sabrina."

Sabrina folded her arms.

"That's not fair! I was little back then!"

"You're still little now, Sabrina," Adam pointed out with a laugh.

"I'm getting bigger! I'm going to be eight soon." Sabrina pointed at her mouth. "I'm getting big teeth coming through, so I'm growing up."

Adam was very aware of it and felt like time was going by far too fast. Sabrina and Eleanor were far younger than him, so they were almost like his own children. Different personalities but still very similar; they were the light of his life. Adam didn't think he could love them more, even when they were driving him mad.

If he were to get married, then they would have to accept that Eleanor and Sabrina came with him. Adam was not going to leave them behind. Lady Banbury would also be there, but the younger siblings would be the biggest part of his life. Adam was not giving them up for anyone, no matter how much the potential woman he wanted to marry begged. He would rather remain unmarried if they wouldn't accept his sisters.

His mother didn't like that reasoning – she wanted him to marry someone he loved and not put conditions on it – but she understood.

"So?" Sabrina prompted. "Can Eleanor and I come? Eleanor didn't go riding this morning, so she could join you this afternoon."

"Really?"

"Yes. She wants to spend time with you. So do I."

Adam smiled and held up his hands.

"Alright, you can come with us. But you're going to behave and not do anything stupid on the horses."

"We don't, Adam!"

"I'm more warning you than Eleanor. I know what you're like when you're trying to impress someone."

Sabrina rolled her eyes. Then she skipped off towards the door.

"I'll go and tell Eleanor. We'll get our horses ready now."

She was gone before Adam could respond. Smiling and shaking his head, Adam checked the documents he had been working on. He had planned to get some of it done before heading out riding. He had eaten lunch with Lady Phoebe and her parents, promising to join them later once he had finished what he had planned. Adam knew he should remain and entertain the guests, but this was something he couldn't ignore and put to one side.

At least it gave the guests a chance to get changed for riding.

The good thing about Lady Phoebe being here was that she had also brought Maggie, the maid, along. Adam was glad about that; he would be able to observe the young woman and see what she was really up to. Although he wasn't too impressed with the way Lady Phoebe treated her. It was like she thought Maggie was slow with how she spoke to her maid.

Adam had felt very uncomfortable with the brief interaction when they first arrived, witnessing Lady Phoebe go from harsh and mean to sweet and smiling when she turned to him. A switch like that was shocking and rather scary. And Adam saw the look on Maggie's face when she thought nobody was looking: she was angry, something she contained as she carried on without a word of the abuse aimed at her. And the baron and baroness didn't do anything to stop their daughter.

Adam did feel a little bad for Maggie. He never treated any of his servants badly, thinking that he could be in charge and respect those who took orders from him. Maggie wasn't doing anything except her job, and Lady Phoebe was still rude towards her maid. He wanted to assure her that it was alright, but that would not be a good idea. Being around Maggie, even in mixed company, made him want to kiss her even more.

That sensation had not fainted from the night of the ball.

Adam knew he was playing with fire here, given his strange and sudden reaction to the maid. But if it meant finding out what Maggie was planning, he would get on with it and pretend that it wasn't happening. It was only for a couple of days now, and that should be enough to find out what was on Maggie's mind. Adam intended to get the answer from her by the end of the weekend.

Making sure that everything was in place, Adam left the study and locked it, sliding the key into his pocket as he made his way up to his bedchamber. It didn't take long to change into what he wore for riding, hurrying back downstairs and into the courtyard. The horses were already out and saddled up; Sabrina and Eleanor were mounted and waiting for everyone else.

Baron Atterbury was helping his wife up into the saddle, holding onto the huge step the ladies used to get up. The baroness gave her husband a smile as she settled into the saddle, adjusting her skirts around her. The way Baron Atterbury looked at her was really sweet. They clearly adored each other after many years together. Adam hoped he could find that one of these days.

Lady Phoebe was standing by her horse, looking impatient. She glanced over at Adam with an expression that said she wanted help. Sighing, Adam went over to her.

"Would you like help getting saddled, Lady Phoebe?"

She beamed at him as if it were a surprise.

"Would you, Your Grace? That would be wonderful!"

Adam retrieved the step from the baron and placed it by Lady Phoebe's horse. As one of the stable lads held onto the reins, Adam helped Lady Phoebe onto the step. She gave him a pretty smile and fluttered her eyelashes before swinging herself onto the horse. The horse didn't sound too happy about it, but it remained mostly still as Lady Phoebe got herself situated.

"Ready?" Adam asked.

"I'm ready. I was practically born in the saddle."

"Good." Then Adam noticed a slightly smaller horse near the stables, one that he used for guests. "Are we having someone else join us?"

"Oh, that's Maggie's horse," Lady Phoebe said airily. "Your mother didn't want your sisters to come out without someone accompanying them personally, and I said that Maggie could keep an eye on them."

So Maggie was coming with them. Adam felt a warmth blossom through his chest, which left him momentarily bewildered. He really needed to stop thinking about Maggie like that. She was beautiful, but she was a maid, not a lady. And she was up to something, so finding her attractive was a really bad idea.

Hopefully, those feelings would have been purged by the time the weekend ended. Adam didn't expect it to last very long.

He sensed her presence before he saw her, and Adam turned to find Maggie coming out into the courtyard, still in her maid's uniform. Her hair was tied up and tucked under her bonnet, and her expression was blank. She glanced his way, and it looked as if she faltered when she stared at him. But she caught herself in time and hurried over to the remaining horse.

Interesting.

"Do you need any help, Maggie?" Baron Atterbury asked.

"I'm fine, My Lord. I can manage."

Maggie nodded at the stable boy holding onto the reins, and Adam watched as she put her foot in the stirrup and hauled herself up. He couldn't help staring; it was very rare of a woman to be able to do that. They didn't really have the upper body strength, nor could they get their leg up high enough to put into the stirrup without help. Maggie somehow managed to do it, and she did it without embarrassing herself with her dress or falling over.

She must have been born in the saddle or had ridden plenty of times before to be able to do that. Adam doubted that people of the lower classes had steps to get onto a horse.

"I'm ready," Maggie said as she adjusted her skirts around her.

"Good." Nodding, Baron Atterbury mounted his horse. Then he turned to Adam. "We're ready when you are, Your Grace."

"Oh. Right."

Adam had forgotten that he needed to get on his horse himself. He had been too busy staring at Maggie and how easy it was for her to mount a horse, something not even many gentlemen could manage without embarrassing themselves.

Maggie was certainly more complex than he thought. Adam had a feeling it would take more than the weekend to find out what she was up to.