“Right glad I am to see you back on your legs,” Mr. Simmons said, busy frying bacon in a pan.
“I am happy to be back on them,” Eugenia replied, then breathed in the delicious scents of the hot food. “I need to return to my duties. I have always hated not having something to do.”
“Right now, your duty is to heal,” he said, eyeing her sternly. “You are no good to anyone if you cripple yourself by working when you should not.”
“I promise I will work slowly.”
She was grateful to work for a mistress who cared about her and would make no objections if Eugenia paced herself in her work; she devoured the food. She gulped the cup of milk Deryn placed in front of her, then belched contentedly into her hand. “Thank you, Mr. Simmons,” she said, rising to make her slow way back up the huge staircase to Lady Helena's rooms. “Your breakfast was delightful.”
“You are most welcome, Miss Betham. Always happy to hear a compliment.”
She gave Deryn a hug. She strolled from the kitchen and saw Maximilian limp his way across the castle toward the postern doors that led to the bailey. As he had his back to her, he did not see her, nor did she try to call to him. Almost on his heels, Lord Wilmot also left and hurried in the opposite direction. The Whitingtons emerged in a small group, and upon seeing her, Lady Helena signaled for Eugenia to come with them.
Due to Countess Whitington’s already slow pace, Eugenia had no difficulty keeping up as they walked; Earl Whitington was murmuring to his wife about a spot of brandy in the drawing room. Lady Helena cast a worried glance over her shoulder at Eugenia.Something is wrong.Her mistress’s worry neatly transferred to Eugenia and she fretted as the family finally entered the drawing room.
“Miss Betham,” Earl Whitington said, helping his wife to sit on a sofa and took an armchair for himself. “Be a dear and pour me a brandy.”
Eugenia went to a sideboard, poured the liquor into a cut crystal glass and took it to him. He thanked her with a smile, and as Lady Helena sat beside her mother, Eugenia took up a station near her. Sipping his brandy, the Earl then frowned and glanced at his wife and daughter. “So, do we leave?” he asked. “Return to London?”
Eugenia stiffened?Leave? Why would they want to leave? The ball is in less than two weeks.As it was not her place to speak or voice her opinion, she waited, hoped and prayed the family would choose to remain. If they did not, she would have no choice but to return to London with them
“Father,” Lady Helena said, her fingers twisted together in her lap. “I want to stay, as I want to go to the ball.”
Countess Whitington took her hand. “I know you do, child,” she said. “But with all these dreadful attempts to kill the Duke? I fear your life may be in danger as well.”
“Of course, it is not.” Lady Helena's voice and blue eyes pleaded with her father. “His Grace will catch this villain, and everything will be well again. Please. I want to stay.”
The Earl shook his head. “I am not so sure this is a wise course, Helena. We would be devastated if anything happened to you, our only child.”
“Nothing will happen to me, Father,” Lady Helena replied, her voice stronger, more determined. “His Grace has everything well in hand.”
“He was pushed down the stairs, Helena,” the Countess said, her own voice revealing her fears. “Someone in this castle wishes him harm. You may be injured or killed just by being in the wrong place.”
Eugenia, willing them to listen to Lady Helena, found herself biting her lower lip, her hands clenched into fists.
No, we must not leave. I need to know if what is between Maximilian and myself is real. I cannot do that if I am in London.
It was not just her need to know if what lay between the two of them was budding love, she also wanted to protect Maximilian. Someone was determined to hurt him, and she was just as determined to never let that happen.
“Please, Father,” Lady Helena begged, “Mother. We simplymuststay for the ball. We also must give His Grace time to decide if he will marry me.”
Eugenia shot her a sharp look and discovered Lady Helena’s head turned slightly to meet her gaze, then slowly lowered her lashes with a tiny smile that quickly vanished.Bear with methat look told her. Eugenia relaxed a fraction but discovered both the Earl and the Countess shaking their heads, unconvinced.
“We worry about you, dear,” the Countess said. “However, you may be right. I have no desire to offend the Dowager Duchess nor the Duke. Whit, darling, do you not agree? If we depart now, we risk insulting them, and then Helena has no chance at all to marry His Grace.”
Eugenia’s heart was filled with optimism as the Earl nodded slowly. “You are right, of course, my dear. But I fear I must place restrictions on you, daughter. You go nowhere without Miss Betham, is that clear?”
Helena shot Eugenia a grateful glance and nodded. “Of course, Father,” she replied.
“Miss Betham,” he continued, “as you are a resourceful young woman, I expect you to look after your mistress to the best of your ability.”
Eugenia curtseyed, her bruises protesting, and her head bowed. “Yes, My Lord.”
He sipped his brandy and sighed. “Then it is decided, we will stay until the ball. After that, we shall see.”
The Countess sniffed, a habit she must have picked up from the Duchess. “This scoundrel must simply be caught soon. The worry is simply overwhelming, I fear I will soon fall ill.”
Chapter 21
