Maximilian smiled and offered her a small bow. “Thank you, Lady Helena.”
“There is another reason I am here, Your Grace,” Lady Helena said. “My parents are concerned about my welfare while we are here, given the recent…attacks on your person. They wanted to return to London, but I persuaded them to stay until after the ball. On the condition that Eugenia keeps an eye on me.”
“Well, that works perfectly into my plan, then,” he replied, grinning. “Having you two constantly together is a very good thing.”
“How do you mean?” Eugenia asked.
Maximilian jerked his chin toward Mr. Oldman. “That young man there is not a footman. He is your bodyguard.”
Lifting his hand, he invited the young soldier forward. Resting his hand on his shoulder, Maximilian went on. “This is Durwin Oldman. He is a former soldier who is now your watchdog. He will never leave your side and will sleep outside your door. If you see or hear anything out of the ordinary, tell him. His presence will be explained away as you, Lady Helena, will need to have an attendant carry messages and packages while you get ready for the ball.”
Lady Helena exchanged a glance with Eugenia. “But, Your Grace,” she said, her voice hesitant. “Footmen do not sleep outside doors.”
“Unusual, yes,” he replied easily. “But not unheard of. Whatever gossip this generates will quickly die down. But no matter the household talk, this young man goes everywhere with you.”
The two young ladies glanced at one another, smiling. “This will certainly make my parents feel better about remaining here,” Lady Helena said. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
“I am glad, then, Lady Helena,” Maximilian said. “Now I would excuse Miss Betham and myself, if you do not mind.”
“Not at all.”
Lady Helena hung back, and Mr. Oldman returned to his former position. Maximilian slipped Eugenia’s arm through his. “How are the bruises?”
“Healing. How about yours?”
“The same, perhaps,” he said, glancing downward. “It is this ankle that gives me the most trouble.”
“Perhaps you should not walk on it. It may heal faster if you do not.”
“It may,” he agreed. “But if I did, then I would miss our lovely walks in the garden.”
Eugenia breathed deeply, smiling up at the nearly full moon. “It is such a beautiful evening, Max. A pity winter will set in soon.”
“I always thought London in winter is quite hideous,” he said, glancing up at the night sky, the stars glittering overhead. “But here in Yorkshire, well, let us just say they are magnificent.”
“The ball is in less than two weeks,” she said. “The Whitingtons will return to London after.”
“I know.”
“Will you write me letters?”
He smiled down at her. “Perhaps.”
“To have the Duke of Bromenville writing me letters,” Eugenia said with a sigh. “I will be the envy of all London. I understand that you cannot ask for my hand in marriage, as I am too lowly for you.”
“Hush.” He halted near a small grove of apple trees and gazed down at her. “Let us not presume anything, Eugenia. Least of all what is going on between us. If it is true love, then we will follow it and what will happen will happen. If not,” he smiled and lightly touched her nose with his finger. “then I will write you letters.”
“Then I expect we shall see what happens then, Max.”
“I do know I like you very much. I enjoy your company, as well as your good sense. And you love horses.”
“That I do. I hope I can continue to visit the young ones.”
“Of course,” Maximilian began, then caught sight of a servant hurrying toward Lady Helena and stiffened. From the corner of his eye he saw Eugenia follow the direction of his gaze. The servant spoke to Lady Helena for a few moments, then went back to the castle. Lady Helena began to walk toward them.
“What is wrong?” she asked.
“I do not know. But come. We best find out.”
