Chapter 8
Evelyn hurried down the corridor with the clean linens and cleaning supplies to take care of the copious wine spill on the daybed in the Duchess’ chambers.
Even though the Duchess could be exceptionally outspoken, even brash at times, she had her moments of timidity. The housekeeper, who had been hired by the late Duke, could and often did, intimidate the gentle lady.
Evelyn hoped to get the bed changed and the stained sheets soaking in the laundry tubs before the housekeeper noticed and rang a peel over both their heads. She had just turned the corner in the corridor when she nearly ran into the Duke.
“Oh! Excuse me, Your Grace. I did not expect anyone to be in this corridor at this time of day.”
“So I see,” The Duke drawled. “So polite, so deferential, always scurrying around like a little mouse. You were so efficient with helping my mother instruct me. Perhaps you would like to instruct me further.” He took a step forward, and Evelyn took an involuntary step back.
“I am sorry. Have I offended you, Your Grace?”
“Only in that you seem to be aiding my mother in hastening my wedding day.” The Duke smiled, but the expression had an edge to it. “How did my mother ever talk you into helping her? Or perhaps,” he said softly, “You are lonely. I would gladly help you with that,” he purred, taking a step closer.
“I am sorry if you were offended, Your Grace,” she replied a little desperately. “I had no idea, really, of what she had planned. But I had little choice but to follow her lead, once the topic was established.”
The Duke took another step forward. Evelyn flattened herself against the wall, the stack of bedding held before her like a shield. “I am not in need of instruction, but perhaps you could use a little company. You are far too lovely to be languishing alone.”
“I can assure you, I am not languishing, Your Grace. My days are quite full with taking care of your mother, which is what I was hired to do. As you well know, she has already turned off several companions because they were flirting with you.”
“Then do not follow her lead when she undertakes to instruct me on that which I already know.” The Duke took a step back.
“Yes, Your Grace. I am very sorry, Your Grace. I did not mean to offend.”
“I am not so sure whether I am offended, or intrigued. Your predecessor’s attentions, while flattering, were so blatant as to be boring. You have unexpected depths as well as exceptional beauty. I will want a mistress after I am wed. I am certain of it. Perhaps you would like that position?”
“No, Your Grace. Please, do not ask me again. I need this work, and I do not wish to exchange this job for the other.”
“Are you quite certain?” the Duke smiled gently at her. “I always take good care of my… interests.”
“Very certain, Your Grace. Pray excuse me, but I am in something of a hurry. There was an accident with a wine glass, and I must return with the clean linens.”
“Mrs. Swinton,” a voice came from behind the Duke, “The Duchess is asking for you. Oh, hello, Your Grace. Begging your pardon, your mother is in some distress and desires her companion.”
“I must go to her at once!” Evelyn said, taking advantage of the distraction to duck around the Duke and hurry down the hall. As she passed the cook, he tipped her a wink.
“Your Grace,” she heard him say sententiously, “I have a new pie that I would like for you to taste. Would it be too great an imposition?”
Evelyn hurried around the corner and hastened toward the Duchess’ rooms. Her heart pounded so loudly in her chest, she was certain everyone could hear it. What had the Duchess started? Certainly the Duke was an attractive man, but she had no desire to be anyone’s mistress!
When she arrived, she understood the wink. The Duchess was placidly inspecting the stain, as if inspecting it would make it go away. But when Evelyn entered, although visible relief washed over the Duchess’ face, she gave no indication of having sent anyone to look for her.
“There you are, my dear. I was beginning to be concerned. I am terribly afraid the stain has leaked into the mattress.”
“Do not worry, Your Grace,” Evelyn comforted her. “We shall have it right in a trice.”
Setting the clean linens aside, Evelyn quickly stripped the bed, setting the stained sheet in the pail she had brought along. She then sprinkled a thick layer of salt on the mattress stain. The salt quickly began to change color, as it leached the wine out of the fibers.
Carefully, Evelyn brushed up the salt onto a plate, continuing until the wine was only a faint stain on the fabric. She then folded and placed a towel over the damp spot, made sure there was no moisture to seep through, then made up the bed.
“That is wonderful!” the dowager exclaimed. “How ever did you learn to do that?”
Evelyn smiled a little sadly. “I was John’s nurse because we could afford no one else. There were many stains.”
“I am so sorry that I reminded you, my dear,” the Duchess said. “But thank you for rescuing me.”
“It will be our secret,” Evelyn declared. “Would you like to play a rubber or two of cards before retiring?”
