“Great, so they’re all bloody saints.”
“Don’t let Ash hear you say he’s a saint. He doesn’t like being characterized as a savior. In his mind, these women just work for him.”
Simon laughed cynically. “Somehow that doesn’t surprise me.”
Chapter
Three
Madelene felt strange wearing the clothes of someone she’d never even met. But at least Simon could have his coat back, and her feet were no longer bare. She looked at her reflection as the maid slipped one last pin into her hair. Apparently, the dress belonged to Lady Epworth, which meant the house wasn’t owned by Lord Ashdown, as she’d assumed. Not that it made any difference. Madelene didn’t know who any of them were.
“Thank you for all your kindness, Molly.”
“I’m just happy to have someone here for once. Lord and Lady Epworth don’t visit this estate very often, and it’s awfully quiet most of the time.”
“Don’t you think she’ll be angry that I’ve taken her clothes?”
She shook her head. “Lady Epworth is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. If we turned you away without giving you something to wear, then she’d be angry.”
“Well, when next you see her, please give her my sincerest thanks.”
“I will. Now, would you like me to show you the way downstairs so you may eat with the others?”
Madelene nodded, but the maid seemed to be expecting a verbal answer. “Yes, please.” She followed her down to the dining room where Simon and Brennan already sat at the table with plates full of food.
A footman hurried to pull out a chair for her. Another servant placed a plate of food in front of her as soon as she was seated and then quickly filled her teacup.
“Would you like anything else, miss?”
It was all a bit overwhelming. There had been a few servants in her father’s household, but they never spoke to her. She wasn’t entirely sure how to respond.
“No, thank you.” The plate was filled with a delectable assortment of eggs, toast, bacon, and stewed apples. Surely it would be gluttonous for her to eat so much delicious food?
She looked up at Simon but he merely raised a brow at her reticence. “Eat,” he said, nodding toward her plate. “We have a long day of travel ahead of us.”
Even if it was a sin, what difference would it really make at this point? She might as well indulge while she had the chance. Her mouth watered as she lifted the fork. Nothing had ever tasted so good. She closed her eyes to better savor the delectable food. When she opened them again, Simon was watching her. Her cheeks grew warm and she ducked her head.
“It’s quite delicious,” he said quietly. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
“It might be the best meal I’ve ever eaten.”
“Well don’t waste a bite, then.”
It was all the encouragement she needed to enjoy the rest of it. She saved the apples for last, a sweet treat to end with.
As soon as she laid down her fork and knife, the footman was at her side. “Would you like more of anything, miss?”
“No, thank you. I’ve already eaten more than I should have.”
Simon got to his feet. “Please tell the cook it was incredibly delicious and we are very appreciative.”
“I will, sir.” The footman gave a nod, a smile turning up his lips.
“Is the carriage ready for us, Mr. Beecham?”
“Yes, sir.”
“It’s time for us to take our leave, then. I am so grateful for the hospitality you’ve bestowed upon us. If you see Lord Epworth before he receives my letter of thanks, please tell him thank you for me.”
