“He could have been concerned about your progress around the estate. Neither you nor your sister knows the grounds.”
“We would hardly hike in any wooded terrain,” she said dryly. “I have simply begun to feel that their poor behavior as servants is more of a distraction to hide something else, something important enough to risk being let go, rather than just being directed personally at me. Would you do me the favor of letting him guide you this afternoon?”
“Of course. But if he wants you away from the house, there could be something going on right now.”
“I don’t get that feeling, do you? Or is there something in his expression I can’t see?”
“No. He did allow Miss Collins to leave without looking too worried.”
“Then you go with him, and I’ll discover if something’s going on inside.” She could sense his hesitation. “Robert, I will be fine. I do not fear anyone means me harm.”
“Very well.” He raised his voice. “Sanford? Do you have a gun I can use?”
“Aye, milord.”
“Then go prepare it, and after I escort Mrs. Blake to the house, I will return.”
At the door, she insisted he go back. “I’m fine within, Robert.”
“This isn’t going to take long,” he insisted.
“You’re such a crack shot, you’ll have all our pheasants killed in no time?”
“Audrey—”
“Just go,” she said softly, patting his arm before he released hers.
She felt him kiss her hand.
“Take care,” he warned.
When she was alone in her entrance hall, she stood still, listening. Francis was obviously not there, and she couldn’t hear his sister cleaning in any of the nearby rooms.
And then she heard a child wail from the back of the house.
For just a moment, she stiffened, swept up again in that old grief, that feeling that a part of life had passed her by—the painful part, she reminded herself. She didn’t want this stab of pain anymore.
But the pain receded, and she realized who the child must be—the Sanfords’ grandchild.
Why would Mr. Sanford try to keep her away? It made no sense—unless he wanted his wife free to enjoy the child without having to work, as she would if Audrey were home. Of course, Audrey would allow her some personal time. But maybe they didn’t know that.
Feeling better, she walked toward the rear hall, hand outstretched so she wouldn’t miss the doorway. As she walkedquietly, she could hear the murmur of women’s voices, then the fretful child forcefully saying, “No!”
Audrey had to smile. She stepped inside the kitchen, and almost all sound ceased.
“Mrs. Blake, you’ve returned,” Mrs. Sanford said.
The child gave a squeal, as if someone had picked him up.
“I have. I would enjoy meeting your guests.”
“Of course, ma’am. May I introduce my daughter, Louisa Roebuck, and her son, Arthur?”
“How wonderful to meet you,” Audrey said. “I’m glad you were finally able to visit.”
“Th-thank you, ma’am,” the young woman said in a timid voice. “I didn’t mean to be intrudin’.”
“No intrusion at all. I’d been wondering when I would meet you. How old is your little boy?”
