They had no chance to discuss it further before there was a knock at her door.
Harriet’s eyes widened in panic. “You cannot be found in here.”
He put a finger to her lips to motion for her to be quiet, and then he stepped through the servants door, giving her a nod to allow the person in.
Harriet’s heart was beating fast as she opened the door to find Beatrice’s maid with a note in hand. “For you, Miss Comeford.”
She placed the note in Harriet’s hand and then scurried back to Beatrice’s chamber.
Harriet closed her door and stared at the neatly folded missive.
Max stepped out from his hiding place. “Open it, Harriet.”
She nodded and unsealed it. “She wants me to meet her by the stable at six o’clock.”
“That’s two hours from now. Does she give a reason?”
“No, this is all she wrote. It doesn’t make sense.” She handed the parchment to him for his perusal.
Max did not like this one bit.
Was this another game to be played, an attempt to ruin Harriet by having her found with Ware or Folkstone in the stable? Had Beatrice forged a note to one of them pretending the writer was Harriet and she wished for an assignation?
Surely, Ware or Folkstone would know it was a trick. Harriet was not the sort to steal into a stable for a quick tumble in the hay.
“I’ll go in your place,” he said, still staring at the note as possibilities jumbled in his brain. “I want you to stay here and prepare yourself for tonight’s supper and entertainments.”
“I think I would rather be in the kitchen assisting Mrs. Paltry.”
Max laughed. “You shall be the brightest star of the evening. You charmed everyone at the picnic.”
“Because I kept my mouth shut and smiled like a simpleton. One cannot get in trouble when one says nothing. But I shall be found out the moment I mix up my forks at supper or when the dancing starts and I do not know any of the steps.”
“I’ll get you through the evening, Harriet. Never you worry.”
“And this six o’clock clandestine meeting? I ought to go with you.”
“Absolutely not. What if she plans to have you abducted?”
Harriet’s eyes widened once more. “Why ever would she do such a thing? I have made it quite clear I am not competing for your affections and that I have nothing to my name. Of course, she thinks I am an exiled princess…they all do…but the point is, I’ve made clear I am penniless. Why would you have an interest in a penniless exile?”
“I wouldn’t.” But he knew it was a lie. He did not need an heiress’s coffers to save an estate since his holdings were all profitable and he was a wealthy man. He had the luxury of marrying for love.
But he dared not admit his growing affection for Harriet.
Blessed saints.
What he felt for her was more than mere affection.
He could not get her out of his thoughts, day or night.
Especially night, for his dreams were all about her and the improper things he wished to do to her.
She would dump her ewer of water over his head if he ever gave her the specifics.
All this, and he hardly knew her.
But he knew her skin was soft and lovely.
