“Yes. You may be grateful it is on your side.”
He braced himself. “Yes, and I will ask you to use it to protect Elizabeth. I think it would be best if the two of you left town. I thought perhaps to Monkford, but Hurley will likely know about the estate, so perhaps your home in Dorsetshire—”
“No!”
The refusal came simultaneously from both women.
Charlotte looked grim. “This will not be the excuse you need to push me—us—away, Gabriel.”
Frowning, he opened his mouth to answer, but she held up a hand. “Do you think Hurley won’t think of that, as well? And my devious mind will be of no use keeping him out of our small cottage, nor will my aunt or younger brother.”
“I don’t want you at risk, Charlotte.”
“It’s too late for that. And we will discuss this further, but we’ve been out here too long.” Sighing, she stood next to Elizabeth. “You were right about keeping on with your role as Eli. You’ll be safer that way, from Hurley and from scandal. But that means you are going to have to go back and finish cleaning that chandelier.”
Elizabeth shrugged. “I don’t mind. And Mr. Flemming has promised the staff a plum duff for our pudding tonight.”
“Go on up to my room afterwards, and I’ll have Margie draw you a bath.” She wrinkled her nose at his sister. “And we’ll find you a new set of clothes. You’ve been wearing that set since I arrived.”
Charlotte turned all of that determination and imperious manner on him. “As for you, I know you are dying to summon your friends for a war council, but it will have to wait.”
“We can’t wait—”
“We can. You haven’t eaten properly or rested in days. Mr. Flemming has acted a hero today, and he’s also fixed a fine dinner in anticipation of really feeding you, at last. You can wait that long. We’ll dine together in your sitting room, since the dining room is still not finished.”
With bad grace, he nodded. He was anxious to start after Hurley, but Chapman was out searching already, and he could send for Chester and Tensford and Sterne after they’d eaten.
They all started back, Elizabeth moving ahead, and Charlotte edged close and tucked her arm in his. He had to admit, he didn’t mind the thought of sitting quietly alone with her a moment. He would store up her smiles, her calm assurance and her warm beauty against the dark whirlwind that was sure to follow.
* * *
Charlotte went straightto her room and collapsed at her vanity table. She’d called for Margie to attend her as she came in, and the maid soon knocked at the door.
“Close the door behind you, please, Margie.” Charlotte sat with her before the fire and told her all.
Margie was horrified.
“Oh, Miss!” She stared in horror. “When I think of some of the things I said to the boy, the orders I gave.” She gaped. “I told him ever so many times to look smart and get to work!” Her hands rose to cover her mouth.
“And so you are going to have to continue,” Charlotte told her. “We must hide Lady Elizabeth’s identity until we can sort all of this out. We cannot have Hurley knowing who she is. And I was nearly ruined just because I fell in the Thames.” In her head, she asked forgiveness for leaving out mention of thatkiss. “Imagine what the scandalmongers will do if they hear of this.”
Charlotte bit her lip, thinking. Perhaps it was time to flesh out some of the ideas she’d been mulling. “I’ve been thinking of asking you something, Margie, and now might be the perfect time.”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“As you know, I’ve had difficulty engaging a lady’s maid. The prospects might improve now that Hurley is gone, but I’ve been wondering if perhaps you might wish to train to take the position?”
“Me, ma’am?” The maid looked utterly flabbergasted.
“Yes. You’ve already proved your loyalty and shown your willingness to work. That is what I need in a lady’s maid. The rest you can learn. In fact, perhaps Lady Elizabeth can begin your training. She’ll need to keep closeted as much as possible. We’ll let it out that she is learning to read, but she might wish to be well and truly occupied.”
“Oh, your ladyship, I would be honored!”
“Good. You can at least learn the basics of fashion and hair. We can arrange for some more advanced learning once you have mastered the fundamentals.”
And that stood a chance of keeping them both busy and away from prying eyes for long stretches of each day.
“As for tonight, I promised you would help the girl get a bath in here, hidden away. Will you have the maids bring up hot water for me, as well? And put the curling tongs on to heat, will you please?” She stood. “I want to look my best tonight.”
