“A pleasure, Mary.” She removed a deep green costume from the wardrobe. “I think this one shall do nicely.” She draped it over the foot of the bed. “Just the right colour to brighten your mood and make everyone green with envy.”
Mary chewed on her bottom lip, an idea taking shape in her mind. “Eleanor, have you ever considered leaving your post here and finding a position somewhere else?”
Eleanor laughed. “Oh, every day! But where am I to find one? Land owners in these here parts are chock full o’ staff and most are cutting back, if you understand my meaning.” She waved a hand in the air as she returned to Mary’s side. “Besides, Lord and Lady Kerr aren’t like to give me a glowin’ reference.”
“Have you ever considered making the move to town?”
“Me? London?” She affected the demeanour of a gentlewoman. “La! What a notion!”
Mary gave a short laugh. “You mimic high society ladies very well.”
“Well, I should think so, I been around ‘em long enough.” Eleanor grinned.
“If I should say that I could get you any position you desire, would you travel to London?”
Eleanor stilled. “I’ll not enter into anything unsavoury.”
“Nothing unsavoury, I assure you.” She squinted one eye at the maid, considering. “But I believe I can trust you, Eleanor, and I have a mind that you could do very well in London. If you are able to acquire conveyance, you can find me at my apartments—I will give you the direction.
She nodded at Mary. “I will consider it. I am much obliged.”
“Not at all, Eleanor. I believe that it is I who should be thankingyou.”
* * *
“No, I saw it this morning,” the Bonaparte spy said.
“Perhaps it was a maid. They are wont to do odd things, eh wot?”
The spy shook their head. “What possible reason would a maid have for making a mess of linens in the closet? No. I believe this was our newguestcome to spy on us from a convenient hiding spot across from the study.”
“Miss White? I hardly believe her capable of—”
“Fool! Of course I did not mean Miss White; she is as simple minded as she is talented at seduction. I am speaking of her paramour, Mr. Spencer.”
“Mmm… What do you suppose we do with the man?”
“What else but bring him to the dungeon for questioning?”
“How would you like me to—?”
“Leave that to me…”
