Tossing the bedclothes aside, she rose and made her way to the wardrobe. She withdrew her costume from her travelling satchel and set it aside, then retrieved her ruby cloak.
By the time Louisa had returned with a tray of tea and a covered dish of food, Maria had dressed, stashed her sheathed dagger in the pocket of her skirts, and was pinning her hair in a severe knot at her crown. The maid closed the door swiftly.
“Your mother wishes to have a word, miss.”
Maria spun around just as Louisa placed the tray on a table and gathered the cloak.
“If you please, miss.” She held the material out toward Maria. “We must cover you up before your mother arrives.”
Hurrying forward, Maria let the maid help her into her overlong cloak, then turned to face her mirror, ensuring that the entirety of her maid costume was covered. It was ludicrous, really, but she could not have her family see her wearing it—for they would certainly ask questions she couldn’t answer—and she couldn’t arrive at Jasper’swithouther costume, for gossip would undoubtedly spread that Miss Maria Roberts had spent hours ensconced in the duke’s home.
It had occurred to her that she might change attire in the carriage, but that would require greater preparation and more pennies to exchange hands. Indeed, the simplest option was for her to simply slip from her home with a cloak.
“You have my thanks again, Louisa.”
She smirked at her reflection, her blue-specked grey eyes framed by dark lashes glittering back at her, and the fluttering in her stomach intensified. Not only was this her first foray into this sort of investigation, but it was also an opportunity to spend time in Jasper’s space.With Jasper. Despite the grim circumstances, she could scarcely contain her excitement.
“Maria!”
The bedchamber door burst open and her mother swept in. Maria’s stomach sank slightly in response.
“The maids said that you were sleeping,” she drawled.
“I was.” Maria retrieved her smallest reticule and strode toward her mother. “The duke is taking me to the opera this evening.”
Her mother’s eyes flashed with greed. “I understand that you were with him this morning, as well.”
Maria inclined her head in confirmation. “We took a turn about Regent’s Park, then found shelter at the confectionary during the fog.”
“Mmm.” Her mother’s gaze snapped downward to take in her red cloak. “And what have you chosen to wear this evening? You are attending the opera with a duke, for pity’s sake, you must dress the part.” She stepped forward and reached for the seam of the cloak, and Maria’s pulse tripped over.
“Beggin’ your pardon, Miss Roberts,” Louisa said urgently from the doorway. “But His Grace requested that you arrive directly.”
Her mother whirled around to face the maid. “Did he not come himself to retrieve her?”
Louisa cast a harried glance at Maria.
“No,” Maria said, stepping around her mother. “I must first fetch Heather, as she is our chaperone, and I’m afraid that I slept late.”
“Very well,” her mother capitulated. “Your father and I are to retire early, but I expect a full account of the evening on the morrow. Not that I expect particularlygoodnews; Lord knows why the man choseyou.”
“Of course.”
Maria gave a nod to her mother and sent a grateful glance to Louisa before she swept from the room.
Without pausing, she manoeuvred through the house and out the front door. Her familial carriage awaited. She withdrew some coins from her reticule and reached up to place them in the driver’s awaiting hand. “Drive to the opera house. Ensure the carriage is seen, and await the opera’s end. Have a drive about, then return home, if you will. I shall have another three shillings for you on the morrow.”
“O’ course, Miss Roberts.” The reliable man doffed his hat with a grin. “Pleasure doin’ business, as always.”
The carriage trundled away, and Maria hurried along the street until she could discreetly hail a hack. Gooseflesh spread over her skin as a cool breeze wafted past her, and she pulled her cloak closer around her collar. Horses snuffed as an equipage drew up beside her, and she gave the driver the direction. Within, the air was chilled and smelled vaguely of stewed cabbage.
The wheels jolted into motion, and Maria settled back against the threadbare squabs. Anticipation fizzed in her stomach.
Francis was a very real and constant threat, and while she did not fool herself into believing that she would overtake him tonight, she hoped that she would glean some information. Learning how the man was finding his way into Jasper’s home was essential. If someone among the duke’s staff was being paid by Francis to permit him entrance or to provide aid, shelter, or food, they ought to face the repercussions of their actions.
Jasper really must have a care as well, for if his staff were indeed loyal and werenotaiding Francis… Her throat grew dry, and she swallowed convulsively. If Francis had the ability to enter Jasper’s home without anyone’s knowledge and without aid, Jasper was in a great deal more danger than they’d initially believed.
Jasper. Heraffianced, for pity’s sake! It was possible that they would not see the engagement through to an actual marriage, but even the thought of his impromptu proposal sent tingles of joy down her spine.
