Mama turned to Pomfrey. “You may bring him through.”
The butler shot a look at Lottie, but when no one addressed the matter of the maid in the room, he left.
Caroline was glad for it if it meant drawing her away from their guest. She took Lottie’s hand and pulled her toward thefar wall, then seated her on the window ledge and sat beside her. “What can I do for you?”
“Nothing, miss,” Lottie said, a silent tear rolling down her cheek. She wiped it with the back of her hand.
“Has your sister been seen by a doctor?”
“Yes. She’s broken her arm and won’t be able to work. She’ll have nowhere to go.”
“That is dire, indeed.” Caroline looked at her mother, whose eyebrows were pulled tightly together. Their household was in no position to take on another servant. They had spent the last year further economizing in every way they could. But a woman who could not even work had nowhere to go, not even the workhouse.
Mother gave the slightest dip of her head in approval, seeming to understand Caroline’s thoughts.
Heavy boot steps tread up the stairs, and despite her cool feelings toward Tristan, Caroline found her heart rate steadily increasing as he drew closer. Drat the man and his effect on her. She felt Tristan walk through the door, but her attention was still fixed on Lottie. “Does she have any family? A husband or children?”
Lottie shook her head.
Tristan removed his hat as he entered the room, and her heart jumped uncomfortably. The man was excessively handsome, his dark hair neat despite recently wearing a hat, his brown eyes deep and full of soul. His blue coat and tan breeches revealed an athletic form, and his skin was freshly shaved, making his jawline smooth and pronounced.
Once she had dreamed of running her fingers over that angled jaw, but now she only wanted to see it frown.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Whitby. Miss Whitby.” Tristan bowed elegantly. He looked at Lottie, undoubtedly noting her clothing marking her as a servant, and hesitated. “I hadhoped to speak to Miss Whitby for a moment if that is amenable to you.”
“Of course, Mr. Shepherd. Come in,” Mama said, standing. “Caroline was speaking to her maid briefly. There has been a concern of some urgency in her family.”
His gaze lingered on them, standing behind the sofa.
“Lottie,” Caroline said, keeping her attention on the girl, “bring your sister here. I cannot promise employment, but she can share your room while her arm heals. There is food enough to spare for one more.”
Lottie drew in a quiet gasp, her eyes shimmering with fresh tears. “You don’t mean it.”
“You may go now to fetch her. Tell Cook to expect her before you leave, and she can begin a soothing broth.”
“Thank you,” Lottie said.
Caroline took her hand and squeezed it. She stood as Lottie bobbed a curtsy to Mama and Tristan before hurrying out. It was time to face him, but she’d rather follow her maid through the door. Instead, she faced her guest.
“Would you care for tea?” Mama asked him once the door had closed behind Lottie.
Caroline looked sharply at her mother. Were they not meant to have a short visit? Tea did not equal a short visit.
Tristan smiled. “That would be wonderful, I thank you.”
“Please be seated. I will return shortly.” Mama looked at Caroline, the smallest hint of a challenge on her brow. “You will see to it our guest is comfortable, I hope.”
“Of course, Mama. Though I do not think it proper we are left alone.”
Mama smiled affectionately, no stranger to the game. “You will not be alone. How silly to imagine I would in any way shirk my duty as a chaperone. I shall leave the door open, and I will only be in the corridor for a moment.”
Once they were very much alone, Tristan’s smile grew. “You are afraid I will put your reputation in danger?”
“Of course not.” Caroline sat on the high-backed chair in the center of the room, arranging her skirt over her knees. “I would merely prefer not to be forced to make conversation.”
“No need.” Tristan sat on the sofa opposite, laying his hat on the cushion beside him. “I hope your maid is well.”
“Her sister has been injured, but we’ve sorted the matter.”
