He cocked his head.
“Pretend until it’s true,” she said. “Act as if you know what you are doing and soon enough you will.”
When he looked skeptical, she added, “The method works. I didn’t know how to be a housekeeper, but I acted as if I did. Eventually, I figured it out…and I even fooled you.”
“You didn’t fool me.” He snorted. “From the time you shared your ‘Golden Rule,’ I knew you’d never been in service.”
Perhaps not her grandest moment.
She tipped her head. “Then why did you let me stay on?”
“Because I like you.” He pulled her close. “Thank you, Xenia. For your encouragement.”
“You’re welcome.”
His kiss was tender and sweet, leaving her lightheaded.
“I kept you on for another reason too,” he said.
“Oh? What reason was that?”
“You’re a naughty minx, and I like the games you play.” He gave her a playful swat on the bottom. “Now go get ready for our outing.”
She squeaked with mock indignation before hurrying off. A smile played on her lips…because she liked the games he played, too.
ChapterTwenty-Three
When Lady Gigi got wind of the trip to Chuddums, she insisted on going. Misters Canning and Parkhurst promptly joined the entourage. None of them seemed to mind that they were accompanying a servant on an errand to the village. Ethan insisted on bringing a pair of guards, who followed on horseback. Despite all that, the carriage ride over was jolly and full of easy conversation, and Xenia found herself relaxing.
She particularly enjoyed the banter between Ethan and his sister. Having no siblings of her own, she observed their closeness with a wistful pang. Ethan was the epitome of a big brother, protective and a bit overbearing. Lady Gigi held her own with spirited verve, displaying her clever wit and independent mind. She and Xenia had a fun chat about their shared love of novels.
Upon arrival in Chuddums, Ethan declared that Xenia would be their guide as she was most familiar with the village. She accepted her role with grace, wanting to share the charms she’d discovered. She began the tour at Hatcherds, where the group received an effusive welcome from Mr. Khan. His success at the mop fair had motivated him to expand his offerings, which now included a bigger selection of books, stationery items, and bric-a-brac he’d gathered on his travels.
In the cozy new reading area, he presented them with sweets he’d made himself. After tasting one of the syrup-soaked, cardamom-spiced treats, Lady Gigi asked for another, much to his beaming delight. The party continued to browse, and Xenia took the shopkeeper aside.
“Has there been talk about what happened at the manor, Mr. Khan?” she said in an undertone.
He glanced at Ethan, who was a brooding presence behind her.
“I would consider it a favor if you would speak freely, sir,” Ethan said.
“In that case.” Mr. Khan pushed up his spectacles and lowered his voice. “A certain former employee of yours has been palavering about Bloody Thom to anyone who will listen. She says she saw him slaughter a flock of chickens with her own eyes. Then she claimed he hosted a ghoulish ball at midnight, and when his lordship interrupted, Bloody Thom erupted into a temper and cursed everyone in the manor.”
If nothing else, Daisy is creative.
Xenia exchanged looks with Ethan, whose jaw had a grim edge.
“That report is more fiction than truth,” Xenia said. “In fact, the so-called haunting might be a hoax.”
The wrinkles on Mr. Khan’s forehead deepened. “Why would anyone play such a horrid trick?”
“A constable is looking into the matter. In the meantime, whoever is behind the scheme knows a lot about the local folklore. Thus, we are trying to learn more about Bloody Thom. Other than the poem, is there more you can tell us about him?”
“Off the top of my head, I cannot think of anything.” Mr. Khan scratched his ear. “But you should ask Mrs. Pettigrew. Her family has been here for several generations, and she has grown up with tales about the ghost.”
Thanking Mr. Khan, Xenia waited for the group to make their purchases, then led the way to the Leaning House. She was pleased to see that the tearoom was bustling. Mrs. Pettigrew greeted them with a respectful bob, looking flustered by the noble guests.
“What a charming establishment, ma’am,” Lady Gigi enthused. “And how original that you’ve eschewed conventions of symmetry.”
