“Ten or twenty years ago, so Albert says. But he heard it from old Mr. Prosser, him who was gardener before he passed last winter and his brother took over. But he said that Mr. Prosser said that there was foul play.”
“Foul play?”
“Lord Devereaux was with her at the time.”
“Myhusband?”
“So Albert says.”
“Albert should know better,” a sharp voice said.
Olivia turned to see the housekeeper in the doorway. Susie let out a cry, her cheeks turning scarlet.
“I’ve told you before about gossiping, girl!” Mrs. Brougham said. “And what do I catch you doing? Telling tales you’ve no business telling.”
“I didn’t say anythin’ that wasn’t true.”
“That’s enough! Back to the kitchen with you. I’ll see to her ladyship now and will deal with you later.”
Susie burst into tears, bobbed a curtsey, and fled. The housekeeper closed the chamber door, then let out a sigh.
“I take it you didn’t know about his lordship’s mother?”
Olivia shook her head. “Please don’t blame Susie—I asked her to tell me. Did the previous Lady Devereaux really fall to her death?”
Mrs. Brougham sighed and nodded. “Poor lady—aye, she did. A miserable life she had, if truth be told.”
“A-and was my husband there?”
The housekeeper tilted her head to one side, and shame pricked at Olivia’s heart as she caught the understanding in the older woman’s eyes.
“Surely you don’t suspect the master of…”
Her cheeks flaming, Olivia shook her head.
“It was twenty years ago, Lady Devereaux,” Mrs. Brougham said. “Master Charles was a boy at the time.”
“Forgive me, I—”
“And if there’s a boy in the world who loved his mother more, I’ve yet to witness it. He loved his mother very much, and her death…” Mrs. Brougham paused, her voice cracking. “It’s not for me to tell. Doubtless the master will tell you in his own time, when he’s ready, and when you’re…”
Olivia swallowed her shame.
When you’re deserving.
That was what Mrs. Brougham was going to say. When Olivia had shown herself worthy in her husband’s eyes, and perhaps in the housekeeper’s eyes also.
The older women placed a light hand on Olivia’s shoulder. “Forgive me, dear, I see I’ve been too harsh,” she said. “It’s just…I’ve known Master Charles since he was in leading strings, and he wouldn’t hurt a flea. He adored his mother, and she him. She died saving his life and he hasn’t spoken a word since.”
Olivia let out a low cry. “Oh, poor man! How he must have suffered.”
“It pains me to think you’d listen to tales about him. Even more so if you give such tales any credence.”
“I don’t take any notice of gossip, Mrs. Brougham,” Olivia said. “I’ve been the subject of it enough to know that it serves only one purpose, which has nothing to do with the truth, and everything to do with furthering the entertainment of the spiteful.”
The housekeeper smiled. “The master was always a good-natured boy,” she said, “and a good-natured boy will turn into a good-natured man. He must think a lot of you to marry you and bring you home to us. I despaired of his ever taking a wife, but I’m that glad he has. He doesn’t make friends easily, but there’s none more loyal to those that deserve it. You’ll see.”
Her smile resumed and she patted Olivia’s arm.
