“I picked up a stray on my journey, Bailey,” he said to his butler. “Please prepare a tray of food and a bed for Miss Higglesworth, and perhaps some washing water. I would not want to inconvenience you with a bath at such an hour.”
“I have no need of a bed or food, my lord. The stables will do, or lead me to the servants’ quarters.”
Placing a hand on her back, he urged her through the doorway with a firm hand.
“My servants will not be rising for some time, or my stable hands. Therefore, one of the dozen empty beds here will have to suffice, Milly.”
“I could simply leave,” she said quickly. “I have no need of sleep.”
Moving to her side, he saw the yawn she was struggling to hide. It nearly displaced her jaw.
“You could try, but then the gentleman in me would be forced to follow you and bring you back, and as my patience and humor are sorely tested, I would not advise it.”
“But I have no wish to impose.”
Her wish to leave him again stemmed from fear of exposure. Joseph knew that, but cared little about it. She was not going anywhere this time, until he was ready for her to do so.
“Enough, Milly, I beg of you. You will sleep where you are put, or stare at the ceiling, I care neither way, but please do not say another word. Now follow Bailey, who will get you settled.”
When Joseph used that particular tone, it was not often anyone questioned him, however Milly opened her mouth to do just that. Mugwort chose that moment to reappear, trotting in through the front door as if she owned the place, with Horace and Virgil on her heels.
“It would not be fair on your little creature’s legs to have to walk so far again this night.”
She wavered and then capitulated.
“I thank you for all you have done for me this night, my lord. And if I rise before you, I shall be on my way, therefore this will be goodbye.”
“You won’t, as I have business in Spindle, and will see you to the Wimplestows personally.” If he decided to keep an eye on her now, her position at the Wimplestows would provide him with that opportunity. If not, she would be safe with that family. Not that he cared about that either.
“As you wish, my lord. Please allow me to thank you for your kindness this night. I would have been walking for some time had you not appeared when you did.”
“Very nicely said, even if it was through gritted teeth.”
She did not speak again, instead slipping into a curtsy then following Bailey to the stairs, Mugwort at her heels. He watched his ex-fiancée until she disappeared, hardly believing she was here where once he had longed for her to be.
Perfidious little witch.
“Please make sure Miss Higglesworth does not leave this property before I rise,” Bailey.”
Joseph was sitting in the large chair before the fire in his bedroom. He had washed and was now wrapped in his robe. His toes were tingling as they thawed out, and he was finally warm and comfortable.
“Of course, my lord.”
“Watch her, Bailey. I have no doubt she will attempt to sneak out if the chance presents itself, and I would be displeased were she to do so.”
His butler did not blink at the request, as any good butler should not.
“I will set Colin the task, my lord. He can dust the walls and paintings in the hall, thereby detecting if she attempts to leaves.”
“Would a maid not be a better prospect for dusting walls?”
“Colin is the soul of discretion, my lord.”
“Perfect. I’m sure my footman will enjoy dusting the walls in that case.” Picking up the steaming cup of warmed milk with brandy, Joseph took a deep swallow, enjoying the heat as it burned down his throat.
“I apologize for waking you, Bailey.”
The surprise on his butler’s face made Joseph realize he had not apologized for that inconvenience before today.
