While Joan arranged her hair, Anne chattered away, caught up in her own happiness and excitement, and she bragged about how she’d convinced Colin to give the girls two puppies. Well, perhaps notexactlyhow he’d decided. Instead, she kept her recounting to the game of billiards.
“If they still have two left, that is.”
Her maid wasn’t the sunniest person, especially compared to Anne herself, but one would expect the mention of puppies to elicit a semblance of a smile. Instead, when Anne liftedher gaze to meet Joan’s in the mirror, tears glistened in her maid’s eyes. Anne’s first instinct was to tell her that was all. She didn’t want anyone to ruin the moment.
But that was theoldAnne. The Anne with little to no responsibilities. Now she was mistress of a fine home. A viscountess. She should care about her staff. And although she really didn’twantto know, she asked anyway, “What’s wrong?”
“The other servants here aren’t very friendly.”
Anne snorted a laugh and immediately regretted it. She didn’t want to make fun of Joan’s concerns. “I apologize, Joan. But you’re not the only one who’s experienced a cold welcome. I told my husband I think Mrs. Campbell hates me. He’s spoken to the staff, but I don’t want them to be rude to you, either. Do you wish me to say something to Lord Manning?”
Joan’s eyes widened. “Oh, no, please don’t. That would only make matters worse.”
“I found Mattie to be pleasant. See if you can form a friendship with her. If it becomes unbearable, let me know. I would hate to lose you, but I could enquire as to another position for you, or you could even go back to Andrew’s if you’re horribly unhappy.”
“Thank you, Lady Manning.” Joan curtsied and left.
Anne slammed the silver hairbrush on the dressing table. “Stupid Mrs. Campbell and Greene.” How dare they mar her happiness! Well, she simply wouldn’t allow them to. And shewouldspeak to Colin about how they treated Joan.
But first, she couldn’t wait to tell the girls about the puppy!
Hurrying downstairs, she smiled at every servant she passed. She’d kill them with kindness, laughing to herself at the image.
She peeked into the breakfast room and found it empty except for one footman. Luckily, the man stood at attention at the sideboard that was laden with chafing dishes. Ravenous, she piled her plate high with sausage, toast, and two eggs.
“Has my husband already broken his fast?”
“Yes, my lady. He said to tell you he would be in the morning room with the young misses.”
She hated eating alone, but for once she didn’t mind. At themoment, she simply wanted to finish her meal and go find Colin and the girls.
Armed with the good news about the puppies, she practically skipped down the hallway to the morning room. As she passed Colin’s study, movement inside caught her eye. How long had it been since he’d had breakfast? Didn’t he wait for her as the footman said?
Rather than Colin’s tall frame and auburn hair, a much shorter man with thin, graying hair, pushed open a panel in the room.
Greene!
“I knew it!” she whispered as Greene slid into the secret passageway and closed the panel behind him. She would have to find a way to occupy Colin so she could see what was in that passage.
In the morning room,waiting for Anne, Colin sipped his coffee and read his newspaper. Dated two days ago, no word appeared inThe Timesregarding his father’s ill health or Lord Easton’s death. Tucked away on page three, a brief mention of Colin and Anne’s expected marriage remained succinct, without any of the lies that repulsive gossip sheet implied. He wondered whether he should alert Anne or let her remain in blissful ignorance. Would she have some idea who leaked the information based on what she and the other ladies discussed in their meetings?
The girls busied themselves embroidering handkerchiefs, although Ellie yelped each time she stuck her finger with the needle. “I don’t see why we have to learn to do this.” She huffed as the cloth stretched in a hoop dropped to her lap.
“Miss Hart says that embroidery is what fine ladies do, and we must learn if we want to become acceptable wives.” Cassie straightened her shoulders as if she were the voice of authority on acceptable wives.
Like Ellie’s needlework, his newspaper dropped to his lap.Wives!Dear God, he didn’t want to entertain that thoughtwhen they were barely out of leading strings. His thoughts shifted to the interesting book Anne had shared with him. The idea of men doing some of those things with his daughters, even if they were their husbands, set his teeth on edge. He decided not to allow Cassie and Ellie to come out until they were thirty. Maybe forty.
The scent of sweet pea filled the room as Anne breezed in.
“Good morning!” she announced brightly.
Colin placed his newspaper aside and rose. “Good morning, Nymph. Sleep well?” He gave her a knowing smile.
“Oh, passably well. And you?” Her blue eyes sparkled as she joined him.
“Never better.” Pleased that he meant it, he kissed her cheek in greeting.
Cassie jumped to her feet. “Father said you have something to tell us.”
