“We have decided to give them the chamber on the other side of this one,” the housekeeper announced.
“They are my servants,” Eliza reminded the housekeeper.
“We are aware. But, as Stella will be acting as your maid once she returns with the last of your belongings, we thought it best if she was near you to act as a proper chaperone and for added protection as Lord Garretson seems concerned.”
“What duties will Saul have?” Eliza asked.
“He will be tasked with simply watching or walking the grounds. We have more than enough servants that I can think of no duty to give either of them, so he will be seeing to your protection and safety as will Stella.”
The housekeeper’s crisp tone and formal stance, as if there was a rod up her back, was off-putting. “I do apologize for the inconvenience and I hope that this unpleasant situation will soon come to an end. Once we locate and catch the man who has been sending letters and broke into the cottage, I promise that we will return to Greenhaven Cottage.”
The housekeeper’s rock-hard bearing slipped as her eyes widened. “Someone broke into the cottage?”
“It was while we were away but he left dead flowers and a missive on my bed.”
The housekeeper’s eyes grew wider.
“It is not the first letter either,” Stella said as she came into the chamber. “I have left your books and other writing implements and paper in the parlor.”
“Thank you.”
“Now, Miss Weston, you should return to the parlor, and your book, or read. It does not matter so long as you are not underfoot so that I can put the rest of your things away. I would also like to speak with Mrs. Porter as to the functions of this household so that we are no more of an intrusion than necessary.”
Eliza had come up here because she couldn’t be in the parlor any longer without writing.
“I can see to my own belongings,” she argued.
“I know that you can, and have, but not today,” Stella dismissed her.
“Very well,” Eliza mumbled and stepped back out into the corridor. Stella may be her servant, but Eliza also knew when not to argue with her.
What was she to do with herself?
Perhaps a stroll in the garden would be nice.
Except, did she really wish to be out of doors? What if he was watching?
Blast! She would not be a prisoner.
Except, for the first time in her life, Eliza lacked nerve and decided that she would not be a prisoner tomorrow, only today.
Chapter12
Lucian stoodin the front sitting room and waited for Eliza to join him.
He had intentionally hidden in his library for the remainder of the day because he feared that if he allowed himself to be drawn to her that he’d not leave. He wanted to believe that it was because she was in danger and he was protective, but that wasn’t all, and the very reason he must keep his distance. Ever since she had taken up residence in the cottage next door, it had been a daily struggle not to visit just so he could spend time with her. Now that she was living here, staying away from her would be even more difficult with only a wall separating them. All he needed to do was walk out of the library, turn right, and take ten steps and he would be at the entry of the parlor.
Being in such close proximity was a temptation and he willed himself not to see how she was faring in the parlor or to ask if she needed anything.
Thank goodness his staff had been practically underfoot since her arrival. A footman remained in the entry if the butler wasn’t present; another at each door that led to the terrace. Maids were also dusting rooms on the lower floor and sweeping up dust particles from an already shined floor.
Were they doing so because they were also trying to keep Eliza safe or because they were curious and hoped to overhear conversations? No woman had slept in the set of rooms assigned since his mother was alive.
Lucian glanced up when Eliza entered, wearing a simple dress of green. “I apologize for my attire. Other than the two dresses I brought with me for the wedding celebration, I did not pack anything beyond day dresses and walking dresses as I did not anticipate leaving the cottage except for walks in the town.”
“And into the woods.” He smiled.
“I did not anticipate dining at Wyndhill Park.”
