Chapter Ten
Isabella’s eyes fluttered open atthe sound ofthedrapesopening. As she adjusted to the morning’s light, Mrs. Hopper bustledabout theroom.Clouds still hung heavy over the horizon, but a quick glance at the clock said it wasalmostten o’clock. She satup in bed,surprised that she’d slept aslateas she had. Then again,shecouldn’t believe that she had done such intimate…things withMr. Claymooreeither.
However, she shoved suchlurid imaginingsout of her mindas the previous day’s events came crashing through herbrain. “Claudia—?”
Mrs. Hopper waved a hand. “She’s fine, and so is Herb, although—”She snorted.“—after all these years he can be a cranky old curmudgeonat times.”
Isabella relaxed. “He sounds like my father.”
“Then I truly feel sorry for you,” Ethel noted, although the smile that followed eased her words. “I hope you don’t mind that I came in here to brighten up the room a bit. I daresay the entire castle is coveredin gloom today.”
Isabella’s stomach clenched with renewed warning, although sheforced herself to remain calm. Naturally, her thoughts turned to Ridge. “Have you seen Mr. Claymoore this morning?”
Ethel nodded. “I did. Heset offat first lightto hire alocal messenger to delivera letter to London, and then he intended to search the coastline for any sign of Lord Wistenberry.”
Isabella’s spirits sank. “I see.”
Mrs. Hopper must have misinterpreted her sudden upset, for she said, “Not to worry. Mr. Claymoore also hired a couple young gents from the village to keep an eye on things in his absence. Herb recommended Isaac and Ian, both strapping lads which he’s known since the time they were in short pants.”She paused and set her hands on her hips. “I should get started on the day. I have bread to make.”
Before she could leave, Isabella scrambled to her feet.“Then I suppose we should get to work.”
Ethel looked at her askance. “We?”
“Of course.” Isabellareturned. “I daresay I’m sick of wandering around these halls all daywith nothing to do,while you and Claudia do all the work.No doubtyou could use the help.”
“But…”Mrs. Hopper eyed her in puzzlement.“You’re alady. It wouldn’t be right if you toiled in the kitchens like acommonscullery maid.”
Isabella couldn’t help but laugh. “After the past few weeks, I feel far from refined. Besides, I refuse to except no for an answer.”
Mrs. Hoppersighed. “Very well, my lady.I’mcertainlygrateful forany assistance.”
“Good.” Isabella grinned. “Just let me get dressed,and I’ll join you in a few minutes.”
Afterthe older womanleft, Isabelladonnedher front lacing stays.Theyhad served her well when she’d run off with Simon and would doperfectly wellagain, nowthat her maid wasn’t able to assist her in dressing.
After slipping on asimple white muslin,she brushed her hair andpulledit up into a chignon.Shehad justshoved the last pin in place whenher door opened.
She turned, expecting to see Mrs. Hopper, but gasped when she saw Claudia.Her maidwas clinging to the doorframe, her eyes still glassy fromthe effects of the laudanum that thephysicianhad left.Isabella rushed over to her side.“What are you doing out of bed?”she demanded.
Theother womanput a hand to her forehead. “I can’t neglect my duties—”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Isabella chided as she helped Claudiaback to her room. “I’m perfectly capable ofmanagingon my ownuntil you’re recovered. The doctor said you suffered a nasty blow andneed your rest.”Isabella urged her to the bed and tucked her under the covers.
“My headdoes achesomething dreadful,” Claudia murmured, as she lay down.“But I’m your maid—”
Isabella cut her off once more, hertonebecomingfirm. “Yes, but you’re also myfriend.Things could have ended somuch worse yesterday. So until you’re fully recovered, I don’t want to see you out of this roomagain. Do you understand?”
Claudia nodded. “Yes, my lady.”
“Good. I’ll be back shortly with a tea tray.”
As Isabella shut the door, she closed her eyes and leaned against the hard wood. After taking a bracing breath, she headed downstairs.
***
Ridge returned to the castle just after lunchtime. His stomach was grumbling about being ignored, but he was more upset thathe’driddenas far away asRamsgate to the north and Dover to the south, but eitherWistenberrywas that good at keeping hislocation a closely guarded secret, orno one was inclined to offer any information.
Then again, he’d been hard pressed to concentrate on anything more than the memory of Isabella and their seductive little téte-á-téte in Liverpool’s study.
