Athena quickly made the introductions, and the baroness’s smile grew. She greeted Mara as though she was already part of this coveted inner circle.
“I’ve heard a lot about you, Miss Miller.”
“Don’t believe everything you hear, Lady Ambrel,” Mara murmured somewhat sheepishly.
The woman laughed good-naturedly. “It’s all been good, trust me. And please, call me Cassie. You’ll learn that we don’t stand on formality here.”
“Thank you…Cassie,” Mara faltered slightly. “You’re very kind. And you must call me Mara.”
“Is she awake?”
“We want to see her!”
Mara was instantly besieged as a pair of energetic and curious rapscallions bounded into the room. The twins, who she quickly learned were named Ana and Andy, began to pepper her with questions until Cassie sighed.
Athena merely rolled her eyes and tried not to laugh.
“Let’s not run our guest off right away,” Cassie chided, as she ushered the children out of the room. She promised them a treat in the kitchens but threw over her shoulder, “You would think they’ve never been around another human being before.” With a shake of her head, she followed them out.
Athena winked. “You see? Nothing to worry about.” Standing, she said, “I imagine a bath has been sent up to your room by now, if you’re feeling up to it?”
Mara sighed. “A bath sounds heavenly.”
“Perhaps you might join us for luncheon afterward? I’ll send you one of my gowns.”
Mara smiled. “I would like nothing better. Thank you.”
Athena rang for one of the maids. “Sarah will show you to your room. I’ll see you shortly.”
After a warm bath and a change of clothes, Mara found that her spirits were vastly restored. Most of her strength had already returned, and she found that she was rather famished as she made her way to the dining room.
When she walked in, not only did the baron stand but Athena and Cassie rushed over to greet her. Mara sat next to the countess, and the baroness introduced her to her husband, Gregory. With a polite smile to mirror that of his wife’s, Mara had to admit that she had never known such a lovely society couple. They didn’t put on false airs, and it was readily apparent, by the looks they gave each other when they thought no one was looking, that they were completely in love.
Before long, Mara was beginning to enjoy herself rather immensely, for Gregory began to regale her and Athena with tales of his younger days spent with Lord Rockford and Roarke. She laughed at their mischievous antics until her stomach ached.
When the meal was over, Gregory didn’t leave the women and retire to his study or go to his club like most men of the peerage would have. Instead, he joined them in the parlor where they played a few rounds of cards. The baby was laid down for a nap, so the twins joined them for a time before the governess ushered them back to the nursery to work on their studies.
A brisk knock at the front door had Mara holding her breath. Had Roarke already returned?But she found it easier to breathe when the butler came in carrying a silver salver. However, when he mentioned that the missive was for her, she found her pulse pick up its pace once more. Breaking the plain wax seal, she read,
I have something that belongs to you. I suggest that you come with all due haste, for I fear for how much time he has.
—C
Mara felt the blood drain from her face.
She stood up and announced, “I have to go. I think Bentley may be with a…” she stumbled over how to delicately describe Madame Celeste. “Friend.”
Athena’s mouth dropped open. “Truly? Let me grab a wrap, and I’ll come with you…” she began, but Mara shook her head. If the earl found out that he’d taken his wife to a house of ill repute, he might not look favorably upon Mara any longer.
“Please, stay here. I’ll be fine. I promise to send a message once I learn more.”
With that, she quit the room.
* * *
“Thank you for your letter.” Mara set down her valise and embraced Celeste in a friendly hug.
For a moment, she hardly recognized this as the same woman she’d called upon some weeks ago. With her dark hair pulled up, wearing a simple, green muslin gown, without all of the adornments of her profession, she looked almost…presentable and simple, much like she had when they had toiled side by side at the workhouse.
