Squeezing her eyes tightly shut, she ordered herself to go to sleep, but when she heard the sound of footfalls outside of the chamber, she froze. Would he continue on, or would he dare to come in? If he had noticed her, he would know that she was awake.
Her heart pounded in her ears as she waited for his next move.
The seconds ticked with endless torture until finally, he moved away from the door. She released a breath, but was it from relief or disappointment? It would almost be better if he would take her to his bed rather than endure this torment of wondering if or when he might decide to collect on his payment.
Unfortunately, she would never know the answers to those questions.
* * *
Light rain was peltingher window the next time Fleur opened her eyes. Her room held a soft glow, but it wasn’t due to the sun that was enveloped by the clouds she’d witnessed the night before. Instead, there was a cheery fire in the grate.
And that wasn’t all.
A silver dining service sat on top of the dressing table.
That caused Fleur to sit up.
Climbing out of bed, she padded over to the offering and lifted the lid to see an enticing array of delights awaiting her. Eggs, ham, fruit, scones—there was enough to tempt every pallet and she eagerly dove in. There was a pot of tea, still warm, and she poured herself a restorative cup. She sighed in delight and wondered if Mr. Porter had followed through on his promise of a cook.
She glanced toward the wardrobe and wondered if perhaps…
Fleur walked over to the large piece of furniture and opened it to reveal?—
There was nothing inside.
Her heart sank slightly but at least she had something to keep her stomach from growling.
A light knock at the door caused Fleur to spin around. She waited for Mr. Porter to stride inside with his usual commanding air, but when there was nothing but another light knock, she called out to enter.
Fleur was surprised when a young girl dressed as a maid stood over the threshold and bobbed a light curtsy. “Good morning, miss. I thought you would like to know that the modiste is here to take your measurements.”
It took a moment for Fleur’s brain to catch up to what was happening. She closed her mouth, knowing it had fallen open and said, “Pardon me, but—who are you?”
The girl giggled. “Beg your pardon, miss. My name is Erin. I am here to serve as your maid.”
“I see…” Fleur cleared her throat. “Is there anyone else here?”
“Oh, yes!” The girl’s face broke out into a wide grin. “There is Mrs. Bright, the cook and Mrs. Honeywell, the housekeeper. Not to mention the excitement from the new furnishings and?—”
That was when Fleur’s ears picked up the commotion going on beyond the door. “New furnishings?” She knew she was sounding as though she had escaped from Bedlam, but Fleur couldn’t fathom that Mr. Porter would allow all of these people intruding on his personal solitude, traipsing in and out of a house that he had not dared to turn into any semblance of a home. However, all of that seemed to be changing today.
And she could feel her cheeks warm, because she knew she was the reason for it all.
She hugged herself. “Is Mr. Porter in?”
Erin bobbed her head. “He’s in his study.”
With an acknowledging incline of her head, Fleur started to head for the door, but before she could make her escape, Erin said, “I was told that you were to stay in your chamber until the modiste arrived and you could be properly attired,” Erin noted.
Fleur had to wonder exactly what the maid knew. Crossing her arms, Fleur asked, “Do you know the… situation between Mr. Porter and myself?”
“I don’t ask questions, miss,” the maid said promptly. “I am the sole of prudence should anyone ask it of me. I have never been prone to gossip. I actually abhor it.”
“And the rest of the staff?” Fleur prompted. “Are they the same?”
“Indeed. The master was very clear when he came to the agency personally this morning. He needed immediate help and would pay well if discretion and punctuality were strong virtues.”
“I see.” Fleur was astonished that Mr. Porter had managed to put together a modest, but functioning staff in a matter of hours but she supposed money spoke volumes.
