“I’d appreciate it if youcould find out. How long have you been in service here, Mrs.Muffat?”
She clasped her hands to her breastencased in black bombazine. “Since I was widowed, sir. Some twentyyears ago, now.”
“And the maids?”
“Beatrice has been with usfor about three years. Amy joined the household last week. Shereplaced Sarah who was run down by a carriage. A terrible accident,which happened practically outside the front door.”
“Amy was procured throughan agency?”
“Yes. We use Bright’sEmployment in Piccadilly. They are generally reliable.”
“I’d like a word with Amyif I may.”
“I’m afraid she isn’t here.She is running an errand for me.”
“Is it usual for anupstairs maid to run errands?”
“Not usual, no, but she’sgone to the haberdashery. We are short staffed with the butlersick, and the household in an uproar after the sadnews.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Muffat.I’ll call again,” Jack said with a polite nod. “Good day toyou.”
Frustrated, he left the house. Toomany unanswered questions. He’d most likely need to return. Heheaded home, looking forward to an evening of lighthearted banterwith Tim and Miles. Tomorrow, he would make another attempt to seeBascombe.
When he entered his rooms, he found hehad a visitor. His cousin Grant, sartorially elegant as always, wasseated on his sofa.
“How did you know I was intown?” Jack asked pleased to see him.
“I called in on the offchance. Your valet said you’d gone off on an errand. Thought I’dwait. I’ve come to invite you to dinner.”
“I shall be delighted.”Jack motioned to the drink’s tray. “I have whiskey. Care forone?”
“Yes, please.” Grant pulledoff grey kid gloves. “I expect you’ve received a letter from thesolicitor. Am I right in assuming you have yet to readit?”
Jack glanced at the letters on thesilver salver. “I haven’t yet, no.”
Grant grinned. “Good. I wanted to bethe first to tell you about the reading of the will.”
Jack walked over holding two glassesof whiskey. “Oh? I expect the duchess’ relations were all there.Anything of interest?”
“Yes, they were there. Sucha charming lot.” Grant leaned forward to take the glass from him.“I’m delighted to be the bearer of very good news. Your fatherpurchased a charmingpied-à-terrein Mayfairfor you. Did he advise you ofit?”
Jack shook his head as a wave ofsadness crashed over him. He swallowed. “The duke worked hard toturn me into a gentleman, but popular opinion was againsthim.”
Grant grunted. “You’re more of agentleman than many born to it. I blame the duchess for making youthink that way.”
“One might say she didn’thelp, but the fact that I was born on the wrong side of the blanketcannot be disputed.” Jack held up a hand. “None of that bothers meanymore, Grant. I’m quite comfortable with who I am.”
Grant grinned. “I could go on and listall your good qualities.”
Jack roared with laughter. “Goodgrief! Desist, please!”
“The house isn’t all yourfather left you, Jack. There is also a considerable sum of money,all that was not part of the entail, in fact. You now own severalbusinesses, including a glass factory up north, and a farm whichproduces flax and linseed for oil.” He grinned. “I’d like to addthat I couldn’t be more delighted.”
Jack released a slow breath. “This isgood news?”
“You are a man of means,Jack. Like it or not.”
“Damn it all,” Jack saidsoftly with a small smile. “It appears Father has won in the end.I’m trapped. I’ll have to employ staff and spend my days worryingabout my investments.”
