Lucas clicked his heels together just as Mrs. Cotswold had instructed him and promptly bowed. “My lord.”
That sent Clayton into a fit of laughter. “Good God, man. You don’t need to carry on the charade when it’s just us.”
“On the contrary,” Bell interjected. “It only stands to reason that he would behave as a footman as long as he’s in this home. I know from experience it’s much less trouble than switching from role to role. That can be confusing and cause mistakes.”
“Yes, well, speaking of that—” Lucas began, intent upon telling his friends of his plan to shed his servant’s garb and speak to Sir Reginald.
“I heard you nearly got sacked on your first night,” Bell interrupted, a slight grin on his lips.
Clayton was smiling too. “Yes, Lucas, we can’t very well employ a footman who spills wine on ladies’ gowns.”
Lucas folded his arms behind his back and braced his feet apart. Very well. He’d been expecting this ribbing all morning. “I suppose I should be grateful that Thea didn’t sack me.”
Clayton laughed. “Honestly, I cannot believe you lasted an entire evening. I was quite certain Thea would ruin it all at the dinner table last night by bursting out with laughter.”
“She did a fine job of acting,” Lucas replied. “She even reprimanded me for my behavior.” He chuckled.
The three men made their way to a large wooden table and chairs that sat near the wall of windows. They each took a seat. As Lucas took his, he glanced outside to see Frances and her mother poking around the flowers as if they were actually interested in horticulture. Frances looked miserable, while her mother craned her neck, obviously searching for Sir Reginald.
“It seems you both know howmyevening went, how was yours, Bell?” Lucas asked, doing his best to focus on his friends instead of watching Frances in the gardens.
“A success, I’d say.” Bell’s sharp ice-blue eyes met his. “I didn’t spill anything on Lord Copperpot.”
“The man you’re valeting?” Lucas asked.
Bell replied with a nod. “So far I believe I’ve been quite convincing. To all save one person, at least.”
“Oh, do tell, who might that be?” Clayton leaned forward and waggled his brows.
“Only the most exasperating lady’s maid I’ve ever come across,” Bell replied.
Lucas arched a brow. “A lady’s maid, you say?”
“Yes, she’s given me no end of hassle,” Bell replied, a frown on his face. “She’s the most distrustful chit I’ve ever known—and I’m a spy for Christ’s sake.”
“Doesn’t believe you’re a valet, Bell?” Clayton asked, chuckling.
Bell rolled his eyes. “I don’t think she believes I’m a male, let alone a valet.”
“Well, you can’t blame her, can you? It’s not as if you aren’t playacting,” Lucas added.
Bell braced one elbow on the table and frowned. “Be that as it may, I’ve never known anyone to take such an instant dislike to me.”
“Feelings hurt, Bell?” Clayton asked, giving him puppy-dog eyes.
“Hardly,” Bell scoffed.
“Is she one of our lot?” Clayton asked next.
“No,” Bell replied, “apparently she came with Lady Copperpot. She’s the daughter’s maid.”
Clayton shrugged. “Well, I can’t do anything about her behavior then, unless you’d like me to have a word with Lady Copperpot.”
“No. Nothing that drastic. She’s merely an annoyance. I’m entirely certain I can handle her.” Bell shook his head. “Meanwhile, Kendall, how is your wife search progressing? Any prospects yet?”
Lucas opened his mouth to mention Miss Wharton, when Bell continued. “I haven’t had time to do much research on any of them, but I do know ofoneyoung woman whom you should steer well clear of.”
“Who’s that?” Lucas asked.
