“Some are trustworthy,” she told him bluntly, “some not.”
“I’ll install a man to keep an eye on things and ingratiate himself with staff. He’ll soon know what’s what.”
Elizabeth straightened her posture. “Very well. That is our plan for the moment.”
Thank heavens she was the opposite of Winthrop. Milton didn’t want his wife controllinghim, of course, but her decisiveness was in other ways a gift.
“Andwe, sir, shall continue this conversation in more detail once I return.” She briefly met his eyes before she addressed her old man. “Come, Papa, let me show you to the drawing room. I will dress quickly. We can discuss Annabelle on the drive home.”
She led her father out, without a backward glance at Milton.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
“Forgive me, Papa,” Elizabeth loudly announced, “I should have sent word last night, only Bella’s ankle remained too weak.” She hurried Ginny, head bent beneath a wrap, up the stairs of her father’s house, the maid pretending to limp. “Come, sister, let us get you settled. All will be forgotten in a few days, I am certain.”
And Ginny, bless her, let out a well-timed sniffle.
Elizabeth had discussed their ruse with Papa and her maid on the carriage ride back. Only Cook, their most trusted servant, would know it was not Bella in her bedroom, and only Cook would be allowed entry inside. No one was to disturb Miss Annabelle until she regained both her nerves and the use of her ankle.
Once inside Bella’s bedroom, Ginny quickly changed into one of Annabelle’s night-rails and climbed into the bed. Elizabeth locked her sister’s room from the outside and went in search of Cook, who quickly grasped the situation—and pocketed the key to Bella’s room even quicker.
Next Elizabeth sought Papa. He sat slumped at his desk, head folded in his hands, and for a moment she almost pitied the man. Until she thought of Annabelle.
“What would your wives think now, Father, were they alive to witness your present state?”
He remained silent, then looked up and gnashed his teeth. “Would that I had died alongside them, Lizzie! Would I were long buried too!” Tears welled at his eyes. “I was a wretch to both, and now to my poor Annabelle. God help me, I am a wretch…”
Loud pounding made Elizabeth grip her father’s hand; she hadn’t time to indulge his sorry self. “Follow my lead, whoever now knocks. Benowthe father Bella needs. Protect her, though you did not protect me.”
A moment later, a man stepped into her father’s office who looked the very description of Hieronymus Finch. Elizabeth swallowed her fear and began to spin a tale worthy of her sister’s unwell state, and her own storytelling talents.
Alas, the man’s beady-eyed expression told her he’d not bought a word she’d said.
“Grieves me t’ hear yer sister is so poorly, milady, though a moment with meself, her betrothed, is sure t’ cheer the lady’s spirits.”
Elizabeth shuddered at his repulsive sneer.
“I might deliver her me flowers in person, just a brief hullo.” His gaze lit upon the nosegay he held, a bundle of ‘everlasting love’ orbaby’s breath.
She shuddered only more.
Elizabeth’s lips felt parched. “That is most kind of you to offer, Mr. Finch, but I think it best we let Annabelle rest. Perhaps in a day or two you may wish her well in person.”
“Oh I’ll be back t’morrow, ma’am.” His eyes glittered. “Y’ can depend on it.” Those eyes landed next on her father. “A promise is a promise, after all.” He grinned again, one tooth dangling on a thread.
Elizabeth’s stomach flipped. “Ah yes, promises.” She swallowed her nerves. “I believe my husband, the Baron, promised me just this morning that he would pay you a visit.” She remembered to smile while speaking.
“That so?” Finch’s eyes gleamed. “Always a pleasure t’ deal with Jasper.”
“Such a shame I did not see you at our wedding, Mr. Finch. I hope it was not an oversight on my husband’s part to have forgotten to invite you.”
His face clouded over. “Not at all, Lady Milton. Jasp an’ I go way back, see.Sofar back, seems we’ve known each other a lifetime.”
“Strange, then, that he should not mention you, Mr. Finch, given all my husband shares with me.”
“Shares, eh?” His eyes lewdly swept her form. “I imagine he’s had ’is fun with you.” He laughed, low and nasty.
“Now look here, sir.” Papa finally came to Elizabeth’s defense. “I do not take kindly to?—”
