But what if he’d realized she needed more help than she’d let on? Intent on getting answers as quickly as possible, Charlotte excused herself as soon as the meal was done, explaining she needed to gather her thoughts on top of the evening’s shocking news.
“Of course,” her mother said. “I’m sure Mr. Cooper’s decision to choose someone else must be quite a blow for you, dear.”
Answering with a tight smile, Charlotte turned away and went to her room where she rang for Daisy.
“When you visited The Black Swan,” Charlotte said once the maid arrived, “did you by any chance happen to mention the deal I made with Mr. Cooper?”
Daisy shifted her gaze to a spot somewhere off to the side so she didn’t look straight at Charlotte. “You asked me not to.”
“I did indeed.”
“Mr. MacNeil suggested you might not be able to leave the house, so I explained the threat the viscount made about having me and Everet sacked.”
Charlotte pinched the bridge of her nose. “You weren’t supposed to tell him that.”
“I know, miss. I’m sorry. It just slipped out and then…”
“And then?” Charlotte prompted.
Daisy wrung her hands together. “I may have mentioned the viscount’s financial troubles and how Mr. Cooper was willing to help him as long as he married you.”
“Daisy, you broke my confidence.”
“I know, miss. My only excuse is that I was trying to help you, but I understand if that’s not good enough. If you want to sack me, I’ll not think less of you, miss. In fact, I knew I risked my position when I chose to confide in Mr. MacNeil.”
“Which makes your decision all the more admirable.” Charlotte waited until Daisy met her gaze, then said, “As ashamed as I am of Mr. MacNeil knowing what—”
“The Duke of Windham was there too,” Daisy whispered. “So was Claus.”
Charlotte sighed and started again. “As ashamed as I am of these men knowing my father was brought so low he saw no recourse but to use me to improve his own wealth, I cannot deny the relief I feel over not having to marry Mr. Cooper. That was your doing, Daisy, and I thank you for it.”
“So you’re not too angry?”
“I appreciate having a maid who’s able to use good judgment. You were right to ignore my request for secrecy, Daisy. If it weren’t for you, I’m not sure I’d have been able to get out of this mess in time. But that doesn’t mean I approve of you lying to me. When I asked how your meeting with Mr. MacNeil had gone, you should have been honest.”
“Yes, miss. I’m sorry.”
“It’s all right. I’ll forgive you this once. Just don’t ever do it again, Daisy. I need to know I can trust you. Do you understand?”
“Of course. And I truly am sorry.”
Charlotte could tell she was from her pained expression. She’d taken a risk – one that could have cost her position. “I think you’ve apologized enough.”
Daisy nodded. “What will you do now?”
It was a good question. Her parents would probably expect everything to go back to the way they’d been four and a half weeks ago. Before her father announced Mr. Cooper’s arrival and she’d introduced her parents to Blayne. But how could it? She still had the mystery of her stolen manuscript to solve, and her feelings for Blayne were such that she knew she couldn’t forget him. And while she had no idea how he’d managed to help her, thanks were in order.
“I need to speak with Mr. MacNeil.”
“Of course you do.”
“Can you help me sneak out?”
Daisy looked very unsure. “It’s awfully late, miss.”
“I know,” Charlotte agreed, “but it will be harder to do during the day.”
“What about the viscount’s threat?”
