“Hello?” a voice called from below.
Anne was quick to step down and out of the stairwell, while Tom turned on the landing and said, “Who’s there?”
Bobby appeared at the bottom of the stairs. “I take it this is yours?” he asked, holding up the valise.
“Aye,” Tom said. “Trying to take up too much at once, I suppose,” he said. He made a move to go back down the stairs, but Bobby was already on his way up.
“It’s no bother. I wondered how long it would be ’afore Clara would let you out of the kitchen.”
“Well, I’m free now,” Tom sighed, bending to retrieve his hat and greatcoat. “You can show me which room I’m in, if you would,” he added, giving Anne a pointed glance only a moment before Bobby joined him.
Anne ducked around the corner, and then, when she heard Lord Ritchfield’s voice down the hall, she hurried into one of the guest bedchambers. She held her breath, hoping the commotion hadn’t attracted the master’s attention.
From the way he had been staring at Lady Ritchfield only a few moments earlier, she doubted he would have noticed. He was obviously besotted with his countess. His comment,You look surprised and rather lovely this evening, had come out sounding as if he might follow it up with a growl. Anne was sure he was about to tear her gown from her body and have his way with her right then and there.
She had escaped into the dressing room and scampered out of the connecting room as fast as she could.
Deciding she had waited long enough, she left the guest bedchamber and hurried up the stairs. Before she made it to the servants’ floor, Bobby reappeared at the top of the stairs. He stepped aside to allow her off the stairs.
“Good afternoon,” she said, giving him a nod.
“Afternoon,” he acknowledged. “Have you seen Christina?”
She paused and furrowed a brow. “Not since this morning,” she replied. “At breakfast.”
He allowed a grunt of thanks and hurried down the stairs.
Waiting until she was sure he was gone, Anne made her way down the corridor until she came to one of the servant’s rooms she knew was usually unoccupied. Knocking softly, she heard movement behind the wooden panel before it opened an inch.
“Yes?”
Anne blinked. “Christina?”
The young woman opened the door wider. “Yes, it’s me,” she said in a whisper.
“Bobby was just looking for you,” Anne said, curious as to what the other housemaid was doing in the room Tom should have been in.
“I know,” she said on a sigh. “I just wanted an afternoon to myself,” Christina said, once again sighing as she moved to sit on the edge of the cot. It was obvious she had been napping.
“Well, if you’re in here, then where do you suppose Mr. Walker is?”
“He’s here?” Christina asked, her eyes widening in delight. “You must be so happy.”
Anne nodded, but she glanced around nervously. “I am, but I would be happier if I knew where he was.”
“Prob’ly in Bobby’s old room.”
Anne’s gaze darted to the side. “I thoughtthiswas Bobby’s old room,” she whispered.
“This ismyold room,” Christina replied, grinning.
Confused, Anne asked, “Why didn’t Bobby try to find you in here?”
“Who says he didn’t?” Christina countered with a smirk. The two broke into a fit of giggles.
“I will leave you to your nap,” Anne said finally, rising from the edge of the cot. “But you should know the earl and countess just went down for their dinner. Ours won’t be long.”
“Promise you won’t tell Bobby?”
Anne turned and held up a pair of crossed fingers. “I promise,” she replied. She pulled the door shut behind her.
She would have gone to Bobby’s old room next, but Graves appeared at the top of the servants’ stairs. “Cook has the staff supper ready,” he said.
“Already?” Anne couldn’t help the sound of incredulousness in her voice.
“His lord and ladyship are back in residence, so our schedules will be a bit different this next fortnight,” Graves replied. “Might you know the whereabouts of Mrs. Ashton?”
Anne struggled to keep a straight face. “I do. I’ll let her know about supper,” she replied, sighing when she realized any other attempt to speak with Tom would have to wait until after supper.
