Graves lifted a shoulder, but it was Tom who said, “I’ll see to getting as many of us to Castleford as I can in her ladyship’s coach,” he offered.
“I can take a couple on the gig,” Bobby offered.
“That leaves one horse and the phaeton,” Tom commented.
“I can drive it,” Perkins said. “But there will only be room for one other person up on the seat with me.”
“And me on the back,” one of the housemaids said with a wave, as if she had done it in the past.
There was a round of laughter before Graves said, “I have nothing else.” He took his seat as the servants returned their attentions to their food and Perkins left to return to the dining room.
When the meal was complete, Tom helped to clear away dishes until he caught Anne’s attention.
“Where do I meet you?” he asked in a whisper.
“The apartment closest to the drawing room,” she whispered.
He nodded his understanding. “Half hour?”
She lifted a shoulder. “Depends on her ladyship.”
Glancing around to be sure they weren’t noticed, he said, “If I fall asleep while waiting, be sure to wake me when you come in.”
Anne gave him a quelling glance until she noticed his teasing grin. She headed up the servants’ stairs and a few minutes later, Tom did the same.
