Mrs Merriweather paused before replying. ‘Perhaps we should handle one problem at a time, petal.’
Betty, eager to help, suggested, ‘Perhaps Miss Heather could be sponsored by Miss Charlotte’s family? They might assist with the expenses?’
Grace shook her head. ‘Oh no, that won’t work. Charlotte has younger sisters, all unmarried, and while they are not poor, their finances are not unlimited. Besides, Charlotte’s mother has always disliked us because of our background. She would never approve of sharing a season with her daughters.’
Jimmy, who had been listening intently, piped up with a bold idea. ‘I reckon ye should ask the Duke to sponsor Miss Heather. He does owe ye one now. Dint ye say that Lord Armitage is in yer debt?’
Before anyone could react, Johnson clipped Jimmy on the ear. ‘Keep your silly ideas to yourself, boy! Always talking rubbish!’ He had taken it upon himself to discipline the lad, though his methods were often heavy-handed.
Mrs Merriweather rolled her eyes at this scene but noticed the glint in Grace’s eyes. ‘What’s this?’ she asked, instantly alert.
Grace’s face brightened. ‘Of course! Why did I not think of this sooner? If we receive a letter from the Duke accepting the sponsorship, it would also verify Mr Stone’s claims of being sent here by him. After all, no one in their right mind would forge a ducal seal. It is a capital crime!’ Her excitement was palpable, and even Jimmy grinned proudly despite his reprimand from Mrs Merriweather.
Grace continued, ‘Yes! I could also use the position as steward to help the tenants and search for the missing girls.’ In her enthusiasm, she had almost forgotten the one key issue—the reason she could not work at Skye Estate.
Mrs Merriweather, seeing Grace’s renewed hope, reminded her of the major flaw in the plan. ‘But what about your disguise?If Mr Stone is who he claims to be and your disguise fails... you will expose yourself. That would ruin your sister’s chances for sponsorship.’ Grace faltered for a moment, so Mrs Merriweather pressed on. ‘And what if someone from the Estate sees you and comments on your strange appearance?’
‘Miss Grace,’ Johnson murmured. ‘If he hasn’t figured out your disguise yet, it’s only a matter of time.’
The room fell into silence. Ginger climbed onto the kitchen table and sprawled himself in front of Grace. She stroked his belly. Perhaps it was all hopeless, she thought.
But then Jimmy spoke up. ‘Maybe I can ride ahead and let all the tenants and staff know to keep yer secret. They’ll support ye, Miss Grace, especially with everything that’s happened lately.’
Mrs Merriweather scowled, but the conversation moved on. Betty, deep in thought, added, ‘Perhaps I can make a special cream concoction for you, Miss Grace—something that will stay on longer?’
Grace sat up straighter, and for the first time in weeks, hope flickered inside her. ‘I think, with some help, maybe I can make it work—at least for a while.’
Jimmy insisted, ‘I’ll make sure everyone knows to keep quiet.’
Mrs Merriweather, still unconvinced, said, ‘This man is no fool. He has probably already seen through your disguise. I worry he will refuse to recommend Heather’s sponsorship to the Duke.’
‘Yes, you are right, Mrs M. He may refuse. But I can only know for certain if I ask him.’ She was willing to maintain her disguise until they left for London, for Heather’s sake—no matter how uncomfortable it felt. ‘I know it’s risky, Mrs M, but what other option do we have? If I do not do this, Heather may never have a chance at a proper season. Suitors are not exactlylining up at the door here. And the tenants—who will fight for them?’
Mrs Merriweather, now thoroughly exasperated, was at her wit’s end. Her cheeks flushed with frustration. ‘What if this Mr Stone is a scoundrel or a rake? He might try to seduce you—or worse, implicate you in a crime!’
Grace considered this yet another reason to maintain the charade. Dressed as she was, she would hardly attract romantic pursuit. If Mr Stone were to show any interest, she was not certain she could resist him. The man was undeniably handsome. By continuing with her unassuming disguise, she hoped to prevent any unwanted attachments and, in doing so, safeguard her heart.
‘Mrs M, I know the risks, truly I do,’ Grace said, gripping the edge of the table. ‘But if I refuse this opportunity, then what? Heather will never have a chance to marry or have a family. She will end up a lonely spinster like me! The tenants will continue to suffer. And Melissa—’ her voice faltered, her throat tightening. ‘The missing girls... who will find them?’
Mrs Merriweather opened her mouth to respond but found herself at a loss for words.
Grace inhaled sharply. ‘Yes, my disguise may not be perfect, but I can be careful. I’ll keep my head down, avoid unnecessary attention. And if it all falls apart...’ She squared her shoulders. ‘Then I will deal with it.’
Johnson, stroking his jaw in contemplation, finally spoke. ‘I suppose if you remain in disguise and Jimmy or Taylor stays with you to protect you, then I see no reason not to at least try ... for Miss Heather’s sake.’
Grace looked around the room—at the worry in Mrs Merriweather’s eyes, the quiet determination on Johnson’s face, the hopeful glint in Jimmy’s. The weight of responsibility pressed down on her shoulders.
‘This could go terribly wrong,’ she admitted, voicing the fear gnawing at her. ‘If I am discovered, it won’t just be my future at risk—it will be Heather’s too.’
‘Then we’ll make sure that doesn’t happen,’ Jimmy said firmly.
Grace exhaled slowly. She had spent so long second-guessing herself, but perhaps it was time to take a leap of faith. ‘Then it is settled. I will do this.’
Heather stood in the doorway, having overheard the conversation, and grinned. ‘Huzzah!’ A small smile tugged at her lips.
Chapter 10
Grace arrived at the Manor feeling decidedly nervous. She was unsure whether Lord Armitage would agree to sponsor her sister or if he would consider her request an impertinence. She loathed the thought of mentioning it to Mr Stone. However, she loved her sister more than her own silly pride, and it was time to partake in a little humble pie, she thought as she approached the front door.
