“Yes, Colin’s grandfather, the fifth Duke of Repington is buried in the family crypt. The sixth Duke of Repington is alive and well, but you must know this, as you met him tonight.”
Yes, he was alive and big and limping. I pulled at my livery, clawing to loosen the binding beneath my shirt. “I did meet him, but as a footman named LaCroy whom he discharged.”
The grand woman shrugged, and Athena gave a mimicking shake. “On a first meeting, you couldn’t stay employed?”
“He terminated everyone citing a need for loyalty, but he did not see through my disguise.”
“Then the rake is slipping. He can usually detect the female presence blindfolded.”
“A r-rake?” I rolled myr, something I did when surprised. “You mean a womanizer? What will he teach my baby? Will Hamlin be filled with scantily clad women?”
“Scantily clad women? That might be the duke’s penchant in private, but rakes like him go after difficult prey, Mrs. Jordan, not ones who can be bought.” The countess patted her hand. “You’ll need to live up to your name and be patient. Your recklessness is a mixed bag of trouble. That’s what I get for helping your kind.”
My lungs deflated.
The camaraderie and hope I had in my chest for the countess leached. I was again the label ofother.
Not once since Lady Shrewsbury rescued me had I been made to feelother. From Markham or the butler, I wore a shield to protect my soft heart. For the countess, a woman I admired, I was bare.
What was left of my pride dropped to the pit of my stomach. “My kind?”
“Yes. Foreigners. People birthed in England have far more caution.”
I ripped off my gloves and looked down at my brown hands. “So, you don’t mean Blackamoor or mulatto?”
With Athena purring in her arms, the countess stood over the table. “Injustice looks the same on all women, the same. You’re a cheated widow made destitute by your husband’s dastardly family. My goal is to restore you and every widow whose been denied her rightful place, like I was.”
Her mouth lifted into a smile, and my heart again saw acceptance, understanding, even love.
“Let’s have tea. Even Demerarans fancy tea. I’ve left you stirring over an empty cup long enough.”
Spicy rum or tangy sorrel punch made from the petals of sweet hibiscus flowers was a favorite drink of my homeland, but warm tea was lovely.
“Mrs. Kelly is here.”
“What? They found your spy? Who will care for Lionel?”
“Calm yourself, Patience.”
After motioning to Athena to sit on her throne, Lady Shrewsbury went to the hearth. She retrieved a pot of steaming water. From a high shelf, she tugged down the lacquered, polished box used as a caddy for tea leaves, fresh ones, not used ones.
The countess brought everything to the table. “The duke sent her to me. He trusts that I will care for her. She was disoriented and fell down the stairs.”
The grand stairs? They were steep but so beautiful when the mahogany balusters and newel posts were polished to shine.
Waving the countess’s hands from the pot, I steeped our tea, then strained the golden liquid into the snow-white cups.
“My nephew confirmed that the Duke of Repington has not only seized Hamlin but also has made arrangements to stay at Hamlin long-term. I hope the duke trims the lawn in the spring. I hate leasing next to shabbily kept grounds.”
I almost dropped my cup. “Lawns?” I bounced up. “If this man is decent, I should go to him and tell him who I am.”
“It’s not that simple.” Lady Shrewsbury waved her hands, motioning for me to retake my seat, “The duke is not easy. He’s taken Hamlin Hall with an armed battalion and has dismissed the entire staff. He’s not sorting out good servants from bad ones. He’s made one quick judgment. We can’t have him doing that with you.”
“But, Countess, if I go now—”
“He’s a bull, a lusty bull. Bulls are not reasoned with. Their suspicions must be slaughtered, killed with kindness and loyalty.” The countess stroked Athena’s thick fur.
The kitty rolled on to her back as if to demand,Tickle me here. Athena had more control of her life and little body than I had of mine.
