“Can ye imagine Mama and Papa’s reaction when we arrive back home with the earl in tow?” She sat up and crossed her legs. “Ne’er mind that we traveled with himaloneall the way back from Tywnholm. They’ll also find out that I wasna visiting my friend. This is just one big mess.”
Mary put down the night chemise she’d withdrawn from Lizzie’s bag and sat down beside her, patting her leg.
“Dinna fash, Miss. Ye’re parents have always been most understanding.”
Lizzie shook her head. “No’ about this. I lied, Mary. They willna take kindly to that.”
Mary sighed, worry creasing her forehead.
Lizzie grasped her hands in hers. She knew what her maid was thinking. If Lizzie was going to pay the price for her disobedience, Mary would surely be punished as well for allowing it to happen.
“I promise ye, Mary. Naught will happen to ye. I will make sure of it. Ye only did this because I tricked ye into it. Lord kens, my parents understand me well enough. They’ll ken I left ye no choice. Ye needna fash.”
Mary gave her a small smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Lizzie was overcome with guilt with the realization that her actions could very well have dire consequences for Mary. But she meant her promises to her maid and planned to keep them. She would not let her lose her employment due to something that Lizzie made her do.
“Are ye hungry?” Lizzie asked brightly, hoping the change of subject would lighten the mood. “Let us get ready to eat. I dinna want to keep the earl waiting.” She lowered her voice as if he could hear them through the door and across the hall. “I’ve a feeling that he doesna appreciate tardiness.”
They both giggled and fell back on the bed together, staring at the ceiling.
“’Tis thoughtful of the earl to take the journey back to Stonehaven slow. That must mean he believes ye, aye?”
Lizzie sighed. “I dinna ken. I am no’ so certain he believes me, but it does seem that he is giving us some leeway by no’ rushing us back.”
Mary pushed herself off the bed and pulled Lizzie with her.
“Come on, Miss. Let us make ye presentable for the earl.”
“Mary,” she exclaimed. “Dinna jest with such things. I will be presentable for dinner, no’ for the earl.”
Mary lifted an eyebrow. “I am no’ blind, Miss. I see the way ye look at the man. He is quite handsome, I must admit. Even if he is a wee bit gruff.”
“Dinna forget he also thinks I’m a thief.” She laughed in disbelief. “Can ye imagine, Mary? Me as the Phantom Prowler? ’Tis comical to say the least. I could ne’er pull off such heists.”
“Truer words ye have ne’er muttered, Miss. Ye couldna e’en pull off this one.” Mary chuckled as she stuck her head in the wardrobe. “Have ye any preferences on what to wear this eve?”
Lizzie shook her head. “If I havena been in this gown for so long, I would just stay as is, but I dinna think that would be proper.” She got up and looked at her dress choices. “How about this one?” She pointed to a light-blue gown adorned with ivory-colored lace.
Mary nodded and began to work her magic. Once she was dressed, they moved onto her hair. After a badly needed brushing, Mary twisted it into a tight chignon and secured it with a ribbon that matched the blue of her dress.
“Happy?” Mary asked as she looked at her in the reflection of the looking glass.
“Once again, Mary, ye have managed a miracle.” She spun in the chair. “’Tis another reason my parents willna reprieve ye of your position. I need ye too much.”
Her maid smiled and this time, her eyes brightened with the gesture.
Lizzie really did not want Mary making herself sick of the possibility of losing her job. Her parents could be angered with her all they wanted, but she wouldna allow them to take out their frustrations on poor Mary.
A sharp knock sounded, and Lizzie jumped. “Miss Barclay,” the earl called from the hall. “Are ye ladies ready for dinner?”
Mary approached the door but looked at Lizzie before opening it, only doing so when Lizzie gave her a nod to do so.
“My lord.” Mary dipped into a curtsy when she swung the door open.
Lizzie did the same and when she lifted her head and looked at the earl, her breath hitched in her throat. He looked devastatingly dashing in his deep-green waistcoat and white ruffled shirt. Black breeches hugged his muscular thighs and Lizzie felt scandalous just noticing that fact.
“Shall we?”
She snapped her eyes to his face, and cleared her throat, nodding. “Aye, my lord.”
