Page 31 of The Gilded Masquerade

All names from the calling cards.

“The young woman is visiting from America with her relations.”

“That would be four of ’em.”

“Why, so many of them!”

“Right you are! Well-enough folk, but you can hear them before you see them.”

“In such case, I require to confer with Mrs. Atherton. Would she be in service today?”

“’Tis just me. Mrs. Atherton has the grip.”

“How unfortunate.” Failure on his first mission for the master was not agreeable.

He turned to examine the lodger by the fire, considering that the finely dressed gentleman could possibly be the young lady’s uncle. It was worth a go.

Sliding the parcel from the desk, he walked to the parlor and the pleasant looking balding man sporting a neatly groomed mustache.

“I beg your pardon, sir,” he said.

“Yes?” the gentleman replied, lowering the newspaper.

Tipping the brim of his hat, he inclined his head. “I am terribly sorry to interrupt your leisure. Perchance you can be of assistance to me.”

“Please sit,” he invited in a distinctly American accent. “You look as though you have walked some distance.”

The innkeeper passed, and the gentleman lifted his hand to her. “Please bring this gentleman a cup of tea.”

He looked at the man oddly. “You wish me to join you, sir?”

“I do, indeed.”

“I … yes … Thank you.”

Hesitating, he removed his hat.

Studying him over his nose spectacles, the American gestured to the chair. “You appear uncomfortable in the invitation, yet you agreed?”

“I find that one should not refuse civility,” he replied taking the seat.

“What is your name?”

“Grayson.”

The man leaned toward him, whispering. “I beg your pardon, Mr. Grayson, but I could not avoid overhearing some of your conversation with the clerk. You are looking for someone?”

“Indeed so, though I believe I have found him.”

Removing his glasses, the gentleman settled them upon the newspaper on his lap. “Have you, now?”

“You are connected to the young lady and her aunt presently visiting Pemberley?”

Carefully smoothing his fingers down his whiskers, the gentleman considered him but did not answer. After an uncomfortable pause, he took a sip of tea, then said, “I am connected, as you say.”

“Very good.” He presented the carefully wrapped parcel, repositioning the small nosegay his master so carefully gathered for Lizzy. “This was entrusted to me for her.”

“By whom?”