of his second marriage. It seemed odd, but perhaps it was an American belief that illness should be hidden away.
“I would like my daughter to be happy, of course,” Allington went on. “As long as we’re laying our cards on the table, I will tell you I agreed to a large dowry under pressure from her stepmother. That pressure is gone, and I’m no longer inclined to do that.”
James set his jaw. “I understand, sir. I want to marry Miss Allington just the same, and I would like your permission to press my suit.”
Allington’s grin returned. “As we don’t have to talk about money, you have my permission. My blessing.” His grin widened. “I wish you luck, son. No idea what she’ll say.”
He didn’t add, until James was already at the door, “Better watch out, my lord. Annis knows things, things she shouldn’t. She’s a hard girl to deceive.”
The thought did nothing to improve James’s confidence. Fortunately, he had no intention of deceiving Annis about anything.
46
Harriet
The Dakota’s doorman looked shocked at the sight of Harriet and Annis lifting a dirty, unkempt wretch down from the Allington carriage. His earlier deference disappeared, and he thrust his hands into the pockets of his uniform as if to make clear he would not touch the person Miss Bishop had inexplicably chosen to bring to his establishment.
Harriet glared at him. “We will need the elevator,” she said, in a tone that meant she had no expectation of being refused. Annis, wide-eyed, watched the man back away, his mouth pulled down in distaste. The aura of magic had dissipated, evidently. The doorman did, however, lead the way to the elevator and open the gate to it, though he scowled throughout the operation.
Harriet did not thank him. She and Annis bundled Frances into the elevator, and Harriet operated the device on her own.
“He can’t stop you from having her here, can he?” Annis asked.
“No. He’s only the sentry, but he’s the biggest snob in a building full of snobs.” The elevator clanked to a stop on her floor, and Harriet unlatched the gate. They maneuvered Frances to the door of Harriet’s apartment.
Harriet pulled out her key and inserted it into the lock. “Go back to Robbie, Annis. It’s best I handle introducing Grace to Frances on my own.”
“Are you sure?”
“Oh yes.” Harriet pushed the door open and drew Frances through it. “You should go home. I’m sure James is waiting for you.”
“Yes.”
“Do you know what you’re going to say to him?”
“No.”
“Do you want to be a marchioness?”
“I wouldn’t mind. Seabeck is wonderful, and the horses—”
Grace’s quick footsteps sounded in the hall on the way to the front door. Their conversation would have to wait. “Go now,” Harriet said. “Before Grace gets here. I’ll expect you tomorrow morning. But send Velma tonight, will you? Assuming she’s willing.”
By the time Grace reached the door, Annis had disappeared down the staircase. Grace exclaimed, “Oh! My goodness gracious, Miss Harriet, you’ve brought Mrs. Allington. What a surprise! Dear me, poor Mrs. Allington, you don’t look at all well. Are you going to stay? I had no idea. I would have aired the spare bedroom.” Harriet had a good grip on Frances’s left arm, and Grace hurried to take her right.
As they made an awkward progress down the corridor, Grace chattered on. “I would say the first thing for poor Mrs. Allington is a warm bath and a good hair wash. Mrs. Allington, wouldn’t you like that? A nice long bath and some fresh clothes will make you feel ever so much better. Then some soup, I think. I’ve made a nice thick chicken soup, the kind Miss Harriet loves, and…”
Grace was one person, at least, who would not mind Frances’s failure to answer questions. Harriet helped her to guide Frances into the spare bedroom. They settled her safely in an armchair, and Grace hurried to begin filling a tub. When she returned, leaving the taps running, Harriet said, “I’d better stay with you, Grace. I’m afraid Frances is unable to do anything much for herself.”
As if to dramatize the problem, Frances slumped over the arm of the chair, and her head fell back as if she could no longer hold it up.
“Oh dear, oh dear,” Grace said. “What are we going to do with her?”
“We have to keep her here, I’m afraid. I couldn’t leave her in that place.”
“Keep her—forever?” Grace’s usual pleasant expression faltered.
“I’m sorry, Grace, but yes. Annis’s maid is coming. She has been caring for Frances since