The charm he had once presumed irresistible appeared woefully ineffective. As woefully ineffective upon the servant as it had been upon her mistress.
"'Tis shepherd's pie, hardly a masterpiece."
"Ah, but in the hands of an artist even shepherd's pie can be a masterpiece. And you are, indeed, an artist."
If anything, the woman regarded him with even sharper suspicion. "Miss Jocelyn warned me you possessed the silver tongue of the devil. I now understand why."
Lucien was not remotely surprised.
He had known from the moment he had entered this house that the young maiden had felt uneasy in his presence.
Unfortunately the Medallion she wore about her neck made any attempt to use a Compulsion spell impossible. The ancient artifact was powerful enough to protect her from even the most devious skills a vampire possessed. He would have to win her trust by more difficult and time-consuming means.
Not one of his more notable talents.
"Did she?" he murmured. "A most intriguing and unique young woman."
"And far too wise for the likes of you," the woman retorted.
"Ah, Meg, you wound me."
"Not yet I haven't, but I certainly will if you take it in mind to toy with Miss Jocelyn."
Lucien gave a startled laugh, discovering he quite enjoyed bantering with this gruff old tartar.
For all her crusty manners, it was evident that she was utterly devoted to Jocelyn.
"I beg your pardon?"
The servant planted her hands upon her ample hips. "Miss Kingly is a fine, decent maiden who has endured far more heartache and disappointment than any lady should. I would willingly thump my frying pan upon the head of anyone foolish enough to bring her pain again."
Lucien was instantly intrigued. Heartache and disappointment?
Knowledge was always power, and he very much desired to know as much of Jocelyn as possible.
"How very distressful. She is far too young to have endured the pains of this world. Tell me, what was the source of this heartache?"
"It is her story to tell if she so chooses. Just remember that I shall be keeping a close eye upon you."
He met the warning gaze squarely. He could, of course, force her to speak of Miss Kingly's past, and anything else he might desire, but he resisted temptation. Other than himself, this woman was the only person in London willing to stake all to protect the vulnerable maiden. He might very well need her with her wits clear.
"I have no intention of harming Miss Kingly," he retorted. "I would never harm any young maiden. But neither will I ignore her. She has an obvious need for my company."
"Need for your company? And what can you mean by that?"
"There is a deep sadness in her eyes."
"Fah. That I already know. As does all of London. As I said, she has endured betrayal in her past."
"And she does not allow the wounds to heal," he said softly, keeping Meg's reluctant gaze trapped with his own. "A fatal mistake. Bitterness is like an infection that will destroy her soul if it is not cleansed."
As obviously aware as Lucien of Jocelyn's brittle wounds, the woman grudgingly lowered her guard.
"Perhaps. How do you propose to cleanse this bitterness?"
"First by revealing that there is still joy to be found in this world."
The pale eyes narrowed. "How much joy?"