She could never know him.
He drew a ragged breath, torn between relief and regret. Though why he should feel regret he was not sure.
“Is that why you want to go to London?” he asked. “To make a new life?”
She blinked those long, lovely lashes like a dreamer waking from sleep. “What?”
He helped her over a log fallen in the snow. “You wanted to talk with me about a position in London.”
“Not for myself. For Miss Finch. Julia’s lady’s maid.”
Lucien raised his brows. “If the girl thinks to improve her lot in London, why doesn’t she apply to your housekeeper for a reference? Or Lady Basing.”
“Her lot is not so easily remedied,” Aimée said. “She is with child.”
Ah.
Lucien considered. “Can the father be brought to marry her?”
Aimée pressed her lips together. “No.”
Suspicion stirred in his gut. “Basing?” he asked grimly.
She lifted one shoulder in a little shrug. “He denies it. He will not take any financial responsibility for her or the child.”
Swiving son of a bitch. “So you came to me.”
“I am not asking you for money,” Aimée said hastily. “I know you are . . . That is, this is none of your affair. But . . .”
She knew he was short on funds. She had applied to him for help anyway. He was oddly moved by her trust.
“You did the right thing,” he said. “Martin can take her to Fanny.”
“Fanny?”
“Fanny Grinton on Maiden Lane. She can give your maid shelter until permanent placement can be found.”
Aimée bit her lower lip. “How much will it cost? I can contribute a little to Finch’s keep, but . . .”
He shook his head. “It isn’t necessary.”
She shot him a skeptical look, very French. “Your Miss Grinton takes in boarders out of the goodness of her heart?”
“Yes,” he said shortly.
She looked unconvinced.
“Fanny was in service herself once,” he explained reluctantly. “Until she was debauched by the master of the house. When his wife threw her into the street, Fanny prostituted herself to survive. Now she rescues others who have suffered a similar fate.”
“This is an inspiring story. But inspiration does not pay the bills.”
“The residents of the house take in sewing and laundry. They contribute what they can,” he said.
“And you provide the rest,” Aimée guessed with an approving nod. “Which is altogether noble and generous of you.”
He was shaken by her faith in him. Unlike Amherst, she believed the best of him without hesitation. Without question.
He did not deserve her good opinion.