house, but most others. And here she was about to meet the one person whose respect she’d most like to have—if the future Ethan had promised came to be, that is—and she was afraid to look her in the eye. Was she the sort of woman who’d understand Lucy’s choice? Ethan’s father was stiff-necked and particular, by all accounts. Wouldn’t his mother be the same? Lucy had worried they’d look down on her as a mere farm laborer’s daughter; she’d never imagined they’d have cause to doubt her personal respectability. How could Ethan have left her to face this all alone? Where had he gone? And what was he telling people? Surely he wouldn’t mention their attachment without speaking to her first? Only he might. And then wouldn’t the other servants stare? What if… oh… what if his mother marched right in to object, when she hadn’t said a word to Miss Charlotte about Ethan?
The morning room door opened, and Lucy’s heart went to her throat. She stood quickly. But it was only a maid with a tray of tea things. She set it down in front of Miss Charlotte and gave her a kind smile. “Nice cup of tea for you, ma’am.”
“Thank you.” Miss Charlotte didn’t sound like herself. Lucy looked at her and realized that she was at the end of her rope—drooping and silent and… sad somehow. That was strange.
“Is there anything else I can get you?” asked the maid.
Lucy stepped forward. She’d gotten so wrapped up in her own concerns, she wasn’t doing what she’d come to do—take care of her mistress. That was her job and her right; the fact gave her courage. “Miss Charlotte’s worn out,” she said. It wasn’t anyone’s business why. “She needs to lie down someplace private.”
The maid turned to her. She was curious; that was clear. But she seemed friendly, too. “Of course. I’ll take you up to one of the guest rooms, shall I?”
Lucy nodded firmly. “I’ll bring the tray.”
“I can get…”
Lucy simply picked it up and waited. The maid led them out and down the hall to the front stairs—thankfully empty—then up to a pleasant bedchamber overlooking a walled garden. Lucy set the tea on a table by one of the wide windows.
“There you are. If you need anything, just ring. My name’s Sally.”
“Thank you,” said Lucy and her mistress at the same time. Sally gave them a last broad smile before closing the door behind her.
Miss Charlotte let out a long sigh. “Thank you, Lucy,” she said. “I was… it is good to be away from everyone.”
With tasks to do, Lucy’s confidence returned. “Let’s just take off your gown, Miss Charlotte, so it won’t be crumpled. And then you can lie down in that bed and have a cup of tea, if you like, and maybe sleep awhile. I know you didn’t get much sleep last night.”
“No. I don’t know if I will be able to…”
“Well, why not see?” She should have asked for her luggage to be brought up, Lucy thought. She’d been in too much of a hurry to get rid of the housemaid. She’d have to ring for it—later.
She bustled about, getting Miss Charlotte into bed. When she was settled there, her eyelids soon began to droop, and shortly she was asleep.
Lucy sat on a chaise by the second window. She had nowhere else to go. She looked out over the masses of flowers and trimmed shrubs in the garden. That would be Mr. Trask’s work, she realized; another sign of Ethan’s connection with this place. This was his home; he didn’t feel alien and uncertain here, and he’d obviously abandoned her for his family and friends. But at least no one would enter this room without knocking. She’d have some warning. Lulled by Miss Charlotte’s even breathing, she put her feet up on the chaise and lay back. In a very short time, Lucy was asleep as well. Silence descended on the room.
Twenty-five
When Alec plodded into the stable yard two hours later, he had no energy left. His thoughts were centered on food and sleep and a wash. He knew he had to rally to organize the search for Charlotte, and he would. That came first, no matter what. But his eyes felt gritty with lack of sleep, and his body ached from many hours in the saddle.
He blinked. The paved yard between the stables and the back door seemed remarkably crowded. Two maidservants were arguing with each other, one shaking a finger