The Virtuous Ward - By Karla Darcy Page 0,54

a feeling of lightness and joy that had been absent before Amity flew into his life. It was apparent in the smiling faces of the servants and in an air of happiness that crept into each room like the bowls of flowers the girl was forever arranging.

However after his discussion with Honoria, Max knew that he would need to determine what the girl was up to. He could not close his eyes to the possibility that her impetuous nature might have catapulted her into some sort of trouble.

The first thing he needed was information. Although he could ask Putnam, he was not positive the starchy man would give him satisfactory answers to his questions. All of the servants had become slaves to Amity's slightest wish. They fair doted on the minx and despite the fact their first allegiance was to Max, he suspected they would protect her from his wrath if put to the test. Besides he would much prefer to find out on his own and deal with it himself.

In particular, Max was determined to communicate directly with Amity's soldier. If the man somehow were taking advantage of her trusting nature, Max intended to teach him a very painful lesson.

Putnam was not to be approached, so Max's next possibility for information was his own valet. The old man was always aware of the goings on in the household and, less astute than the butler, might not be aware of Max's gentle probing. Unfortunately he would have to wait until morning to question Wilberforce, since several years ago he had told the old man he was quite capable of finding his own way to bed. On that thought, he downed the last of his brandy and quitted the library for his bed.

After a good night's sleep, Max was awake on all counts when Wilberforce threw back the draperies to announce the arrival of the day.

"Tis a fine morning, your lordship," the little man chirped. "Did you have a good evening, sir?"

"It was the usual crush, but the wine at least was tolerable." Max's voice was muffled as he slipped the nightshirt over his head. "Was Lady Grassmere feeling better?"

"She had an early night of it, so's I should imagine she'll feel more the thing this morning. She's no longer young, milord, and she's been out quite a bit with Miss Amity."

"I assume Miss Amity retired early. I had hoped to have a few words with her last night," he said as he made his morning ablutions and returned to the bedroom.

"She read for some time in the library, but was not up much past ten of the clock. I think the fawn trousers, milord," Wilberforce said, indicating the clothes already laid out. "And perhaps a Waterfall?" he asked, holding up a snowy cravat hopefully.

"Just something simple," Max suggested, easing into the dark superfine jacket.

"As you say, milord."

Wilberforce sniffed his disapproval and busied himself straightening the room, his face wearing a look of injury. Timing his actions perfectly, he appeared at Max's side with the jewelry box just as his master completed the last of his dressing. Max extracted a garnet ring and a carved gold ring then busied himself with the alignment of his watch chain.

Keeping his head bent and his voice bored, Max asked abruptly, "Will Miss Fraser be meeting with the soldier today?"

"Aye, milord, tis Tuesday," Wilberforce answered without any sign that the question was unusual. He closed the jewelry box and returned it to the dressing room.

While the man was gone, Max congratulated himself on the inspired guess but composed his expression to one of disinterest. Luckily for the valet's peace of mind, he did not see the calculation in the green eyes of his master when he returned.

"The ivory walking stick, Wilberforce," Max requested. When his valet handed it to him, he tapped the knobby top against his cheek, his eyebrows furrowed in question. "I must be aging, old man. I have quite forgot what Miss Amity said as to time and place."

"Never say, milord. You're looking younger by the day," the valet argued. He scratched the sparse white hair on his head, then smiled in triumph. "As I recollect it's the park at half after one of the clock."

Max was afraid of putting the wind up the little man with any more questions. He assumed by the vaguely waving hand of the servant that the park in question was the one two blocks from the townhouse. He thanked the valet and strolled from the room,