Page 32 of The Lord's Compass
She nodded, curtsying slightly before leaving the room.
As Eric and Faith rose from the table, Faith leaned into him, her breath tickling his neck. He would have enjoyed it except that he was quite ticklish there and he couldn’t help but flinch. “What was that about?” she asked.
“Just trying to get closer to the staff, hoping to learn something.”
She nodded. “Let me try something.” She turned around and spoke in a louder tone. “Abello, do you suppose Lola could spare a few moments to help me undress?”
“I shall send her up,” he said, and Faith shot Eric a triumphant smile as they exited through the door.
“I will have a chat with her, woman to woman.”
“Do women trust you?” he couldn’t help but ask, and she looked at him sharply.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing,” he bluffed. “You are most charming.”
“I have charmed you, haven’t I?” she asked, raising a brow and he sighed, shaking his head.
“Apparently,” he sighed. “I just wish I knew how.”
That earned him a swat before they entered their rooms, but she was laughing, at least.
He’d take it.
* * *
“Thank you very much,Lola. I do appreciate your assistance,” Faith said when the maid entered her room to help her. Faith had made sure that the door was closed between her chamber and Eric’s, for she wanted Lola to feel free to share without any reservations. She sensed that the girl was intimidated by Eric, and Faith didn’t blame her – Eric might put people at ease, but he could also be an overwhelming presence.
“Of course, my lady,” she said.
“My husband” –now there was something she never thought she would say, especially about Eric— “can sometimes be a bit too friendly and forward. I hope he did not make you feel uncomfortable.”
Lola met her eyes in the mirror as she removed the pins from Faith’s hair.
“Not at all,” she said. “It is only that I have not cooked long so I was unsure if it was satisfactory. There was also very little in the stores so I did the best I could?—”
She clamped her lips together suddenly as though realizing she had, perhaps, said too much.
“I understand,” Faith said, pretending that she had said nothing of significance. “DonRaphael was not expecting us, so how could he have been prepared?”
Faith hoped she sounded compassionate. She was usually much more direct, but she tried to imagine that she was speaking to her sister, Hope, who was more emotional in her responses, causing Faith to have to be more careful of how she spoke to her.
“Yes,” Lola said, but her gaze dipped, telling Faith that there was more to this story.
“Do you enjoy cooking?” Faith attempted.
“I do,” Lola said. “It is usually just for the few servants, however.”
“I see,” Faith said. “Has there been the same number of servants since you began?”
“Yes.”
“Well, hopefully, if the family stays in residence they might add more staff so that you can have more company,” Faith said in what she hoped was a cheerful voice.
“I believe there will be more staff if the family is ever able to restore their fortunes. They have gambled most of it away.”
“I am sorry to hear it,” Faith said, her words true.
