Page 31 of His Grace, the Duke
“Yes, fresh oysters,” said Mrs. Robbins, nodding at the maid to take note. “Scotch woodcock and pâté, caviar, quail’s egg quiche. And for the sweet course?”
Rosalie smiled. “An assortment of marzipan, sweet jellies and petit fours, flavored ices. I’m sure the pastry chef will know how to dazzle us. If the staff here is anything like that at Alcott, we will all be left in wonder at their culinary artistry.”
Mrs. Robbins was not the type to let compliments penetrate, not when she was focused on her task. She read over the maid’s shoulder, making sure it was all jotted down. “Mm... good, good. And for entertainment?”
Rosalie’s smile widened picturing James rubbing shoulders with jugglers and fire-eaters all evening. “I think I quite like your idea of performers. But let them mingle in the crowd and entertain,” she added. “Nothing formal. But we should have a set of dances to close out the night.”
“Excellent,” said Mrs. Robbins, rattling her tea aside and rising from the table. “Come with me, Miss Harrow, and I shall have you appraise our choice of linens.”
***
The day carried on with Rosalie following in Mrs. Robbins’ wake. In the span of a few hours, she’d been taken on a full tour of the house, met the chef, and coordinated with the butler on selecting a set of rooms that would be opened for the party. All the while, the house buzzed with staff feverishly working to make the house ready for the impending arrival of the rest of the house party.
At half past five, Rosalie finally escaped Mrs. Robbins and went in search of her bonnet and pelisse. She was determined to walk the gardens before the gong was rung for dinner. She made her way to the main stairs in the front hall. One hand on the rail, she raised her foot.
“Arrrgh!”
Rosalie shrieked and darted out of the way as a footman balancing a massive vase of flowers tripped mid-step. He tumbled down the stairs, and she watched the vase land on the steps, shattering into a thousand pieces.
CRASH.
The shards splintered everywhere, skittering down to slide across the marble floor. The poor footman grunted, a garden of fresh-cut flowers covering him and the steps.
“Are you alright?” Rosalie cried, rushing forward. She had to climb a few steps to meet him. She dropped to her knees.
The footman sat up, wig askew, his livery soaked by the spilled water. “M’fine.”
She took him by the elbow, trying to help him up.
As soon as he put weight on his ankle, he yelped like a dog and dropped back to the stairs, pulling Rosalie down with him.
“What in heaven’s name?” called Mrs. Robbins, emerging from around the corner. “Oh—gracious me—”
Two more footmen materialized, taking stock of the damage with wide eyes. They quickly rushed forward to help.
“What happened?” Mrs. Robbins shrieked.
“He tripped,” Rosalie replied, hand still on his arm.
“Gracious,” Mrs. Robbins said, flustered. “You leave this to us, dear. You’ll be needing to get upstairs, yes? Just around the corner. Past the picture of the hounds is a servant stairwell.”
“I can help—”
“Nonsense,” the housekeeper cried, shooing Rosalie away. The stairs were soon swarmed with the butler, two more footmen, and two maids all ready to tackle the mess. Heaving a sigh, Rosalie slipped away from all the commotion. She foundthe door to the servant’s stair easily enough. She didn’t make it two steps up the narrow stair before a slam from above told her someone else was in the stairwell. Heavy boots came spiraling down in a rush.
“Hello there,” she called, just as the occupant came round the corner. She gasped and stepped back along the wall, coming face to face with James.
His face was set in a scowl. “What is it with you and stairwells?”
16
James
James halted onthe step as he took in the sudden appearance of Rosalie. Her dark eyes were wide, her mouth opened in surprise. She instinctively leaned away from him, one hand rising to her chest.
“Heavens,” she breathed. “Why must you always pop out at me like that?”
“They aremystairs. Why do you always seem to haunt them? I begin to suspect you must lie in wait for me.”
