Page 67 of The Wise Daughter
Aaron took a deep breath and really looked at his butler. Chuff carried himself stiffly with one brow lifted higher than the other as if he were always slightly amused. Aaron thought Chuff took pride in his position at the castle, but was it possible Aaron was now seeing smugness in his butler? Bitterness? Deceit? Aaron grew cold. He had never considered Chuff a suspect, but shouldn’t he follow Nora’s counsel and at least consider it if he was to find the culprits? If he was to be ruthless in his search, he had to consider everyone. Even Chuff. Even Carver. He had to force suspicion where it did not occur naturally to him.
“Perhaps you can help me, Chuff. I’ll be looking over the ledgers today, and I’d like you to send Carver to talk with me the moment he returns.”
“Of course, Your Grace.”
“And do you happen to know where my mother’s instruments are, the ones that used to be in the music room? Carver mentioned having them moved when the chimney was cleaned. I’d like to see them.” Aaron was beginning to suspect that they were missing and not merely put away for safekeeping.
Chuff looked off to the side as if the instruments might be sitting in the corner behind the curtains. “I’m sorry, Your Grace. I don’t know where they are.” He looked pained to say it. “I remember Carver speaking of how much they meant to you, so he took pains to oversee their care himself. I do know that musicians have been hired for the servants ball and will have their own instruments with them.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Aaron was happy to see the spark of glee in Chuff’s usual stiffness at the mention of the ball. “I’ll also ask Carver about my mother’s instruments when he returns.”
Chuff placed a hand on his heart as if swearing fealty. “I’ll send him to you the moment I see him, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, Chuff.” Aaron turned around to leave.
“Oh, Your Grace! There is a reason I came looking for you. Mr. and Mrs. Hansley and Lady Ellen Bilford are here. I’ve shown them to the south drawing room.”
Confound it!Distraction after distraction. Lord Bilford was bad enough. Now his daughter wanted to torment him as well? What would Nora think now?
“Thank you, Chuff.”
“If I may be so bold, I have a question for you, Your Grace.”
Aaron didn’t like the way Chuff nervously twisted his fingers together. “Yes, go on.”
“Is it true you plan to reduce everyone’s wages for the rest of the year?”
“What? Of course not. Where did you hear such a thing?”
“Some of the servants are saying you will lower wages to pay for the expense of the ball.” Despite Chuff’s ever-proper exterior, his face was full of uncertainty.
“I have no intention of doing such a thing. The ball is my gift to you all as well as Miss Lacy’s. I’ll bear all expenses myself.”
Chuff’s upper brow twitched. “Then you will not object if I pass along that knowledge to the others.”
“Not at all. I wish to dispel any such rumors to the contrary.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
As Chuff turned away, Aaron headed for the south drawing room, thinking over their conversation. Why would the servants assume the expense of the ball was to come from their own wages? Did they really think he was so greedy with his money?
When he arrived at the drawing room, he heard Nora’s voice inside, the door slightly ajar. Aaron couldn’t resist holding still and listening a moment before entering.
“I assure you, Lady Ellen, I’m quite surprised to learn that you consider yourself engaged to the duke. As far as I am aware, there was never an understanding between the two of you.”
“I wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t. What a shock this must be for you, Miss Lacy. Everyone in these parts has heard of our forthcoming engagement. Our fathers had been planning our union for some time. The late duke’s passing was most unfortunate. If it weren’t for Aaron’s need to mourn, we might already be married.”
Aaron cringed, hearing the lady’s self-assured voice. Aaron hadn’t seen or spoken with Lord Bilford’s daughter since he was a child, and he hadn’t sought out her company once in the few months that he had been home. The idea that they could be engaged was preposterous.
Lady Ellen continued, “It’s understandable that you would be upset, Miss Lacy. What a naughty duke for leading you along like that! But I intend to hold Aaron to the betrothal. Why, even Mr. and Mrs. Hansley support my claim.”
Aaron cringed again hearing this grasping lady use his Christian name.
Mr. Hansley was next to speak. “As the rector, I am only interested in seeing that promises are honored, especially those pertaining to marriage.”
“Of course, Mr. Hansley,” Nora responded. “I completely understand.”
“And I intend to see to it,” continued Lady Ellen, her voice carrying a new edge, “that Aaron does not commit a breach of promise. I would hate to start our marriage by taking it up with the court.”
