Page 44 of The Wise Daughter
“I knew I liked you the minute I saw you.” Mrs. Bloom began interrogating Nora about her favorite foods as well as anything she disliked when Chuff and Mr. Carver entered.
“Miss Lacy,” Mr. Carver snapped, “why are we here? There is an enormous amount of work to be done, and this interruption is costing us precious time.”
Nora still didn’t know what to think of Mr. Carver other than he obviously approached his responsibilities with utter solemnity. “I apologize for that, but I felt it was necessary to meet everyone. Now seemed like the perfect time.”
“Right now? All at once? Did the duke approve of this rash action?”
Chuff was watching the exchange in quiet interest. Nora couldn’t tell whether he agreed with Mr. Carver or not. In fact, most of the servants were watching the exchange, some with worry, some with interest, a few with amusement. Well, Aaron may have had a history of answering to Mr. Carver, but she did not.
“Mr. Carver, I appreciate your concern, but I never ask permission to do anything my conscience already feels perfectly at ease doing. I’m sure it is both a flaw and a strength of mine.”
Mr. Carver was starting to turn red in the face, his features stern, when a ripple of murmurs hissed through the crowd.
“Is that the duke? Is it really him?”
“Who else could it be?”
“It’s him. I’ve seen him a few times now since the lady arrived.”
“I thought he was too sickly to leave his bedchamber.”
The crowd of servants parted, and Aaron began greeting the servants until he was at Nora’s side. The solicitor, Mr. Cornell, was following a few steps behind, looking around as if he didn’t know what to do with himself.
Aaron took her hands and kissed her knuckles. “How are you this morning, my darling?”
Darling?Nora had to stop herself from making a face. She had never fancied being called anything other than her name, but she could play along.
“I’m quite well, my duke.”
She bit her lip.My duke?What a silly attempt at a pet name! But his lips broke into a grin that resembled the particularly foolish one he had worn when she had expressed her suspicions about his experience courting women.
Nora could feel every eye upon them. Despite the confidence she wore in front of Mr. Carver, Nora really did want to know what Aaron thought of her impromptu meeting. At least, he did not look upset.
He faced everyone and raised his voice. “I’m glad you are all here and have had the chance to meet my lovely bride-to-be. I hope you will be happy to learn that, at Miss Lacy’s urging, I have decided to throw a servants’ ball.” Several high-pitched gasps from the ladies and low-pitched hums of approval from the men echoed through the hall along with applause. “Since returning to the castle over three months ago, I have been most remiss in not knowing you or showing my gratitude for the work you do for me day in and day out. Now that I’m engaged, I’m eager to celebrate so we may all become a more unified household. The ball will be a fortnight from today.”
This earned a chorus of cheers. Nora had the sudden, irrational urge to throw her arms around Aaron’s neck. Fortunately, a room full of people prevented her from embarrassing herself.
Janie and the other maids clapped their hands and eagerly chatted away. A few strapping stablehands eyed them as if already planning their first dance. Even Mr. Chuff looked pleased, and if Nora was not mistaken, his eyes drifted to Mrs. Bloom. Nora was almost convinced Mr. Carver, who had not reacted at all, was made of stone until an unassuming smile appeared on his lips.
“Excellent idea, Your Grace.”
Even a grumpy, old steward must enjoy a holiday now and then.But she remembered her initial reasons for calling the meeting.
“Mr. Carver?” Nora asked, “would you be so kind as to take note of anyone not present with us right now? I would like to personally invite anyone who missed this meeting to the ball.”
“Of course.” Mr. Carver bowed. “So long as His Grace understands that your list is yet another delay to resuming our usual tasks.”
When Aaron said nothing, he surveyed the crowd and walked off, presumably to carry out her request. Mr. Cornell took his leave as the regiment of servants began to trickle out.
Aaron leaned close and whispered, “I’m ready for our ride whenever you are.” Even softer, he added, “I’m eager to learn what prompted this meeting.”
Nora acknowledged him with a small nod and kept her voice low. “While you were in your meeting, I’m fairly certain I saw a thief leaving the castle.”
His eyes sharpened. “So anyone not here…”
Nora nodded, pleased he understood her reasoning. “Did you notice a certain person missing among the staff?”
He looked around and shook his head. “There are too many I’ve only just met, same as you.”
