Page 52 of The Bastard's Iberian Bride
She shoved back the covers and took a sip. Chocolate was a rare treat. “Oh, this is divine. But it’s so late. Why didn’t you wake me?”
“You were up half the night and finally sleeping so soundly.”
“I must find—.” She bit off the next words,Mr. Gibson.
“He’s ridden for the magistrate.”
She climbed from the bed juggling her cup. Perhaps he’d found the ring and would charge Agruen with theft. “Why? What happened?”
“Well, no one is saying much, but they’re all a-whispering, and one of the maids is still abed, but no one is allowed to talk to her except the housekeeper. They’re saying she’s sick.”
“Have you seen Jenny? What does she say?”
“That good girl you had running all night with your laundry and such? I’ve not seen her either. But I heard whispers Lord Agruen’s valet islocked upin astout shedback beyond the stables, with two of the footmen keeping watch.”
Paulette’s heart quickened and she gripped the cup tighter. His valet was locked up, and a maid abed. One didn’t have to have a governess to deduce the connection.
A dagger to the man’s privates would be the proper solution.
Mabel reached for her cup, a strand of hair peeping from under her cap. She must have had a long visit to the stables to wheedle her news.
“That was a very long whisper, I’d say. I wonder where you heard it.”
Mabel shrugged.
“Well, then,” Paulette said, “Where’s Agruen?”
“Johnny said he’s out with the other lords shooting.”
“And where’s Thomas?”
“Thomas?”
“Lord Hackwell’s brother. Did you not see him last night? A tall boy?”
“Why, in the nursery, I suppose.”
Paulette poured another cup of chocolate, and drank it down, her stomach growling. Perhaps there would still be some cold toast and bacon set out. Perhaps Lady Hackwell was in the breakfast room. Perhaps she would tell her what happened to the maid.
And perhaps she would also know when Mr. Gibson was to return.
She must try to find out without sounding too interested.
Lady Hackwell appearedfor breakfast a little after Paulette. When Paulette inquired about the ill maid, Lady Hackwell sent the footman for more tea and coffee and bade him close the door. She slid her plate near Paulette’s and drew closer.
“Lord Agruen’s valet assaulted one of my maids last night.” Her voice shook and her fist tightened around her knife.
Paulette’s skin crawled. It was as bad as she had thought. The valetwouldbe as vile as the master.
“I would be pleased if you would not mention this to anyone for the girl’s sake. We are still sorting out the facts.”
Had it been unwelcome?
“Mr. Gibson and the housekeeper discovered them. It was quite unpleasant.”
She pictured Agruen’s valet sneaking into the women’s quarters. “Oh, the poor girl.”
“Yes.”
