Page 41 of A Lady's Heart Deceived
His sister-in-law was in the drawing room on the second floor. As Piers stepped into the room, Elizabeth set the shirt she was stitching onto the side table and rose.
“How did the day with Maggie go? And, more importantly, did the blackguard show? I was expecting you home hours ago. I’ve barely gotten two buttons sewn on that shirt worrying over what might have happened.”
Piers could have kicked himself. Of course, Elizabeth would have been concerned. They should have stopped by the house before heading off to indulge their stomachs. His thoughts had only been of Maggie and how she had responded to the morning’s events.
“My apologies for keeping you in suspense, Elizabeth; it was not done deliberately. Robert Taylor came. Told a pack of lies about why he felt the need to fake his demise, after which Maggie gave him short shrift. We then left the King’s Head and she said she wanted to find some food. We’ve spent the past few hours on a slow tour of Much Park Street, visiting the pie shops. We ate so much that I can barely breathe.”
The expression on Elizabeth’s face didn’t soften. She was clearly worried. “So, it was Maggie’s idea to go and eat half a hundred-weight of baked pastries? Oh dear, that is not good.”
“Why would you say that? We had a lovely time.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. Piers recognized that look—it was her “I don’t believe it” face. One she was very good at using around both her husband and children.
“Because Maggie is clearly still in denial over everything. She is overcompensating. And when a woman does that, I can tell you it is never a good thing. Was she light and gay all day? Laughing at your jests?”
He pondered his response for a moment. Maggie had been bright and cheery, but he had seen that as having been a positive sign of her getting over Robert. She had been brave and strong in the hotel.
“She made it a fun outing. And yes, she did laugh at my pathetic attempts at humor,” he replied.
The kindhearted Elizabeth graciously didn’t give him her thoughts on that matter. She didn’t need to; the signs of Maggie’s odd behavior had all been there all along. He had just chosen not to see them.
Maggie had been effusive at every shop they visited, over friendly with the staff. And had purchased far too much food.
Denford, you dolt. Only small children and polite old ladies ever laugh at your jests.
Maggie was still in a world of pain.
How can she not be? It’s been barely a day since she discovered that her long-dead fiancé was, in fact, alive. Married. And the father of numerous children.
“What am I to do? I haven’t a clue as to how I can help her,” he said.
Elizabeth met his eyes. He was relieved to catch the kind smile on her lips. “You like Maggie, don’t you? In fact, I would go so far as to say you have a soft spot for her. That much has been apparent since you arrived. If you are open to my advice, I would suggest that now is a very good time to take a step back. Be her friend. That is what she needs from you. As for any other sort of connection between the two of you, let Maggie take the reins.”
Wise words indeed. If he pushed things with Maggie, she might well retreat further into herself. She had enough to contend with at present without him being selfish and asking for more.
And what in all honesty can I offer her?
The brief kiss they had shared had been nothing short of folly. Reckless and ungentlemanlike conduct on his part.
“Thank you for your counsel, dear sister. As always, it is most welcome. I shall do as you suggest.”
A tap at the door announced the arrival of Maggie. Piers and Elizabeth exchanged a silent look of agreement. He could only hope she hadn’t overhead their conversation.
Elizabeth welcomed Maggie with open arms as she stepped into the room. They were about to embrace when she stopped. Her gaze dropped to Maggie’s stomach. “Perhaps I shouldn’t hug you. Piers informs me that between the two of you, a temporary pie shortage now exists in the city of Coventry.”
Maggie gave a laugh. “Yes, more than likely. I am ashamed to say I also managed a slice of lemon cake from the last shop.” She shot a grin in Piers’s direction. “I don’t think either of us will be rushing to the supper table this evening. In fact, I don’t plan to go anywhere.”
“Speaking of plans, have you had any time to give thought as to what you will do now? I mean, will you stay in Coventry or go straight home?” Elizabeth asked.
Maggie shrugged. “I’m not sure. To be honest, I consider my travel plans to be in the hands of your brother-in-law. Piers is the one who is expected back in London. I have no pressing commitments. And my family won’t be headed to Scotland until the week before Christmas.”
Hope flared in Piers’s heart. Maggie wasn’t demanding that he immediately make arrangements to leave. Could she perhaps be open to other options?
Like spending time with me?
Elizabeth and Jonathan’s eldest son made an appearance in the doorway. He clutched a piece of paper in his hand, upon which his many attempts to write the letters of the alphabet was evident. “Mama, I need more paper,” he said.
“Excuse me. I had better go and help in the schoolroom. I shall leave the two of you to talk about travel plans. But whatever you decide, I want you both to know that you are more than welcome to stay here with Jonathan and me. It’s nice to have family around.” She turned to Maggie. “And I include you in that. Any friend of Piers is family to us.”
