Page 27 of Lord Trafford's Folly
“Rose?”
The maid came hurrying over from where she had been removing baked bread from the oven. Audrey felt a stab of guilt, thinking of all the extra household work she and Julius represented for the couple, who were merely caretakers of an empty home.
“Yes, Master Julius?”
“Are we expecting anyone?”
Rose shook her head just as the bell rang again. The sound of footsteps echoed from the servants’ hall as Patrick made his way to the door.
Audrey rose, hurrying after him to view who had rung, with Julius following her.
“Ahm ’fraid we ain’t expecting a delivery, miss.”
Audrey could hear a woman speaking, but could not make out the words. Julius nudged past Audrey, stealing up behind the door Patrick had cracked open. His jaw dropped, and Audrey saw him whispering to Patrick.
“Ah just recalled we’re waiting on a delivery, miss. Ah’ll let you in?” Patrick exited to climb the stairs, and Audrey heard the gate being unlocked.
Julius darted back to where Audrey stood waiting in dismay. “It is Abbott’s bride.”
Audrey frowned. “Who is Abbott?” she asked, but Julius was not listening. Patrick and a cloaked tradeswoman clutching a large, covered basket were entering, the old manservant shutting the door behind them.
“Lady Abbott!” Julius kept his voice low.
Audrey nibbled on her lower lip. Their visitor, too, was in disguise? Straightening to her full height, Lady Abbott pulled the hood of her cape down to reveal deep red hair. She was tall and slim, with patrician features. In fact, she would have been ethereal, too beautiful, if it were not for the wash of golden spots across her creamy skin. Audrey found them appealing, thefreckles making her appear more approachable than flawless skin would have done.
Audrey put up a hand to check her hair, feeling a little daunted that she was dressed as a boy and had recently removed the battered hat she had hidden under for the better part of the day. Looking down, Audrey recalled her trousers rolled at the waist to shorten them, and the men’s work boots on her feet. She winced, realizing she was hardly fit to meet peeresses of high society in her current state.
“Little Julius, I presume.” Lady Abbott also spoke in a low voice, her tone warm with pleasure. Julius huffed a laugh in response.
Patrick coughed pointedly. “There be the servants’ hall if you wish to sit.”
He pointed at the short hall that Audrey had chosen as her vantage point. Julius nodded, and the three of them walked through a door into the room beyond to take a seat at one of the tables. She fidgeted, uncomfortably aware of her inappropriate attire, especially with the lovely Lady Abbott having gracefully swept into her place on the opposite bench after putting her basket down. Audrey resisted the urge to tug on her jerkin and shirt, forcing her hands down on the surface of the rough bench.
“Why are you here?”
“How did you recognize me?”
Julius and Lady Abbott had spoken in the same moment, both halting to allow the other to speak.
The noblewoman arched a crimson eyebrow.
“I was there the night of your father’s ball. I witnessed the … um … moonlight encounter.”
The redhead blushed, her freckles disappearing in the tide of red color as she focused on her folded hands. “I … see.”
Julius hesitated, studying the surface of the table. “How did you find us?”
“Lady Hays has often spoken of you, regaling me with stories of your youth when you would steal into her home.”
“Ah! Aunty Gertrude.”
Lady Abbott smiled, her embarrassment forgotten. “Lord Filminster and your friends are most concerned, especially after seeing your note stained with blood. I persuaded them to allow me to come check Lady Hays’s home to see if you were here.”
Julius cocked his head. “I suppose I should be flattered. There was an incident outside my father’s home and I was wounded. Fortunately, Miss Gideon is the daughter of a fine physician and a competent healer in her own right.”
The young lady turned her blue eyes to Audrey, who fidgeted in place. “We appreciate your service, Miss Gideon. Lord Trafford is well-liked by his friends, and we have all been anxious to hear word.”
Audrey nodded, alarmed when the redhead pulled a face.
