“Very well, thank you.” Because it wasn’t like Isla could tell her maid everything.
Already Isla didn’t feel right for heatedly complaining to Hobbes the other day about the duke. Her mother had raised her to be polite and quiet around the staff, to not let them know her innermost thoughts. Once they were out, they were never private again. They wouldn’t be hers.
And servants were generally known to gossip. If she told someone something, she would surely have the entire household knowing everything before the end of the day.
Although… If they could know about me, they might know about others.
“Doreen.” Isla looked over to her maid who was bringing out her stockings. “Were you hired on for me from London, or were you already with the duke?”
“London, Your Grace. I had the care of my great aunt, but she passed the week before I heard the call for a lady’s maid. She was a baroness, so I had the necessary training,” Doreen added hastily.
Isla still frowned. “I’m awfully sorry. I didn’t think to… I’m sorry for your loss, Doreen.”
The young woman offered a smile. “It’s all right, but thank you. She was very sickly and glad to be on her way. She would be happy for me, as the last of my family.”
Alone. Isla’s hand started to creep up to her throat as she considered what it would be like left alone in the world. She felt the collar of her habit grow tight. What world was there without her family? Even if they were away in London, she knew they were there. That she could reach them if she desired, be with them again in this world.
What am I saying? I have more people. I have a family here! The duke is now my family. So is Oliver. How could I forget them? My mind really does have me out of sorts today. There’s no reason for me to feel this way at all. I have so many people in my life now, so how can I possibly feel alone?
“Your Grace?”
Gathering her thoughts, Isla gave a shake of her head at the woman’s concerned expression. “I… Thank you, Doreen. For your good works and your attention here. I’m off to ride now for a few hours, so please enjoy yourself until luncheon as you see fit.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. Do be careful. I smell the rain in the air.”
She gave an absent nod before giving her stockings a quick tug on the leg and made her way out the door. Not a servant appeared on her way through the house. It felt so quiet in this early hour. Although she supposed it wasn’t unnatural, Isla had the feeling it would simply be an odd sort of day.
A ride will offer some improvement to be sure.
There was rain in the air just like Doreen had said, but the skies were still blue enough that Isla had no reason to worry. She wouldn’t be gone for more than an hour. Inhaling deeply before reaching the stables, Isla could tell that everything was looking up.
“Good morning, Your Grace.” She received an immediate welcome from the stable master’s grandson, Liam, who was around her age and awfully charming to be hidden away in the country. His brown eyes sparkled as he offered a short bow. “What a delight to have you here again.”
Chuckling, she raised an eyebrow. “You tease me as though I don’t live here now, Liam. Can you saddle her for me, please?”
Pearl was a darling gray spotted horse whom she had met on her second day at the estate. She had too much spirit to become a carriage horse, but the duke had never gotten around to breaking her, selling her, or finding another use for her. Isla wasn’t the best rider by any means, but she liked to think their rides together helped both of them manage themselves better around others. The exercise was refreshing, and they both adored the fresh air.
“Anything for you.” Liam’s eyes trailed over her a second longer than appropriate before he turned away.
While she usually stayed close on their stroll down to the right stall, Isla hesitated. The young man was always quick-witted and kind. She normally enjoyed his help as he conversed with her, treated the horses like royalty, and acted well as a groom and guide across the properties. Sometimes she liked to pretend they were friends.
But what does he think? He’s not bothering to look back. Maybe I imagined it. Am I terribly conceited? No, he is merely being friendly. I’m sure of it.
There was that odd clench of her stomach again, but Isla brushed it away. She gave herself an encouraging nod and then trailed down to the correct stall.
“There you are. I almost thought I lost you,” Liam noted, glancing back with that trademark grin. “Where do you expect to traverse today? The pond, perhaps, or the trail to town?”
“I haven’t thought that far,” she admitted. “I’m not feeling any particular difficult paths today. Only a nice distraction. What would you recommend?”
“Ah, then the trees. You can get lost in them and it’s the most brilliant thing.” He finished saddling Pearl and grabbed the reins while he talked. “It is a perfect place to enjoy the shade from the weather. And a perfect place to hide should you have the desire to.”
Isla tilted her head. “Hide? What would I hide from?”
Coming through the stall with Pearl in hand, Liam slowed to a stop in front of her. “I don’t know, Your Grace. You tell me. Where would you like to hide?”
Perhaps I wasn’t imagining after all.
Isla reached forward––and noted painfully he was doing the same––and snatched the reins from his hand. His eyes opened wide. “I have nothing to hide from or to worry about,” Isla said snappishly. “Thank you very much.”
