“I believe Mrs. Stokely is waiting for you in the drawing room,” Givens answered and then raised an eyebrow as Jamie emerged from the carriage.
Before she could introduce him, Jamie held out his hand to Givens. “Jamie MacLeod, the Earl of Cantford’s brother,” he said, “and Mari’s guardian.”
Mari groaned, not sure if the shock washing over the butler’s face was from Jamie extending his hand so informally or the announcement—theincorrectannouncement—that he was her guardian. She would have to deal with that later.
The entrance door opened as she proceeded up the steps and Mrs. Fields, the housekeeper, gave her a small smile and a nod. Mari frowned. The housekeeper had always been friendly. Surely all this business of Jillian inheriting the title and marrying an earl didn’t make any difference. Did it? She gave Mrs. Fields a hug and was glad when the older woman hugged her back.
“Is everything all right?” she asked and then felt a sudden chill as the housekeeper stopped smiling.
“You had best see your aunt,” she said.
Mari rushed to the drawing room, praying that her aunt was not in ill health or had fallen. She sighed in relief as she saw Aunt Agnes, steel-grey hair in place, sipping tea, and apparently quite well.
Giving her a hug, Mari sank onto the horsehair sofa beside her. “I hope you did not worry that we were late.”
“With the roads awash, I am rather surprised you arrived so soon,” Aunt Agnes said and set her teacup down, then looked up as Jamie entered the room.
Mari made the introductions, careful to avoid any mention of guardianship. “I hope there is room at your boarding house for Mr. MacLeod,” she finished.
“There is,” her aunt replied, “but he might wish to stay here.”
Mari almost recoiled in shock. Her very proper, middle-aged aunt was suggesting they house a bachelor under their roof? During the Little Season, no less? The chill stole over her again. “Is something wrong?”
For an answer, her aunt picked up yesterday’s post and handed it to her. “Wesley Alton has escaped from Bedlam,” she said.
