Page 59 of The Marquess of Secrets

“You have your reasons for keeping it quiet, my lord, and we all respect that,” Gillis continued. “We decided that night we would do all we could to protect your identity and assist you in any way. Granted, most of it was taking particular care of you, meals, sleep, keeping most household annoyances from bothering you.”

“You may not be aware, my lord, but servants from various households do come across each other, in shops, pubs, and the like,” Youngston interjected. “We perpetuated the tale of your supposed wild exploits. I’m afraid the gossip was spread far and wide. Perhaps we were too inventive with your nocturnal adventures. Nonetheless, you have been left alone these past years.”

“That I have,” Harrison replied softly.

“It has been our distinct honor to serve you, my lord,” Youngston said, his voice filled with emotion. “All of us. You’re a true gentleman, a man of quality. A man of principle. We will keep your secrets safe for as long as you wish.”

Harrison swallowed hard. Hearing these passionately spoken words made him realize that his reasons for secrecy were not all selfish at the core. He did wish to serve his fellowman. Protect his family. Protect those who needed it most, as Gillis said.

“I appreciate it, but it will not be a secret much longer. I’ll be informing my family of everything when I travel to the manor tomorrow. There will be changes coming. But never fear, where I go, the staff of this house goes with me. Whether it is another residence in London or my estate in Eastbourne. You have my word.”

“Thank you, my lord,” Youngston said.

“Doctor Kenward will be staying here while I’m gone. Afford him all comforts.”

“Absolutely, my lord. We shall see him well taken care of. After all, he has been your good friend and assistant these last years,” Youngston replied, bowing in Sam’s direction.

“Youngston, we will speak later on Miss Chesterton, who you’ve known as Miss Best, and her precarious situation. Gillis, return in fifteen minutes.”

They both bowed and departed, closing the door behind them.

“Well, that was interesting,” Sam mused.

“I’ve always trusted them. Otherwise, I would not have arrived home in my medical garments most nights. Nor would they have been working here at the onset if I didn’t trust them with my very life.”

“They think of you as a champion,” Sam stated.

“Bah,” Harrison replied dismissively.

But the thought warmed him and gave him confidence for the task ahead. He honestly could not deduce his family’s reaction; it could go either way.

Guess he would soon find out.

* * *

The small trunk Lydia had been given was more than half empty. All that was in it were her few personal possessions and; the second-hand clothing Harrison had provided. He claimed a delivery would be coming from a dressmaker he contacted.

A maid had been by earlier and had taken her measurements. They were sent along to the dress shop. But it was seven o’clock in the evening, and they were departing in the morning. No clothing had arrived as yet.

Her mind drifted to the viscount’s visit yesterday afternoon.

“She is everything,” Harrison had said.

The look on his face and the emotion in his voice told Lydia that his feelings for her were far more intense than he expressed verbally. Yes, he stated he was falling for her, but Lydia knew it had gone beyond infatuation.

Her emotions tunneled deep as well. But she would not rush into anything. Lydia needed time alone, and this residential home may be the answer.

How much time would she ask for? Six months? A year? More?

Why was she even entertaining the possibility that they could have a future?

He was a marquess, heir to a duke!

How often had that refrain tolled like a clanging bell in her mind?

“You are not under my thumb,” he said.

That was true. Not once since meeting Harrison had he ever treated her as Huntsford did.