Page 20 of One Night with an Earl

“How was your afternoon ride?” Her ladyship’s voice was filled with curiosity.

“It went well, Mother.”

“By ‘well’ do you mean successful?”

“Yes. It was quite…enjoyable.” Penelope’s cheeks colored under her mother’s gaze.

“Good. I’ll reach out to his grandmother and invite her for tea.” Lady Malvern turned to the door.

A flash of unease crossed Penelope’s face. “Is that necessary, Mother?”

Her ladyship turned back. “Of course. I will mention that we are attending the Royal Exhibition. The dowager will undoubtedly advise her grandson to do the same.”

Penelope’s brows drew downward, and her lips parted, then closed like a fish on a line in distress. Ana hated that the girl was torn, and she wanted to reach out and comfort her, but she also knew better with her employer standing just feet away. She’d have to wait until Lady Malvern departed.

But it was not to be. Lady Malvern turned her attention to Ana. “A word, Miss Gardner.”

Damn.

Ana bobbed a curtsy. “Of course, my lady.”

Ana gave Penelope a reassuring glance before following her employer out of the bedchamber.

Lady Malvern’s spine was rigid as she walked down the corridor. When the lady passed her bedchamber with its private sitting room to descend the grand staircase, Ana’s anxiety increased tenfold. Only one possible room remained downstairs—one room where Ana would be taken.

The library was the marquess’s domain.

Why meet there? Had they discovered her deception? Had the earl recognized her and told her employers the truth about her?

Good God, was her position at risk?

A hot ache grew in her throat. She needed this position and the small salary that accompanied it to continue to send her younger brother funds at school. She also needed shelter and food. She couldn’t fathom where she’d go or what she’d do.

The library door opened, and Ana trailed behind Lady Malvern. Dread pooled in her stomach. The marquess sat in a leather armchair by the fire sipping brandy and reading a book.

At any other time, the library was one of Ana’s favorite rooms in the stately home. Tall shelves filled with leather-bound books from floor to ceiling dominated the room. A wheeled ladder allowed access to the books on the top shelves.

The marquess didn’t look pleased with his wife’s interruption. His bushy eyebrows furrowed as he set down his drink and his book and stood. From his expression, this audience must not have been at his request, and the tightness in Ana’s chest eased. Whatever Lady Malvern wanted to discuss with her husband, it didn’t have to do with Ana’s employment.

“Pardon the interruption, my lord,” Lady Malvern said, her tone firm. “I’d like to discuss our daughter.”

Lord Malvern let out a long sigh. “What is amiss?”

“As you are aware, Lord Drake took Penelope on a ride in Hyde Park.”

“And?”

“I just spoke with her. Despite her insistence otherwise, Penelope is less than enthusiastic.”

“It was one outing. How much enthusiasm do you expect from the girl?”

Unsatisfied with her husband’s response, Lady Malvern whirled to Ana. “Miss Gardner, my daughter listens to your guidance. I want you to steer her toward Lord Drake.”

Ana blinked. “My lady?”

“Do not feign ignorance. You know precisely what I mean.”

Yes, I do. And I’d rather leave the security of this position before I encourage Penelope to marry the dastardly Earl of Drake.