Page 14 of Make Mine a Marquess

…

Hours after the hunt, control of his emotions regained, he went in search of Landon House’s staff, only to discover many of the servants were people he didn’t know. The only servants Landon recognized were Hobbs and the longtime housekeeper, Mrs. Robinson.

He found Mrs. Robinson in the still room. By far, it was the sweetest-smelling room in the house. Large bars of soap that had been hardened would be cut into smaller bars and delivered to each of the guests’ bedchambers. Herbs hung from hooks in the ceiling scented the air with basil, lavender, and parsley.

“Bless my eyes. Every time I see you, I want to weep,” Mrs. Robinson said as she dabbed at her eyes with an embroidered handkerchief that she pulled from her pocket.

“How have you fared while I was away?” Landon had not yet had a chance to speak with her privately. She’d been busy, rushing about to serve the dozen guests that occupied the country manor.

“We’ve managed. Only Hobbs and I stayed. We are too old to go anywhere else. Who would hire two old and weathered servants?” She rested her hands on her wide waist. Her steel-gray hair was pinned in a bun at her nape. She had more wrinkles by her eyes and lips than he remembered, but she was a welcoming sight.

He gave her a conspiratorial wink. “Don’t tell Hobbs, but you are the most valuable of all at Landon House.”

She waved a meaty hand. “Oh, posh! All I know is that the baron could never fill your shoes, my lord. He can only buy shoes. Worse than skipping our wages for months at a time, the tenants have been neglected and mistreated. Willard insists they produce more and more grain and crops but hasn’t a care for their needs. They have little coal to burn in the winter and fewer supplies to repair their cottages and equipment. And do not speak of the damaged and neglected East Wing. It’s all a travesty.”

Landon’s jaw hardened. Willard’s neglect was another reason his cousin needed to suffer and pay for his selfishness and greed. “You won’t have to worry about your wages any longer. And the tenants will soon be seen to.”

Mrs. Robinson engulfed him in a hug. As if realizing what she’d done, her cheeks reddened. “Pardon me, my lord.” She wiped more tears from her eyes. “I prayed for you to come back, I did.”

“Nonsense. If you have any concerns, please come to me. But trust me. I shall make everything right.”

It was a promise he intended to keep, no matter the cost.

…

“The men will not be joining us tonight,” Lady Milton announced.

The ladies had gathered in the gold drawing room after the evening meal. The men had moved to the library where they smoked cigars and drank whisky. It was customary for them to join the ladies afterward, but apparently not tonight.

Phoebe’s stomach sank. Was she disappointed to not see the marquess, even though their afternoon encounter had turned unpleasant? She could have aided Lady Delmont on her own. When Landon had appeared in pursuit on horseback, she’d initially been grateful for his help. Then he’d acted like a bully. He’d had the audacity to call her efforts reckless.

He was bullish and pigheaded.

Then he’d claimed she liked him.

His roguish behavior was the most damning of his faults.

Phoebe knew her own faults and that she was quick to anger. Something about the marquess made her temper flare even hotter. It was best if she were to avoid him during the duration of the house party.

So why was she upset that the men would not join the ladies tonight?

She should be thinking of her fiancé.

Not thinking of him.

“We should play charades.”

“What?” Phoebe turned to look at Clarice Madison. Her twin, Elaine, sat beside her.

“I said we should play a game. Why should we sit here and drink weak tea while the men gamble?” Clarice asked.

“Is that what they’re doing? Gambling?” Phoebe asked.

“What else?” Elaine asked.

“Charades sounds like fun, but where is Beatrice? We can’t start without her.” Phoebe scanned the drawing room for her cousin.

“She’s in the retiring room,” Clarice said. “She mentioned eating one too many of the French chef’s strawberry pastries.”