Page 51 of Make Mine a Marquess

Landon’s arresting dark looks captured her attention. He had a ruggedness and a vital power that attracted her, and his self-command and studied relaxation were a compelling combination. He could talk with tenants and brush shoulders with members of the House of Lords.

“Landon,” Phoebe said. “We are guests of Lord Landon.”

The woman let out a collective breath. “Well, then. Welcome. My name is Ellen,” said the brunette. “This is Tess.” She waved to the woman beside her.

“We have baskets of bread and cheese. Another of fresh linens. And the third is clothing for the young ones.”

Phoebe sensed they were proud women and not accustomed to accepting charity. “Here,” she said, handing over the baskets. “The children will enjoy the clothing. And there is even a toy that used to belong to the butler’s grandson.” Phoebe understood they might be hesitant to accept anything for themselves, but items for their children were different. What mother wouldn’t put aside her pride for her child?

Ellen and Tess silently accepted the baskets. “We thank you,” they said.

“Please thank Mrs. Robinson. She put everything together.”

“That kind lady. She has remained loyal to the family and must be just as happy for Lord Landon’s homecoming as we are,” Tess said.

“Was Lord Willard lacking?” Beatrice asked.

Ellen huffed. “We have no love for that lord.”

Beatrice gave Phoebe a look of concern, but Phoebe wasn’t offended by the woman’s comment. Rather, she was curious what these hardworking people thought of the baron. She knew he was a gambler and a spendthrift, but what else? Had he mistreated these people?

“Did he visit here often?” Phoebe asked.

It was Tess’s turn to scoff. “Never. He summoned Kershaw to the manor. Told him there would be no money for repairs for our roofs, or coal for our braziers in the winter. Told him the fields needed to produce more barley and hay. Kershaw said that one of the fields must remain fallow for the following year. Lord Willard didna listen. All he wants is coin!”

Phoebe froze. She’d known of Willard’s faults. But to mistreat the tenants was an unforgivable crime. He’d been the trustee for the estate during Landon’s absence and had a fiduciary duty to the tenants. If Landon had never returned, what would have happened to these people?

Would Willard have cared?

Most likely not.

Nauseating despair settled in her gut. Her eyes flew to Landon. At that moment he chose to look over and met her gaze and flashed a smile. For some reason, it only increased her anxiety.

Phoebe returned her attention to the women. While she was here she should make use of the opportunity. “Do either of you know a Sarah Smith? She is an old school friend and I’m told she settled in the village.”

Tess and Ella looked at each other. “Sarah Smith? We don’t frequent the village often, but we’ve heard of her. She works in the tavern.”

“Yes, that’s what I heard. But when I inquired, they said she comes and goes,” Phoebe said.

Tess shrugged. “She is a strange one, she is. She’ll go back there when she needs the work.”

“Thank you.” Willard’s distressing neglect was overshadowed by her purpose. She’d find Sarah Smith and inquire about the Hertfordshire cause. Helping others had always been a way to divert her energy to a good cause, rather than fretting over her future and a passionate side she couldn’t seem to control.

As they walked away, Beatrice nudged her. “Are you all right? What they said about Lord Willard must have upset you.”

“It did.”

“What will you do?”

“I can focus my distress on something positive.”

“Such as?” Beatrice asked.

“I learned more about Sarah Smith.” Phoebe clutched Beatrice’s hand. “We can find her!”

Beatrice eyed her. “Phoebe, that’s good news about Ms. Smith. But what about Willard? It can’t be a good sign if he treated the tenants or his responsibilities carelessly.”

What choice did she have? Beatrice clearly didn’t like Willard, but it was too late.