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“No. Despite my curiosity, it did not seem right to press her.”

“Yes, I agree.” His mouth tensed, then softened again. “I understand why you offered her a position…” His inflexion inferred an imminent “but.”

“It seems you wish I had refrained from doing so.”

“Not necessarily, yet there is always a risk in allowing a stranger into one’s home.”

“That is true with any new hiree—even if they come with a superlative recommendation.”

“Yes, I suppose so.” He glanced at the mantel clock. “Our horseback riding will have to be postponed.” His lips pressed flat.

Oh yes. I wallowed in a confounding mixture of disappointment and relief, for I had been mentally prepared to take that step today—tomorrow, though, might be another story. “Ah, with all the excitement that had slipped my mind.” I beheld him in a pointed gaze. “We shall go another time.”

“I begin to wonder if that day will ever come.” His brows shifted up. “It seems you do not want to go riding.”

“Truly, I do.” I gulped. “That is to say, I shall—once I have worked up the courage.”

His hand covered mine. “I shall not let any harm come to you.”

“I know that.” I took a heavy breath. “We shall ride together soon. You have my word.”

Darcy

I raised my chin as my valet, Winston, tied my cravat. “I suppose you know all about our newest servant, Sarah Jones.”

“Indeed, sir.” My valet’s lips inched upwards. “The maids blathered throughout the day about your gallant rescue of the woman.”

Egad. That explained the stares I had received this afternoon from several of the servants. It seemed I had erred in my assumption that my wife’s bit of interference would spare me from that notice. “Yet Joe is the one who carried her through the house to the guest chamber.”

“Several of the maids spotted you and the mistress from the window when you emerged from the woods.”

“I see.” Winston held out my dark blue coat, and I slipped my arms in the sleeves. I chose my words with care to ensure I should not sound critical of my wife. “Mrs. Darcy acted with admirable generosity towards Sarah. However, since we know so little about her, we cannot be certain of her character. I do not doubt Mrs. Reynolds will scrutinize her over the next few days. Still, I would have you notify me if you happen to observe anything untoward in her conduct.”

“You may be assured that I shall do just that, sir.” He fastened the buttons on my coat. “In fact, Sarah has already raised my suspicions.”

“Why is that?” I tensed.

“Well, Millie—the maid who attended to Sarah today—described her as…secretive. When Millie introduced herself and attempted to obtain a few basic details with regards to Sarah’s past, she grew visibly uncomfortable and declared herself to be too fatigued for conversation.”

“That may have been the truth.”

“Yes, it is possible. Yet Millie did not think so, and she is one of the most sensible and observant of the maids. Once Sarah begins her duties, I intend to seek her out and learn whatever I may.”

Although it would not do to betray the woman’s privacy by revealing the details of Mr. Hunt’s examination, I should admonish Winston lest he become too eager in his quest. “You must keep in mind that Sarah has no obligation to reveal her personal information. In the event she is not inclined to disclose any details, you must respect her wishes.”

“Yes, I understand.” He cleared his throat. “Sir, I hope you know that I would never…” His face elongated in a slack-jawed stricken look. “Rest assured, I have no intention of bullying Sarah. I shall offer her a friendly ear and remain vigilant for any possible areas of concern, that is all.”

“Very well.”

Chapter 3: Love and Friendship

Tuesday, 31 August

Elizabeth

As we neared the stream, my back stiffened. Would Penny be frightened by the flowing water and make any sudden moves?

Fitzwilliam held back his splendid ebony stallion, Regal, ensuring the horse walked abreast of Penny. "You may be easy, Elizabeth."