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“Come. Sit. I am not so ungracious an employer that I would send you on your way without even a meal after such a long session.”
As uncomfortable as Hetty might need be, Henrietta judged it better not to refuse his direct command. Nor would it do to appear ungrateful of his courtesy, which was hardly necessary. She took the seat, shifting a bit to get comfortable as the Marquess moved to the head of the table and took his own seat. Danvers served both of them and then stepped away, leaving them to their meal.
The sight of the food and the smell of the ham and watercress sandwiches made her remember how long it had been since her breakfast. Indeed, it was all she could do to use the utensils provided, rather than simply picking up the sandwich like a mannerless heathen.
She chewed, watching the Marquess through lowered eyes. She could not deny that he had won the last word in their previous exchange, and she was unused to coming second in a battle of wit. Nor was she of a mind to let things stand. She disliked being out of control, and thus far today, the Marquess had managed to maintain a firm grip on their interactions, whereas she had been in a frequent state of uncertainty, having been caught off-guard far too often.
Now, how to regain some form of control?
She sipped the tea and smiled. It was a light herbal tea, an interesting choice. “Herbal tea, my lord? I did not think you were the type.”
“No? And what sort of beverage do you think I should be drinking?” She looked up to see him watching her with an upraised brow.
“I had thought you might prefer a strong black tea. Perhaps a glass of something stronger.”
“Something stronger?” The tone of his voice was deep and controlled, but she thought there was a hint of a challenge there.
Was he daring her to continue?
He had not reprimanded her for her earlier question. The thought gave her a measure of boldness. “When one thinks of men of the ton, one generally thinks of scotch or some manner of spirits.”
“At this hour?”
“It is not unheard of, my lord. Indeed, I have heard from others in similar situations to mine that it is not uncommon for some to begin the day with a glass of spirits and end the day with the same.”
“Situations such as yours? I had no idea there were many young women offering themselves up as models to members of the ton. Had I known, I might have reconsidered my decision to remain away.” He gave her another of those looks, and there was no mistaking the invitation in his eyes.
Henrietta barely contained her laughter and failed entirely at keeping her blush in check. She dropped her eyes before she could make a fool of herself. “I did not mean that in particular, my lord.”
“No?”
“I meant only that I am acquainted with some of the women who work for members of the ton. Ladies maids and housemaids. And…” She trailed off, uncertain how to phrase the words in a manner that would not reflect poorly on either herself, his station, or women who actually were servants like Sarah.
“These servants talk.”
“Say rather that it is not uncommon for servants of various households to share necessary information with others. How else could one find a particular remedy or delicacy for one’s master or mistress? Or even, perhaps, a model for an aspiring artist?” She kept her tone respectful but could not help the small smile she sent him, a silent challenge of her own.
“Is that so? And whom should I thank for your presence here, Miss Smith?”
She had no idea what the names of his servants were, and she had no desire to see anyone made uncomfortable or in trouble for her words. “I could not say, my lord.”
“Could not or will not?”
“Could not. It is a rare circumstance that anyone knows where information originates.” At his disbelieving look she set her cup down. “Only think of it, my lord. Could you identify the source of every rumor that spreads within the ton?”
He made a dismissive gesture. “I am a recluse, Miss Smith. I have no idea what rumors may engage the interests of the ton.”
“I am surprised, given how many of them I have heard revolve around the ‘reclusive newly installed Marquess of Salisbury’.”
He blinked. Then the fierceness was back in his eyes. “And what do they say of me, the members of the ton?”
Henrietta swallowed hard. This was dangerous territory. She dipped her head to hide her expression. “I would hardly know, my lord. I have only heard mentions in passing while attending to my work.”
“Well then, what do the artistically inclined say?” Henrietta felt her pulse quicken as her mind raced to find some answer that would not reveal her ignorance of the artistic community.
“That you have some skill. That you made the new statue recently placed in Lady Devonshire’s garden. I have heard it was quite well done.”
“I see.” He looked over the rim of his cup. “And your opinion, having seen me at work?”
