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“Because…” he paused, considering how best to frame the words. Jackson was no artist, to see things the way he saw them. “I had thought that Hetty was a lie, and one Henrietta Stanton would be well pleased to see ended. But when she spoke, when she cried out to me and told me of her reasons and her feelings...it was Hetty I saw. Hetty, who inspired my art and spoke to me so candidly, where other maids would have danced around my status. She did not seem to me a maiden of the ton, and I saw no falsehood in her eyes.”
“An overwrought damsel might speak a truth and still be untrustworthy.”
‘I know it. But even so...Jackson, it mattered enough to her that she was willing to speak candidly in such circumstances. I mattered enough. Even with her family there, and her the risk of losing all good association with her friend, Miss Darnell. Even knowing I was well set to cut her off, and angry enough to see her reputation ruined, as a woman of the ton, if not as a matchmaker as well.”
He shook his head, finished his drink, and set his glass down before he met Jackson’s eyes. “You said it before, that she makes me happy. If she is willing to risk all in claim that I hold her heart, how could I not answer her? And what artist or man am I if I cannot try for my own happiness when there is chance of it?”
Jackson heaved out another breath, this one like a sigh that resonated from the bottom of his boots. “Well, I wouldn’t have faulted you for holding a grudge. But neither shall I tell you that you’ve made a mistake. If you think the girl can make you happy, I’ll stand for you and with you.”
“Thank you.” Daniel felt another rush of warmth, this one grateful acknowledgment of Jackson’s steadfast friendship.
“Best get some rest, if you’re set to this course.” Jackson’s eyes glinted in sudden humor. “You’ve two sets of rather displeased parents to placate come tomorrow, and one of them you’ll have to convince to permit to court their daughter!”
Daniel stifled a groan and bade Jackson goodnight.
Come what may, I will see Henrietta at the altar by my side.
* * *
The next morning, Henrietta could not stop thinking of Daniel, wondering when she would hear from him. Fearing he might change his mind and decide not to pursue her at all. There were butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
Then Sarah came in with her morning tray, and the butterflies turned to ice, remembering the order her mother had given her. She kept her silence as Sarah helped her dress in a simple gown for wearing around the house. It was only when the maid began to turn away that she spoke. “Sarah, could you please fetch your husband and bring him here?”
“Of course, my lady.” Sarah’s brow furrowed. “Is there something wrong?”
Tell her and make her fear the blow to come? Or let her take it without warning?
In the end, she could not be so cruel as to see her servant of so many years left in ignorance until the punishment was issued. “I am afraid so. My ruse with the Marquess was discovered, and I fear my mother has guessed that you and your husband were involved.” Sarah’s expression went carefully blank, but her dismay was evident in the way her cheeks paled.
Henrietta swallowed hard. “I am sorry. I hope they will not be too harsh, but…”
“I understand, my lady. I’ll fetch my husband. You just take your tea before it gets cold.” Sarah dipped a curtsy, then exited the room.
The tea was good, but she had no enjoyment of it, with her fear of what would happen to Sarah and John.
All too soon, there was a tentative knock on the door, and Sarah opened it. “My lady.”
She set aside the tea she had hardly touched. “Come in.”
She led them to the morning room, where her parents usually started their day until they broke their fasts. She tapped the door gently and waited for her father to call her to enter, before she came inside, John Thistle and Sarah following behind her. “Mother. Father.”
“Henrietta.” Her mother gestured her to a chair off to one side. “Sit.”
She did so, leaving her two faithful servants on their own.
Her mother wasted no time. “Did the two of you know of my daughter’s activities? Her unchaperoned and unsanctioned visits to the Salisbury estate?”
John Thistle stepped forward at once and bowed. “Begging your pardon, my lady, but I did know. I cannot say if my wife was aware…”
“Do not be foolish.” Sarah stepped up beside her husband and bowed her head as she dipped into a curtsy. “I did not know all the particulars, my lady, but I too was aware of my mistress’s actions and intentions.”
“I thought as much.” Henrietta’s mother studied the two servants. “You might be commended for your honest answer, I suppose. Nonetheless….”
“Nonetheless, I will not have servants in my household who would be party to such actions, or willing to assist my daughter in risking her reputation and her virtue. You are both dismissed from this household and my service.” The Earl rose from his seat. “I shall not give you a poor reference, knowing my daughter and her reckless, headstrong nature as I do, but neither will I give you high recommendation if I am asked. You may collect your pay to the hour, and then you will depart.”
Both Sarah and John acknowledged the command, and Henrietta’s father resumed his seat in clear dismissal. The two former servants left. Henrietta rose, giving her mother a look, and received a wave of dismissal in turn. She turned and followed the others.
She caught up with them near the back door. “I am sorry…”
