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Charlie shooed her out the door. “Hurry. We shall be along shortly.”
After hugging Evelyn, Maggie slipped down the servant’s staircase and made her way to the mews. She waited until the driver climbed aboard before she slipped inside the carriage. Maggie drew her knees underneath her, trying to stay undetected. When the carriage stopped in front of the townhome, Maggie never moved an inch.
“Franks, please take us around to Lord Dracott’s lodgings. Lady Worthington was kind enough to prepare a basket for his dinner,” Gemma directed.
Franks cleared his throat, looking uneasy. “My lady, please allow me to deliver you home first. ‘Tis not a proper section of town for ladies to travel through at night.”
“Nonsense. It shall not take long,” Gemma insisted.
“Very well, my lady,” Franks conceded.
Maggie understood the fellow’s predicament. It was useless to argue with a Holbrooke lady. They were a formidable force you could never win against. It was far easier to admit defeat and follow their wishes.
Charlie and Gemma settled on the seats, wearing grins at how they executed their plan with precision. Their satisfaction was infectious, and soon Maggie smiled with her own enjoyment.
Gemma explained their plan. “Now, when we stop at Lord Dracott’s lodgings, we will disembark first, pretending we will deliver the basket. As we distract the driver, you slip out and pretend to come from across the street.”
“Then you shall pretend you are Lord Dracott’s servant and we will pass the basket off to you,” Charlie finished.
Both ladies sat across from Maggie, impressed with themselves. Maggie wished it was as simple as they proposed. Even though she planned to visit Dracott on her own, her doubts still plagued her. Would he get upset that she had shown up unannounced? What if he entertained another lady? No. She must stop thinking the worst. She trusted Crispin, and she refused to allow her foolish thoughts to convince her otherwise.
When the carriage slowed, Gemma glanced out the window. She turned to Maggie with a frown. “I am not sure we should stop.”
“What nonsense. Why ever not?” Charlie asked.
Gemma nodded out the window. Maggie understood Gemma’s hesitation because she had held the same opinion on her first visit to Crispin’s lodgings. She remained quiet. It didn’t matter because Maggie would still visit Crispin this evening.
Charlie peered around Gemma and grimaced. “Perhaps you are correct. Evelyn will never forgive us if we leave Maggie alone here.”
Gemma pondered over Dracott’s situation. “I thought Lord Dracott resided in better lodgings. His clothing is impeccable, and he carries himself with pride. I am sure Ralston pays him handsomely, too.”
Maggie repeated Rogers’s comment. “He works hard for everything he has, and that is all you need to understand and accept.”
Charlie sat back in her seat, impressed by Maggie’s affirmation. “Still, it is not wise of us to leave you here.”
Maggie sat forward and reached for the door handle. “Either way, I will see Crispin this evening.”
“Stubborn, just like her brother,” Charlie muttered. Charlie pretended a dislike for Reese because of the time he tried to pursue her when Evelyn loved him. Maggie always found the story humorous. Reese still managed to irritate Charlie, and after each occasion, the friction started all over again. It appeared Maggie reminded Charlie of Reese at this moment.
Once Gemma realized Maggie wouldn’t bend, she swatted Maggie’s hand away. “All right. But you must send us a signal once you reach his room so that we know you are safe. Or else we are following you inside.”
Maggie nodded vigorously.
A knock sounded on the carriage door. “Lady Ralston, we have arrived. If you hand over the basket, the footman will deliver it, and we can be on our way.” Franks’s voice quivered.
Gemma signaled for their ploy to begin, and Maggie leaned back. Gemma shoved the basket out the door and into the servant’s waiting hands. Then the two ladies disembarked with the flurry of their skirts, and they caused the distraction needed for Maggie to sneak out. Charlie motioned behind her back for Maggie to move into position.
“Perhaps I should deliver the basket and inquire about Lord Dracott’s welfare,” Gemma said.
“An excellent idea, cousin,” Charlie agreed.
Maggie scrambled out of the carriage and snuck around the rear, keeping unnoticed by the footmen. They stood next to the driver, guarding Gemma and Charlie, and attempted to dissuade them from entering the lodging rooms.
“’Tis not proper, my lady. Nor is it safe.” Franks attempted to convince Gemma of the logic of the situation.
Maggie shuffled by them with her hands in her pockets. She made it past them, ready to enter the building, when Gemma spoke out. “Boy! Are you not Lord Dracott’s servant?”
Maggie turned, keeping her head low. She feared the servants would notice her since she had spent time in the stables. “Yes, my lady.”
