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“I have to,” I said, “after I say goodbye to my family here.”
“The ones in Quarter C, you mean?”
I nodded.
“How will you get into the quarter? And how will you leave these grounds without being seen?”
“I . . . I’ll figure it out.”
The silence stretched between us. I wanted him to change his mind, but I couldn’t ask him to leave now, with his father on the verge of death. I wished I could stay with him. I wished hewantedme to stay. But neither of our desires could change what had to happen.
The doorknob clicked. I dashed for a hiding place, but it was too late. A wide-eyed maid stood in the doorway. She looked back and forth from Graham to me, mumbled an apology, then turned on her heel and sped down the corridor.
ChapterTwenty-Three
Graham ranout the door after the maid. “Miss Amaia, wait!”
His footsteps caught up to hers in the hall. When they returned, the maid kept her eyes fixed on the floor.
Graham shut the door, locking it this time, though the damage was already done.
“Please forgive my intrusion, sir!” said Miss Amaia. “I thought you were with your father.”
She was young, probably close to my own age, but small and frail. Her dark hair was pulled into a long braid under a white cap and her cheeks were flushed.
“I’m not angry,” said Graham. “I know this looks rather improper, but I would greatly appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone my friend is here.”
She studied my face before turning to Graham. “I’ll keep your secret, sir.”
“Thank you, Miss Amaia,” he said. “You’ve always been loyal.”
Her face reddened even further, and she dropped into a curtsy. “May I be dismissed?”
A spark ignited Graham’s tired eyes. “Actually, perhaps you could help. It’s not uncommon to have a new maid in the house. Is it possible you could bring us a dress like yours?”
She looked up at Graham, hesitating. “I’ll try.” She curtsied and left the room, her face pink and her footsteps quick.
“Well.” He turned to me. “Are you ready to become a housemaid?”
“Better than a nobleman,” I said. I didn’t like involving someone I didn’t even know, but Graham seemed to trust her.
A few minutes later, Miss Amaia returned carrying a bundle of black fabric with a white apron. As soon as I squeezed my arms into the sleeves and tried to stretch the bodice over my chest, I realized it wouldn’t be simple. Apparently, the maid had brought me one of her own, but I had to take what I could get.
I braided my hair and placed a white ruffled cap on my head. I pushed out the air in my lungs in an attempt to secure the buttons on the back of the dress, but the tight sleeves and high-necked bodice weren’t making it easy. When I broke into a sweat, I finally swallowed my pride and asked Miss Amaia for help.
She came into the bathroom and buttoned the dress until I could hardly take a breath. I tied on the apron and stepped into Graham’s bedroom, begging the buttons to stay intact.
He smiled and nodded. “She looks perfect. Thank you, Miss Amaia.”
I raised a skeptical eyebrow.
“I mean it. You have a way of fitting into every role.”
“Just not this dress,” I said.
“Oh.” He took a better look, frowning. “Well, the fit may not be perfect. Here, take this.” He went into his closet and emerged with a black top hat and some of his clothing. “Change into this as soon as you can. The hat might hide your hair well enough to pass for a gentleman—if no one looks too closely.”
I picked up my bag and Graham’s clothing. For a moment, I was glad I was taking something of his, but then I remembered I’d never be able to see him again. It would be better to destroy any reminders of my failure and forget him. I wrapped the bag, clothes, and hat in a blanket and carried the bundle in front of me. Miss Amaia set two more folded blankets on top of it.
