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“What is it Maggie?”
“You’ve the right of it, Daniel. It is so pleasant to have her here with me I’ve enjoyed the time. But if she is to have the morning sickness, as she has been, and need extra coddling to keep up her strength, I’ve not the energy or the good kitchen supplies to be who she needs. It was supposed to be she who was helping me, not the other way ‘round. I’ll admit, I wasn’t prepared for a child.”
They sat together thoughtfully as each mulled over possible solutions.
Slapping the table softly so as not to wake the woman in question, Daniel leaned forward eagerly and exclaimed.
“Maggie, do you remember the cottage at the east end of Copley’s wood on our lands? We’ve kept it up for a hunting lodge, but it is large enough and rarely used now. I could have that made ready and staff it with those who are discrete, loyal, and kind. There will be talk and scandal if a woman who is increasing is to be seen being visited by the Duke of Summerfield, here, for thetonis always hungry for gossip and even out here in the country it pays to be careful. I would not bring their attention down on her head. I must also verify the rejection she speaks of by her husband’s family – surely something can be done. And I may actually have known her husband at Oxford - there was a son of a Baron by the name of Millwood when I was there. As a widow of my old friend, surely it is proper for me to provide for her.”
Slowly dawning understanding lit the face of the kindly older woman.
“Yes. Surely, it would be wise to take care. Your staff could care for her, and if you went to see her there, it would be far less obvious than calling on her here. And I could visit her from time to time and let you know how she is getting on.”
Daniel levelled a look at Maggie, determined and self-assured.
“Indeed, I will visit her there - but with so many staff about, surely we would be well chaperoned.”
Looking thoughtful, Maggie began to clear the tea things.
She winced and paused to rub her hip.
Concerned, Daniel rose to remove the crockery himself.
“Maggie you really must take care and rest a bit more. Get one of the maids from the Inn to help you.”
Looking at him slyly from the corner of her eye, Maggie limped a bit as she walked to the chair by the fireplace.
“Yes, I really do favour that hip at times. I’m sure a good woman like Verity Millwood won’t let her pride get in the way of accepting your offer, seeing as how it will ease my burden too.”
The quiet laughter they shared did much to encourage them both.
“I’m certain that the cottage can be ready before week’s end. I’ll come by tomorrow and speak with Mrs. Millwood about it.”
Thus decided, Daniel strode from Maggie’s cottage and soon could be heard cantering away. He stopped at the home farm to see John Hanson, and sketched out his plans for the hunting lodge cottage. Then he conscripted John’s younger son Dennis to take the message he had written to his ‘old friend’s’ father, Lord Wexley, at his family seat.
Daniel’s instructions were for Dennis to deliver the message to Lady Wexley herself.
He had chosen that, because Verity had told him that Lady Wexley had written to her, positively at first, so she seemed the best place to start. The missive was sealed impressively with his ring, and he was confident that he would soon know the right of it all.
Finally, satisfied with a good day’s work, he cantered home at dusk, suddenly famished. He dismounted and gave General to Garvy, his head groom, and crossed to the door, his boots crunching over the gravel of the courtyard, feeling happier than he had since his father’s death.
Chapter Six
The following day Daniel rode, on a quite different horse from General, quietly to the rear of Maggie’s cottage and walked with a rolling gait to the front door. He had dressed in older riding clothes and kept his hat on as the door was opened by Verity.
“Good morning Mrs. Millwood, may I come in?” And he proceeded to do so before she could reply. “Forgive me ma’am, but I’ve seen the rogue who accosted you at the stable yard and wanted to avoid your mentioning my name where he might hear. I have something that I must discuss with you.”
Hands fluttering to her hair, Verity shut the door behind them. Daniel noted the concern in her glance to the window and was sorry that he’d mentioned Maggie’s grandson. Maggie was at the fireside, and her expression gave no indication that she’d heard his words about the rogue. Thank goodness she was a bit deaf these days.
“Will you have tea, sir?” Verity moved to the stove to check the amount of water in the teapot. “I think we have some biscuits if you wish them.”
“Now Mrs. Millwood, you must call me ‘Daniel’ when in Maggie’s presence alone, for we have never stood on ceremony. She’s known me most of my life.”
Verity looked up at Daniel’s words, and he realised that, yet again, he had perhaps given away too much about his full identity. After a moment, she spoke quietly.
“If I have this right, Maggie, you used to be the Housekeeper at Summerfield Park? And that’s where you knew Daniel?”
Her brow was furrowed, and Daniel could almost see her putting the pieces of information about him together, in her mind. After all, he had said something about the housekeeper in their conversations, when his childhood had been mentioned. Well, if she challenged him on his subterfuge, he would have to admit the truth, he supposed, and pray that this woman he was becoming attached to did not suddenly simper and fawn.
