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“Yes, yes, I understand it needs some work done to it. But still, you could stay elsewhere, could you not? Miss Stapleton is somewhat innocent to the mischief wrought by idle minds and loose tongues.”
“Not entirely innocent,” she murmured, eyes dancing in a way that bade Daniel to bite the inside of his cheek.
“Do not distress yourself, Miss Stapleton.” Bellingham crossed his arms. “This is something that a gentleman should have realized.”
“It would perhaps be better if I were to stay at an inn,” Daniel agreed humbly.
“Exactly so. Although I’m sure the attentions you receive from the staff here are preferable and of better quality than what one might expect to receive at an inn.”
“The staff here have been most kind.” His gaze took in his hostess. “And Miss Stapleton has been an angel.”
Her cheeks pinked as she excused herself to tend to the fire.
The younger man’s confusion was obvious as his gaze swung between them.
Feeling he had ventured into treacherous waters, Daniel dared to continue. “Miss Stapleton was most heroic in my time of need.”
“Truly?” Bellingham’s brow wrinkled as he glanced at her.
“Please don’t mind him.” She frowned at Daniel slightly. “Mister, er, Daniel has proved himself prone to bouts of great exaggeration, but I strongly suspect that is due to the blow to the head.”
“Blow to the head?” Bellingham’s eyes rounded.
“Or perhaps that is just the effect of the company,” Daniel dared.
“If you mean to imply, sir, that Miss Stapleton ever speaks anything less than the truth, then I assure you that you will have me to answer to,” Bellingham snapped, hands moving to his hips.
“Now, now,” Daniel said in a soothing tone. “I meant no such thing. Miss Stapleton is all that is good and true.”
“Indeed.”
“‘While you live, tell truth and shame the devil.’” He quoted the line from the play emblazoned in his heart.
“Sir! I must object to your use of such language in front of a lady.”
“Forgive me.” Daniel caught another flash of amusement in her eyes. Yes, she’d recognized the quotation.
Mr. Bellingham’s frown returned, and he swung back to Miss Stapleton. “Really, I don’t understand why he is being housed in one of these rooms as if he is a guest.”
“Again, such a reason need not concern you. But if you feel it important, perhaps you can enquire of the general.”
Mr. Bellingham’s shoulders fell. “Oh. Well, that won’t be necessary. But still, he is just a servant.”
“A man who was kind enough to assist our dear Miss Mannering in her time of need cannot be relegated to the servants’ quarters. Now, I really must insist we leave him in peace.” She turned to Daniel, her smile holding conspiracy and relief.
He once more felt that quickening in his chest.
“Please forgive the intrusion, sir. I trust you will sleep well.”
He nodded, her parting smile ensuring he’d have the sweetest dreams imaginable.
Even if they might also be populated by a scowling youth and questions over impropriety. And questions about how long it would take before the full truth was finally told, and just what that might mean for his future.
Chapter 14
“Whatever made you do such a thing?” Mama said, when the household—save for their injured guest—had gathered the next morning in the drawing room.
“You had me in such a quake,” confessed Becky. “I was never so surprised as when you told me to play whist. I do not like that game. And I fear Sir Giles will never want to play with me as his partner again.”
