Mary clearly felt an immediate difference. She bent her head and kept her eyes down.
“Of course, my Lady. I apologise for any offence given in the past. It’s just that the woman is so over bearing. It seemed easier to...”
Daisy breathed in deeply.
“Give in? Yes, I know that feeling only too well, but you must understand my situation. It is tenuous at best. We could all be thrown out without a stitch on our backs if my husband failed to make proper arrangements for us. And all of the Dowager’s protests and posturing aren’t helping at all. Though she cannot see it, they are just speeding up the process. Robert was the last direct heir to the title. The solicitors are searching for long lost male relatives to take over already.”
Mary sniffed.
“But they might not need to. It’s all very premature if you ask my opinion.” She looked pointedly at her mistress’ stomach again.
Daisy felt her cheeks flush.
“Fortunately no one is asking your opinion.” She regretted her words instantly as her maid’s face blanched. “I am sorry Mary, but I cannot bear the thought of all this being discussed behind my back. You can see why I could not stay in London. As you said, her Grace is overwhelming.”
The colour came back into Mary’s cheeks as she nodded sympathetically.
“She does like to rule her roost, so to speak. I suspect that she’s making sure that she’s not cast out onto the street rather than seeing to your position. I never liked that woman. Even her son avoided her when he could.”
Daisy let out a small laugh. The first one for what felt like days.
“He did, didn’t he. Poor Robert. He really couldn’t stand up to her at all. He even ate jellied pork and cabbage when it was served at her table, just to avoid a public scolding. Can you imagine? The Duke not daring to leave the brawn and greens he detested so much.”
Mary raised her brows.
“Might have helped if her cook didn’t use mostly fat in the terrine or boil the vegetables to death before serving them. You can blame her Grace’s poor digestion for that.”
Daisy shuddered at the thought of the unladylike belches at the dinner table.
“Or you could blame the pork fat and cabbage for her Graces indignity in the dining room. One seems to follow the other with regular monotony.”
Mary laughed.
“Indeed!”
The clock on the mantelpiece struck the hour. Daisy straightened her shoulders and let out a long breath. It was time to begin her day. With new vigour and determination.
“Well, regardless of her Grace’s dinner menu, if I don’t get a move on I will be behind. I’d best go and see Musgrave. He wouldn’t ask for me if it wasn’t something important.” She turned to the door but spoke to Mary over her shoulder. “Don’t forget what I said about informing the Duchess about my activities. It might be best if you would let the other staff know of my intentions regarding such matters. And I would prefer that you don’t tell them what my activities are at all. They cannot be tempted to reveal what they don’t know. I will walk over to the stables after speaking to Musgrave, but unless there is anything urgent that needs attending to, don’t expect me back until lunchtime.”
Chapter Three
An Unexpected Encounter
Musgrave had indeed been offered another position. Daisy could barely hold back the sigh of relief.
“Of course I will give you excellent references. The Duke was always most satisfied with your work.” She gave the man a tentative smile.
Musgrave frowned back at her as if her words confused him.
“Of course he was satisfied. I never failed in my duties to my master. Unlike some I could mention.” He cast his eyes down her body and Daisy bit back a gasp. But true to her words of that morning, she refused to cower beneath his arrogant gaze. He might be leaving the next day but she was the mistress of this house and would not be insulted by her own staff. She narrowed her eyes and braced herself.
“Do you care to explain yourself, Musgrave? Don’t forget, these good references of mine might depend on your answer.” She wasn’t going to flinch before this man ever again.
Surprised by the steel in her tone, Musgrave coughed into his gloved hand and answered quickly.
“There is nothing to explain your Grace. Merely an observation on the way some people act. But you might want to check the housekeeper’s accounting. I think you might find that at least two bottles of his Grace’s monthly order of brandy are missing.”
Startled from her stance by his answer, it was Daisy’s turn to be surprised.
“Really? But surely... Hmm.” Hadn’t she heard the woman humming tunelessly as she staggered to bed only the night before. She had assumed that Mrs. Graves had been suffering from exhaustion with all the house clearing taking place, but perhaps not. “Yes, I will definitely check. Thank you for your attention to detail Musgrave. I’ll make a note of such loyalty in the reference I give.” She glanced down at the letter in front of her and found the signature. Having only recently come into his title, the gentleman’s name wasn’t one she knew well. “Lord Templeton will be fortunate to retain your services.”
Musgrave gave a sickly smile.
“Thank you, your Grace. I intend leaving first thing in the morning. If you could have my references written by this evening, I would be deeply grateful. His Lordship would like me there by the weekend. Something of an emergency what with his previous valet being arrested for stealing the family silver.”
Daisy gaped before quickly shutting her mouth.
“His valet stole the silver? How shocking, and yes, of course. It will be done by tonight. I wish you very well.” However conciliatory the man now seemed to be, she made a mental note to check their own silverware inventory.
Musgrave fortunately couldn’t read thoughts and merely gave a curt nod of thanks.
“Will that will be all, your Grace? If so, I will tell Andrews to expect you shortly. He has been waiting in the hall this last hour. Armstrong thought it best that he didn’t traipse muck over the Persian carpets.”
Daisy glanced at the clock. The interview with Musgrave had taken longer than she had expected. The morning was passing quickly. She rose from her place behind her husband’s desk and walked towards the door. Musgrave held it open for her.
Daisy held her head high and her shoulders back, though from the look on his face, she wouldn’t be surprised if Musgrave stabbed her right between them. She gave a small nod as she passed.
“Well, I think this will be goodbye. Thank you once again for your service to my husband. ” She swept by the man, only speaking again as she walked into the hallway. “Don’t worry about speaking to Mr. Andrews. I will see him immediately, if only to save carpets.” She refused to rise to Musgrave’s comments. Andrews might be old and bewhiskered, but he would never bring filth into Portland Hall. Musgrave’s lip twitched as she passed. He had clearly hoped for an argument, but what was the point? He would be leaving within a day and it would only give the man satisfaction to know he had riled her.
Musgrave gave a short bow before heading off up the wide staircase and Daisy silently thanked Lord Templeton for relieving her of one of her problems. She smiled as she suddenly remembered that she would soon see her beloved Bernadette once again and quickly made her way into the hall.
Andrews stood quickly, scrunching his hat in his hands. He bowed as she walked towards him.
“Your Grace, I am sorry to disturb you at this awful time, but...” He didn’t finish. Daisy smiled brightly at him.
“You do not disturb me at all Mr. Andrews. In fact, if you hadn’t come here, and Musgrave hadn’t needed to see me, I would already be on my way down to the stables. A visit is long overdue.”
Bushy white eyebrows shot to the top of Andrews’ forehead.
“I didn’t realise that you had already heard the news. Pray forgive me if it was presumptuous, but it seemed the best course of action at the time. I swear the man knows his w
ay around horseflesh. Never seen anyone more confident, efficient, and at ease with the animals than him, but if you wish...”
Daisy frowned at the old man.
“I think we are at crossed purposes, Andrews. I know nothing of any man or his knowledge of horseflesh. Quite apart from seeing my Bernadette, I was on my way to the stables to ask if you knew of anyone of similar stature as my late husband. I am loath to simply throw his clothes away and thought that you might have someone in mind to donate...”
It was Andrews turn to interrupt. The man’s eyes sparkled.
“Indeed I do, your Grace. This is most fortuitous. The very gent I was speaking about has been down on his luck. No fault of his own, it appears, but he could do with a leg up, and this might just be his opportunity. He is doing us a huge favour with young Tim so badly injured. I am sure he would appreciate anything you can do for him.”
Daisy hadn’t lost the frown.
“Tim is injured? Why haven’t I been informed? What happened and when?”
Andrews redoubled his efforts to destroy his hat.
“I am so sorry, your Grace. I did ask Bess to let you know of the incident and of our new member of staff. She has met the man and has been bringing him meals.”
A frown creased Daisy’s brow.
“I have barely seen Bess in the last few days, with the funeral arrangements and seeing to his Grace’s affairs, but I would have preferred to hear the news from you directly rather than from the housemaid.”
Andrews bent his head.
“I apologise your Grace, but I simply hadn’t had time to come and see you myself until now. I didn’t want to leave the chap alone with the horses until I was sure of his motives for being here, and if he was as experienced as he first appeared.”
“And is he?” Daisy could hardly believe what she was hearing. Her horses could be in danger if a novice had been left in charge.
Andrews rushed to reassure her.
“He is as good a horseman as I have ever met. None better from what I have seen so far. And the arrangement is working out well since Tim’s injury gave me little choice”
With the nearest exit only a few steps away, Daisy hurried towards the front door.
“It must have been something serious if Tim has been laid off work. Tell me what happened to him while we walk.” She strode out swiftly along the front of the huge house leaving Andrews to speak while he tried to keep up.
“Tim thought he could handle Bernadette. His riding capabilities have improved no end in the last few months, but he is no match for her fiery temperament. I’d told him not to try anything without me being nearby but the young scamp woke early and decided to take her out without my knowledge. It was a big mistake. Turned out that Bernadette took him for a gallop across Long Acres and into the woods on the track you usually follow. But while you manage her with ease, the contrary beast decided she wasn’t going to be nearly so obliging with Tim on her back. She refused to jump the fallen oak for our young stable lad. Can’t say I blame her. That trunk is over five feet high and almost as wide.”
Daisy increased her stride.
“The little fool! Bernadette could have been injured, and he could have been killed. She had only been over that jump once before and I decided never again. I have taken her round the longer route past the old woodcutter’s cottage since then.”
Andrews nodded vigorously.
“Yes, I know. A most wise decision. Anyway, the long and short of it was that Bernadette stopped but Tim didn’t. He shot right over the horses head, and the enormous tree. He almost landed in this chap’s lap. Apparently Peter Everard had been sleeping rough in our woods for a night or two. Thought he might have been up to no good, but it seems he was just passing through.”
Horrified, Daisy lengthened her stride.
“Sleeping rough? Up to no good? He is a vagrant and you let him near my horses?” She lifted her skirts and began to jog.
Andrews puffed along behind her, his whiskers flapping in the breeze.
“Nay, your Grace! Everard is no vagrant, and I cannot let you tire yourself for the sake of this gent.” He tried to keep pace with her as he spoke. “I can guarantee that he’s a goodun. Captured Bernadette before she could do herself or anyone else any damage, and brought young Tim back to the stables where the man assisted me while I set the lad’s broken arm.” He fell a few more paces behind, wheezing and gasping for breath as his mistress reached the corner of the east wing.
“Broken arm?” The thought of another broken bone had Daisy’s stomach in knots. Her husband had only recently died of an infection in his broken leg. “Have you been to see Tim since? His mother must be beside herself.”
Andrews let out a sharp laugh.
“She’s beside herself all right. With fury. She’s more likely about to clip the boy around the ear for being so stupid than to mollycoddle him. But have no fear. Tim is recovering well. I’ve had Seth go and check up on him every day.”
Relief swept through her.
“Thank goodness. But you say this man helped you with Tim’s arm as well. Did he have medical knowledge?” Daisy listened to Andrews’ answers as she turned the corner of the house and strode cross the parkland towards the distant stables. The visitor wasn’t any type of doctor, but then neither was Andrews and he appeared to have managed well enough.
It was only as she reached the stable yard that she frowned at the sound of a soft whinny and the sight that greeted her. Was that her own grey mare trotting briskly towards her with a man upon her back? A surprised cry left her lips.
“Is that him on Bernadette now?” She asked her stablemaster without taking her eyes from the horse and rider. The man’s seat appeared to be impeccable but with the bright morning sunshine behind them, she could only see his form in silhouette. Bernadette picked up the pace as the pair came closer. The mare tossed her head, fighting but not winning against the rider’s strict control, clearly keen to greet her mistress. Daisy shielded her eyes against the sun and stopped dead as the pair approached, then jolted forwards as Andrews caught up with her at last and collided with her rear.
“Oof!” The air left her body and she stumbled forwards almost letting out a cry before long fingers reached out and grabbed her, preventing her falling to the ground. How had he dismounted so quickly? He must have thrown himself from her horse. The thoughts raced through her mind as, with hair tumbling from her hastily styled bun, she gathered herself and brushed her tresses from her eyes. Catching her breath, she glanced up and noticed a tall, broad shouldered body attached to the arm that supported her. She squinted into the morning sunshine as familiar dark eyes examined her with deep concern. And then she noticed his gaunt features, the scruff of beard on his chin. Dear Lord! What had happened to him? He appeared to be positively emaciated.
“Pierce!” She exclaimed as the shock hit and her vision began to spin.
“Daisy!” Pierce answered, his voice hoarse with emotion. But he didn’t have chance to say any more. His arms went right about her as she promptly fainted and slithered towards the floor.
Chapter Four
A Surprise Visit
When had she last been on a ship or a boat? Her honeymoon, if she didn’t count rowing on their own lake, but the feeling in her stomach was much the same. It was one of the only sensations she had ever experienced to upset her equilibrium. Which it was doing now, with all the usual results. More was the pity because she was quite comfortable otherwise. There was warmth at her cheek, a rhythmic thump in her ear. She felt safe and looked after for the first time in weeks. There was only the faint odd smell and the unsettling sway that made her open her eyes to protest. And then she nearly fainted again as she saw Pierce staring down at her, his eyes full of fear.
“You’re alive!” A tentative smile lit his lips. “Though a bit of an alarming shade of green. Are you all right?” He didn’t stop walking but actually increased his pace, causing her stomach to heave once again.
Daisy stru
ggled in his arms.
“No, I am not all right, although I am alive. Put me down now, you idiot. I am going to be sick.”
Pierce clenched his jaw and cursed Portland again but he stopped walking towards the huge house and supported her as her feet dropped to the ground.
“I was taking you home. I’ve asked Andrews to fetch the doctor.” He held her arm as he frowned at Andrews’ retreating back. The man hadn’t managed to run much further ahead. Bernadette kept tossing her head and pulling back, desperate to see her mistress. Pierce swore beneath his breath. He would have ridden the animal with Daisy in his arms if he had thought it safe, but in her delicate condition, and with the horse’s unpredictable temperament, he hadn’t liked to chance it. Bile rose in his throat. God damn it all to hell! This was all his own fault. If only he hadn’t let her slip away, none of this would be happening. Her belly would be full of his child rather than Portland’s, and she would be safe in his arms every moment of the day.
He looked at her pale cheeks as Daisy breathed in through her nose and let the air out again slowly, holding back the queasiness and clearing her throat before speaking quickly.
A Fragile Chain of Daisies: Flowers of the Aristocracy (Untamed Regency Book 4) Page 5
