Page 70 of The Duke and the Runaway Bride

Trevor raised an eyebrow. “Is that a fact?”

“Seems so,” Beatrice told him. “Are you still working at the same place?”

“No, I started a new job a month or so ago. I’m the head gardener for Lady Hammersmith now. I get to work outside, and she has lovely grounds. She allows me to stay in a small cottage on the edge of the estate. I got pretty lucky if you ask me.”

“You’ve done well for yourself.” Beatrice nodded. “How about your sister?”

“Still working for the Viscount Willmington,” Trevor replied. “She’s not a lady’s maid anymore, just a maid now. There was some trouble with Miss Jennings, and it was all her fault if you ask me. But who cares what I think? Thankfully, my sister still has a job in the house. Small mercies.”

“I know Miss Jennings well,” Beatrice said.

When Trevor looked at her again, she made a face that told him exactly what she thought of Agnes.

“She’s been causing trouble for me,” Beatrice continued. “Giving false stories to the scandal sheets.”

“Don’t ever read them myself,” Trevor admitted.

“And you will be the better for it,” Beatrice assured him.

“Is that why you came here tonight?” Trevor asked. “I assume your husband doesn’t know you are here?”

“He doesn’t need to know,” Beatrice replied.

Trevor took a large gulp of his ale and wiped his mouth with the back of his sleeve. “So, how can I be of assistance to you?”

“Can you ask your sister if she knows anything about what Miss Jennings is up to? I know she is likely planning more against me. I don’t have proof that she is behind that article in the scandal sheets, but if I can get it, I can stop her from attacking me again or hurting anyone else.”

Beatrice tapped her fingers on the table, unable to stop.

“I can’t promise anything,” Trevor warned. “Sally is on thin ice as it is, and if she causes any more trouble, she might be sacked.”

“I don’t want to cause any trouble for her. I wouldn’t have asked if it were not important,” Beatrice said.

“I know.” Trevor nodded. “I will talk to her and see what she can do. I have a feeling she will do all she can to undermine Miss Jennings. Sally enjoys working for the household but never has a good word to say about that woman.”

Beatrice looked up quickly, fearing someone might hear them talking. “Thank you, Trevor. You are a good man. If you or your sister are ever looking for a position, there’s a place for you both at Walford Estate.”

Trevor cocked an eyebrow now that he knew the duke she had married.

“There’s a place for you,” Beatrice repeated.

“All right,” he replied. “I should let you go, and I should get back before anyone comes over. It really is good seeing you again, especially knowing you are still getting into trouble.”

Beatrice smiled at him. She picked up her tankard of ale and clanked it against his before taking a drink. Trevor drained his mug before taking it back to the bar to be refilled.

A mostly full tankard of ale was left on the table when Beatrice stood up. She kept her head down as she walked through the bar again. Trevor looked over from the bar and nodded as she made her way toward the main door.

She felt the hair at the back of her neck stand on end when she reached the door. She turned around and looked back into the bar. One of the patrons jerked quickly, looking down at their table. It was the same person who had bumped into her earlier. She looked at the figure for a second more before leaving.

It is likely nothing.

She had nothing to gain by discovering who the person was and if she knew them. She had achieved what she had come for.

Mounting her horse, Beatrice rode home.

ChapterTwenty-Seven

The Missing Woman

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