Page 65 of Her Magnificent Mistake
Marcia saw Hawk’s lips twitch as he reached for his niece’s hand once more. “Fine. Then let us just say: The past is behind us, and now we’ve found each other, and Tostinham, where we can be happy together. If ye’d like, I can teach ye to be a good steward to this land, so that one day ye might care for yer own land—whether that be Tostinham, upon my death, or…or yer husband’s estate.”
Gabby, hovering over Rupert’s shoulder, made a little noise of amusement and drew Marcia’s gaze. When her cousin cut her eyes toward Rupert, Marcia saw her little brother’s ears slowly turning red as his stare burned a hole in the report he was currently holding.
She’d wager he wasn’t looking at the numbers, but was focused on the conversation behind him…and the hope that one day Allison might be his duchess and learn to love Peasgoode as much as he did.
To Marcia’s surprise, given what Hawk had mentioned, Allison didn’t object to the possibility of marriage. While her own cheeks pinked, the girl turned her glare first on her uncle, then on Bull. “While I love Tostinham—especially Pook’s Glen—I have no need to become its mistress. I’d much rather be the mistress of another—well, you know what I mean. Let us do our best to keep Uncle Maxwell alive long enough for him to marry and begat another heir. Preferably a male one, so I will not have to kill my uncle for this place—I amjoking!” She huffed in exasperation when Hawk made a choking noise.
Bull’s lips twitched, even as he shot a look at Marcia. “Indeed,” he quipped blandly. “Let’s hope your uncle marries verra soon.”
Now it wasMarcia’sturn to blush.
Marriage? That is clearly what Bull and Allison expected. And once upon a time, it was what Marcia had expected from Hawk. But now? Now she was just pleased to know he loved her and was innocent.
Because when he found out the truth of why she was here, and how she’d manipulated him…
Sighing, Marcia turned away.
Apparently Gabby understood and took pity on her, drawing attention her way by clearing her throat. “In the interest of keeping Hawk alive, allow me to report that I have foundnothingfrom the servants to shed light on who would want the barons dead. There are a few, however, with secrets.”She nodded toward Hawk. “You have already discovered Michaelson’s embezzlement—he is the steward,” she explained for Bull.
“No’ for long,” growled Hawk. “I’ll have him replaced as soon as I ken Allie is safe.”
Gabby ticked another name off her fingers. “Mrs. McGillicuddy says that the footmen like to gamble, and McMackinacker—the tall gangly one—is the one with the most debt, although there has never been a whisper about him trying to gain a little money on the side.”
“He willnae earn it by being a valet,” Rupert muttered. “I cannae believe ye saddled with me such an awkward fellow.”
Marcia pressed her lips together, trying not to smirk at the idea ofRupertcalling someone else awkward.
Gabby planted her hands on her hips and stared at the ceiling as she tried to remember the rest of her report. “The murders go back for years, yes? But many of the servants working at Tostinham now are fairly new, having been hired in the last few years. Most of them were hired directly by Artrip, who runs belowstairs with an iron fist.”
“Who else has been around the longest?” Bull asked. “Besides the butler, who else should we interview tomorrow?”
Gabby pursed her lips in thought. “McGillicuddy, of course, although best of luck getting anything sensical out of her. The cook, definitely. One of his assistants is his cousin’s daughter, and even if they have not worked here long, they would know the gossip. And quite a few of the stable hands have been around since Hawk’s grandfather’s time.”
As Bull nodded, Hawk cleared his throat. “That ye, Smith-Smy—nay, sorry, Smythe-Smith-Smythe. Is that right? I appreciate ye gathering information to discover who might want me—wantusdead.”
Instead of responding, Gabby turned slightly so he would only see her profile, and gave Marcia a Significant Look. The Look which saidthe idiot still thinks I am your maid? Have you not confessed to him?
Marcia’s brows drew in, trying to remember what she’d told Hawk, and what Bull had told him. Had they not announced Gabby’s true identity? Hmm. Add that to the list of things she really ought to tell him.
She took a deep breath and opened her mouth to set him straight, but Bull beat her to it. “Well, I suppose before I can start interviewing the servants to learn of Tostinham’s secrets, we ought to discuss safety. Hawk, if someone wants ye dead?—”
“I can take care of myself,” he was quick to reassure his friend. “A decade of logging will give ye strength enough. I’m far more concerned about Allie.”
Bull nodded in agreement. “I suggest a guard. I ken it’ll be an irritation, lassie, but we need to ken ye’re safe as we continue investigating elsewhere.”
Allison sighed, then nodded. “I understand, although I do not like it. Tomorrow Rupert and I have plans to visit Pook’s Glen. I asked Artrip to arrange a picnic luncheon, because I suspect Rupert will become distracted by the rhododendron and the firs and we will miss luncheon.”
In a sudden movement, Rupert thrust himself away from the desk and swung to face them. “I am looking forward to it!” heannounced, too quickly and too loudly. Marcia did not smile, although it was close. “I’ve heard so much about the burn, and we only have a few more days to see the blooms!”
Hawk’s eyes had narrowed. “Should a footman join ye? I’ll ask McMackinacker —”
“Nay, I’ll see to Allie’s protection!” Rupert took a deep breath, and softened his voice. “I mean…she’ll be safe with me. I’ll guard her with my life, every hour of the day.”
“Aye, but even still, a chaperone would be expect—what ye mean,everyhour?” Hawk growled, clearly thinking of theovernighthours.
Rupert seemed to understand, judging from the way he flushed. But his jaw hardened and he lifted his chin mulishly. “I swear on all that is holy that Alliewill be safe, even from me.” He turned an intense gaze to her. “I hold ye in the highest regard, Miss Hawthorne, and I…I would never disrespect ye.”
Allison blushed and dropped her gaze to her lap, but not before Marcia saw her pleased smile.
