Page 46 of A Lady Most Wayward
‘I do know ’er. And if she ’as invited you into her rooms, then I imagine she will ’ave no need of my ’elp until later.’
Olivia turned sharply. What was this woman about? Was she mocking her?
But the maid’s dark eyes softened.
‘Rest easy, my lady. You ’ave nothing to worry about with me. ’er Grace is an incredibly good woman. Proud and stubborn,oui. But also courageous, generous – though she would never admit to such. She doesn’t dally with ’er servants, even if they wish she did.’
Olivia’s face reddened. ‘I wasn’t implying… that is to say, whatever Philippa does or doesn’t do… you misunderstood me.’
The maid’s eyes twinkled with a certain smug satisfaction. ‘Perhaps. But I ’ope you will not misunderstand me when I tell you, she is not as strong as she thinks. ’er Grace needs another warrior ’oo will fight for ’er. Fight with ’er,oui?’
Olivia struggled to hold Delacroix’s frank stare. Was she suggesting Olivia might be that woman? She was a survivor, certainly, but enduring hardship was very different from hurtling oneself into battle.
Still, the idea of standing beside Philippa as an equal in strength, determination, and skill, fighting together to protect girls like her daughter instead of running from the danger, was a dream she wasn’t sure she could imagine.
Delacroix blinked long lashes. ‘If you are not that woman, don’t play with ’er affections.’
‘I doubt Philippa holds much affection for me.’
‘You do not doubt ’er. You doubt yourself.’
Goodness. I’m being summarily dismantled by a lady’s maid.
And why not? A maid’s entire job was to watch and understand her employer. They were more adept at determining the inner workings of a person’s mind than the most skilled psychologist.
All cracked men who love cocaine, opium, and have an unnatural fascination with their mothers.
‘What woman is without doubt? You might be correct, but so am I. Your mistress holds no interest in me other than how I can help her succeed with this mission.’
‘We shall see. Tell ’er I will be back to get ’er ready for dinner.’ With a saucy wink, the maid turned and flounced out of the room the way she came. Olivia assumed the door led to Philippa’s bedchambers. She was desperately tempted to follow the smug little woman into the duchess’ room and poke about, see what hidden truths she might uncover, but Delacroix was probably lingering there, and Olivia would be mortified if she were discovered seeking secrets about Philippa.Like some lovestruck ninny.
Not lovestruck. That was a ridiculous notion.
Before she could tell herself any more lies, Philippa entered.
‘Did I hear Delacroix? Where did she disappear to? Ah, tea. Lovely.’ Philippa walked directly to the table, poured a cup of whiskey-pretending-to-be-tea, and sat where Olivia had just been on the settee.
‘Careful. It’s quite strong.’ Olivia turned her back to the fire and allowed herself a moment to watch the duchess.
‘I certainly hope so.’ Philippa flicked her gaze to Olivia, catching her staring.
There was no denying, while Olivia was decried amongst the beau monde as a beauty, Philippa was equally striking. Her dark colouring was the perfect foil to Olivia’s fair, delicate features.
Without intending to move, she stepped away from the fire behind her to draw nearer to the flame burning so brightly within Philippa. The light seduced her like she was a fluttering night creature, inexorably pulled out of the darkness toward certain conflagration.
‘I’ve always found strong things to be irresistible.’ Philippa took a sip, her double meaning clear. She raised her perfectly sculpted eyebrow at Olivia. ‘Is something amiss?’
It was a dare, and Olivia could imagine the woman’s thoughts.
Advance or retreat, Olivia. The choice is yours, but do something.
Olivia took another step closer. With the shock of Hyacinth’s disappearance wearing off and realising Cedric wouldn’t hurt Hyacinth until he knew it would have the most impact on her, Olivia’s panic had receded to a level of constant anxiousness. She desperately needed to escape her worries for a few moments. Philippa was giving her a chance to seek comfort and respite before re-entering the fray. Olivia wanted a second of beauty and pleasure before her world flew into chaos.
‘You are breathtaking, Philippa. Sometimes, when I look at you, my thoughts simply scatter. So yes. Something is amiss. My wits, and I’m doing my best to collect them.’
Well, that was certainly more honest than I intended to be. What will you do with my unabashed attraction?
She had shocked the duchess, who no doubt expected her to retreat. Philippa opened her mouth to say something, but no words emerged.
