Page 69 of A Marquess' Season of Secrets
Jasper shrugged. “I would not be surprised, but as you said, let us leave it until you can admit your feelings.”
“You always have to have the last say on every matter.”
The man grinned. “I like to win.”
Nash rolled his eyes. “Well, perhaps you would like to win at explaining why my servant acts like a lady. I do not believe she is a commoner, but how does one explain the state I found her in?
Why would a lady wear commoner’s clothing, and why was she alone and unconscious on a deserted road? I have asked Johnson to keep his ear to the ground for any families possibly missing their daughter, but no one fits Isabella’s description. Where is her family?”
“Isabella certainly doesn’t fit any mould, and if I were honest, I would think she was a lady, too,” said Jasper. “How does it feel to have a lady as a servant?”
“This is not amusing,” Nash complained. “I decided to hire her before I started to have these doubts, but now I question my reasoning to keep her working for me when she’s not a commoner.
She might be middle class or even upper class and the daughter of a gentleman. However, I cannot have her under my roof as anything but my employee or rumours will abound.”
“You’re in a difficult position, old fellow,” said Jasper. “What have you done to locate her family?”
Nash had the decency to blush. “Not much.”
“Why ever not? Surely your doubts would push you to find out about her life? Finding her family seems to be the solution to your problems. Think of it in this way: if she is a lady, you will be free to pursue her.”
“And if she is already promised to another? Or perhaps married?”
“Are you admitting to having atendrefor her?”
“I said nothing of the sort!” Nash protested.
It was Jasper’s turn to roll his eyes. “Such stubbornness, but each to their own. Even if she is taken, it will free you to look at other women. I heard about your dinner party and was surprised I was not invited. Even Lord Somersby attended!”
“Ellie was in charge of the guest list. She invited men she believed would not interfere in her plan to have one of the women catch my eye. She likely believed your charm and looks would have taken the attention away from me.”
“I suppose she is right.”
“How conceited of you,” Nash said, laughing.
“But it is true. Unfortunately, your sister is unaware that you cannot look at another woman until you resolve this issue with Isabella. Look for her family and put this matter to rest. You have the resources to search the whole of Britain if need be.”
Jasper’s advice was sound, but Nash was still resistant to putting in too much effort. He truly wished to help Isabella, but he simply didn’t know if he was prepared for the consequences.
Chapter 14
The household the following morning was in chaos. Half of the servants had fallen ill, including Kitty, leaving the other half to do extra duties. Juliana saw no problem with this and was more than ready to take on all Kitty’s responsibilities without complaint.
The young maid had done so much for her, so returning some good wasn’t an issue. While the other servants were negotiating the price to pay for taking on so much work, Juliana was ladling some of the broth Cook had made into a deep bowl to take up to Kitty before starting with her chores. She couldn’t see what the fuss was in working a little more and said as much.
“We are all meant to help each other,” Juliana told them. “If we cannot rely on each other, then we shall always have trouble.”
“You just got here, and already you’re telling us what to do,” Harriet muttered. “You will not have to wash up a day’s dishes.”
The woman’s rough red hands were a testament to how challenging it was to have one’s limbs immersed in water for much of the day and have to use an abrasive soap.
“I understand, but I cannot change our positions in this household. I only ask that we think for one another and support those too sick to work today. If you were in their shoes, would you not feel relieved that someone was helping you?”
“Isabella is right,” said Cook. “The duke is a kind man and understands the frailties of the human body, but other masters would fire a sickly servant without a reference. Show some gratitude and get on with the work.”
Cook stared down the young women until they hung their heads and walked off, muttering under their breaths.
“I hope I didn’t come across as too overbearing,” said Juliana.
