Page 30 of Beneath the Beastly Duke's Mask
However, as soon as the words were out of her mouth, she wondered if she had done the right thing. Mirabel wouldn't be happy to know Arabella was spending more time with the duke. If she had truly been the one to hook Arabella's leg and make her fall, she might try something worse the next time.
However, living her life on Mirabel's terms wasn't fair. The woman's jealousy was simply out of control. However, Arabella had already cautioned herself to keep away from the duke because of her growing feelings, but she likely wasn't going to listen to common sense.
Arabella wanted to be around him no matter the consequences, which meant possibly dealing with another attempt on her life. However, since she and Jane were aware of Mirabel's intentions, they would keep better watch over the woman. Arabella had everything under control. She just needed to believe that, and everything would be just fine.
Chapter 11
“Why don't I help you return the equipment?” said Henry, lifting the sack of arrows.
“Oh, no, no, no, Your Grace,” Arabella protested, taking the sack from him. “This is my duty. Let me take them. I carried them here, after all. I can take them back.”
“But you have only just recovered from your injuries,” he pointed out.
Arabella's lips thinned. "Everyone has been helpful and taken on my duties while I rested in bed," she said. "But now that I'm well, I will pull my own weight, Your Grace. I do not wish to be unfair to the other servants."
Henry understood her concerns and backed down. “Very well,” he replied. “I shall leave it to you and return to the house.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
He smiled and turned away, although it took some effort. Henry wanted to stay with Arabella and chat a little more. He wanted to hear what else she had to say about everything because he found her so riveting.
During the brief time when he had put effort into seeking a wife, he had forced himself to get to know the women and mold himself according to their likes and dislikes. With Arabella, it was so natural. However, she wasn't someone he should be interested in—she was hismaid.
Inwardly shaking his head, he trudged across the slightly muddy footpath, reminding himself to remove his boots before entering the house. He could just walk in, but he didn't like giving his servants more work because he was too lazy to remove his shoes. Henry preferred to be considerate.
Nearing the stone footpath that branched off to the front and back of the house, he paused at the sight before him. Basil and Maribel were standing rather close to each other, their heads nearly touching.
Well, perhaps nearly wasn't the right word since Basil was tall, and Maribel only reached just above the middle of his chest. Still, theywereleaning toward each other and discussing an important-looking matter. His cousin and servant shouldn't be talking to each other like that.
Henry had often caught his cousin flirting with the maids. However, Basil's favorite was definitely Maribel. Henry had asked about the nature of their relationship, and they had always denied there being anything.
He was well aware of Basil's rakish ways and didn't want him to play with his maids' feelings, but his cousin claimed he was merely being friendly. Henry had no evidence to prove otherwise, so he was forced to accept his cousin's word and resist pressing further.
His eyes narrowed as Basil stroked Maribel's cheek rather familiarly, his intentions clear. Maribel must have sensed someone was watching them because she looked Henry's way and stilled before springing away from Basil. She said something to Basil before curtsying and hurrying away, looking over her shoulder once. Basil eventually turned to him, his expression of only slight amusement. He wasn't remotely embarrassed about his behavior with the maid.
“Cousin,” he said, striding toward Henry. “I wondered where you were. I was told you might be outside, so I came here. I ran into Mirabel along the way.”
Henry knew he didn't run into Maribel along the way; she likely followed him at his behest. Something was undoubtedly happening between them, but they would only deny it.
“What were you doing talking to my servant like that?” Henry demanded. “And do not lie to me. I know what I saw. I have warned you time and time again to leave the maids alone, but you refuse to listen. You may do whatever you please with those under your rule, but you will not fiddle with the people under my care.”
Basil grinned, running a hand over his oily, mousy brown hair. “You're a fine one to talk, Cousin,” he said. “I didn't take you for a hypocrite.”
“Hypocrite?” Henry repeated. “I beg your pardon.”
“Yes, hypocrite,” Basil repeated. “You have a problem with me being too, uh,nicewith your maids, yet you're doing the very same thing.”
Henry narrowed his eyes. “What the devil are you on about?”
“I heard all about the commotion several days ago,” said Basil. “I heard that sweet little new maid of yours fell down the stairs. I'm glad she's still alive. It would have been such a shame and a waste. She's such a pretty little thing.”
Henry's lips thinned. Hearing his cousin refer to Arabella asa sweet little new maidandpretty little thingmade him want to march him off his property.
“Yes, it was a shock for everyone,” said Henry. “What is your point?”
“I heard how you reacted,” Basil told him. “Seems a little strange for a master, doesn't it? You were a little more concerned than you should have been. Carrying a servant to a guestroom? Really? Are you certain you are not hiding something?”
Henry's jaw clenched. It was obvious that he had heard the news from Mirabel. He had been clear about anyone giving Basil information, but she had disobeyed him. It seemed Mirabel was quite the troublemaker. He would have to have a talk with her.
