Page 89 of How to Ruin a Rake

“Some of it went into one of the barns and some in the attic,” Mrs. Smith said. “But I think he was selling things off, as well.” She turned to Max. “I’m so sorry my lord, but I couldn’t afford to lose my place, so I stayed. I have a sick husband at home and three children to feed.”

“I don’t blame you for staying, Mrs. Smith.” Max finally managed to speak. “In truth, I’m glad there was someone here to bear witness to what has gone on. Your evidence will be very valuable when the Cobbinses come to trial.”

“I’m sure there are lots of people still living in the village who’ll be happy to speak out, too,” Mrs. Smith said. “We knew the duke would come back here at some point. He’s not the kind of gentleman who’ll take kindly to being stolen from.”

“He is not,” Max agreed.

“Do you think some of the former staff would be willing to come back and work here now that the Cobbinses have gone?” Allegra asked.

“I don’t see why not,” Mrs. Smith said. “They’ll be glad to have a wage again.” She turned to Max. “He’s done nothing to help the village or the farms on the estate for years, my lord. God knows what he’s done with all the money, because he certainly hasn’t used it as the duke intended.”

Anne, who had been speaking quietly to Claude, turned to Allegra. “Claude and I will go and investigate upstairs, my lady, and see the state of the bedchambers.”

“That’s an excellent idea,” Allegra said.

“We brought our own bed linen, so at least we’ll be able to make any beds that we find.” Anne rose to her feet. “Come along, Claude.”

An hour later, Anne was finally able to take Allegra up to her bedchamber.

“There’s only the one bed in the duke’s old room,” Anne said. “I suspect it was too large to get out.” She paused to open the door, and Allegra went in.

The four-poster bed was, indeed, enormous. Allegra reckoned the whole staff could comfortably fit in with them, but she hoped it wouldn’t be necessary. Max had gone down to the village with Mrs. Smith to see if he could find more staff for the house. He was in an extremely bad mood, and for once, Allegra didn’t blame him.

“The duchess’s suite has no furniture, my lady,” Anne continued. “I’m sure his lordship will sort everything out as soon as he’s able.”

“This will do nicely,” Allegra said. “Did you find somewhere for the rest of our staff to sleep?”

“Yes, my lady, we’re all settled in.” Anne smiled. “There are some cupboards and drawers in the dressing room, so Claude and I have managed to put some of your clothes away.”

“Thank you,” Allegra said. “If the marquess and I had known what state the house was in, we would never have brought you all here.”

“Claude says the duke will be furious. Now, do you wish to lie down for a while? Mrs. Smith says she can make dinner whenever you wish.”

“I don’t think I could sleep,” Allegra said, even though she was thoroughly exhausted. “I’d better go down and speak to Mrs. Smith about dinner.”

After a hastily put-together dinner, Max and Allegra retired to bed. Claude had managed to start a fire in their bedroom, although the chimney was smoking a little. Max stared down at it as he took off his coat.

“The chimneys obviously haven’t been swept.”

“I don’t think anything’s been swept for years,” Allegra said as she got into bed. “There are huge spiderwebs everywhere, and the carpets are thick with dust.”

Max groaned as he joined her and lay back on his pillow. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s hardly your fault, is it?” Allegra pointed out. “Your father’s been in charge of this property for years.”

“He obviously hasn’t visited the place for quite a while.” Max said. “I have no idea how Cobbins managed to pull the wool over his eyes. My father is usually a meticulous landlord.”

“You must write to him tomorrow and tell him what you found,” Allegra suggested. “I’m fairly sure the budget he gave you for minor improvements to the property will be insufficient for our needs.”

“I don’t want to ask him for more money.”

“Why ever not? This is his blunder and his responsibility.”

He came up on one elbow to look at her. “Because it’s mine now, and I want to put things right for myself.”

Allegra gazed at him. “Excuse my frankness, but that could take years.”

“So, what if it does? I have nothing else to occupy my time.”