Page 16 of Never a Proper Lady

The girl was clever and intelligent. And generous. Faith didn’t know another aristocrat who would’ve welcomed a complete stranger into their private sanctuary. Lady Edyth had done so without hesitation and had been nothing but gracious.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can, Faith.”

With a little wave, Lady Edyth, wearing a youthful pink and lace confection that would’ve made Faith look like an iced pastry, departed the chamber.

Faith smoothed her palms down the front of her calico gown. It was the least stark of her clothing, and as she was uncertain what was expected of her, she opted for her prettiest gown.

Her still-packed bags stood like three miniature sentinels beside the door. She could read but didn’t really feel like it. Unaccustomed to idleness, she wandered to the window again.

This was really too much.

Lord Constantine, at the very least, could speak with her. Explain what in the blazing bluebells was going on. In truth, she felt rather like a pariah or a woman of questionable moral standards. A female amanuensis was unusual but assuredly not a shun-worthy profession.

Fifteen minutes later, a soft tap echoed at the door.

Faith opened it, unsurprised to see a different maid than last night carrying a breakfast tray.

“Good morning. I’ve brought you breakfast,” the servant said cheerily as she breezed into the room but took care to shut the door behind her.

“Where shall I lay it out for you, miss?”

“No need.” Faith shook her head. “I can do it myself. Just place the tray on the window seat.”

At least she could gaze outdoors while she ate.

“Very well.” In short order, the bubbly maid had set the tray down and retraced her steps to the door. “I’m Alice. Should you need anything, just pull the bell.”

She nodded her head toward the pink tasseled bell pull beside the door.

“Thank you.”

After she departed, Faith curled up on the charming window seat and ate heartily. She wasn’t the sort who lost their appetite or picked at their meals if she was upset. If she was hungry, she ate.

Popping the last bite of strawberry preserve-smothered scone into her mouth, her gaze landed on the brusque note sitting on the night table from Lord Constantine last night. The curt missive requesting she remain secreted away in his sister’s bedchamber had not only raised her ire but her curiosity.

Baffled, she’d read the three lines so many times that she’d committed them to memory.

Miss Roth, unexpected circumstances make it necessary for you to remain in my sister’s chamber. As soon as a solution has been devised, you shall be informed. Please do not leave Lady Edyth’s bedchamber until then.

CK

Biting the end of a strawberry, Faith glanced at the gilt bronze and ivory marble bedside clock again. Two minutes had crept by with the speed of a slug in molasses in wintertime.

Enough.

After tossing the remaining strawberry on her plate, Faith set aside the tray and climbed to her feet. She wasn’t a prisoner or criminal. Whether due to poor planning or communication, however, she bore the brunt of the situation.

Well, no more.

She’d simply find Lord Constantine and demand an explanation.

Unexpected circumstances, indeed.

Surely in a house this size, there was a corner or nook where a pallet might be laid to accommodate Faith. After all, she was accustomed to sharing a bedchamber and didn’t require a down mattress. At the academy, four girls typically shared a single room.

Decision made, Faith checked her appearance in the mirror. A tendril had escaped her simple chignon, and after pinning it, she collected the tray. She was perfectly capable of returning a tray to the kitchens.

If she could find her way to the kitchen in this mammoth house, that was. Lady Edyth had taken so many turns and climbed two flights of stairs as she directed Faith to this wing of the mansion.