A Kiss for Lady Mary by Ella Quinn

a fault.” Eunice smiled. “She wouldn’t lie even to avoid a thrashing.”
    “She must have been very uncomfortable here, forced to deceive everyone around her.”
    Eunice nodded. “At first, yes. Then, because the steward was so ill, she took over the estate management and has been much happier for being employed.”
    “And what about you? Do you have a house? Do you want one?”
    She had a contemplative look on her face. “I have the dower house, but rarely reside there. As I said, most of the time I travel to visit my family and friends. At first it was an adventure, being able to go where I wished, whenever I wished it, yet since I’ve been here, I have realized how nice it is to wake up and always know where I am.”
    They reached the shallow stairs to the stone terrace at the back of the house. He said, “I’ve had my eye on a place on the outskirts of Rosebury. The home is an easy walk to the church. It does not compare to Rose Hill, but neither is it a small cottage.”
    She gazed up, studying his face. “Perhaps we should take a look one day.”
    “I’d like that.” He raised her hands to his lips. “I shall be back in time for dinner.”
    Brian’s horse was quickly saddled, and he was on his way back to the small rectory. Now that he knew she had feelings for him, he was surprised at his eagerness to see Eunice again.
     
    Mary left Mr. Featherton in the study where she kept the estate books. He had asked to see them, and there was no reason why he shouldn’t. They were his, after all. She could not believe how well he had behaved. Would he remain here after she left? There was still a possible problem with Diana Brownly, but Mary would take Diana into her confidence and ask her to swear never to reveal the secret. The girl would probably think it was romantic. As for Gawain, Mary would hire armed footmen and never go anywhere alone.
    She opened the door to her chamber and found Mathers frowning. “What is wrong?”
    Mathers pointed to the door leading to the next room. “They are staying in there.”
    Mary shook her head. “Who?”
    “Mr. Featherton and his man.”
    Mary stared at the solid carved oak door separating her room from the next. She had completely forgotten that the master’s chamber was next to hers. Why had she not realized that the servants would of course put him next to his “wife”? She needed to come up with a reason to put him in the other wing or any place other than adjacent to her? “He must move.”
    Mathers shook her head. “Not unless you want to cause talk.”
    “But . . . but I cannot.” A roar started in Mary’s ears. “We are not married.”
    Nor would they be. Not unless he went back to London and paid court to her. Despite how pleasant he’d been this afternoon, after he’d slighted her that Season, she was not inclined to simply fall into his arms.
    Her maid crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s a shame Her Grace, your grandmother, is never around when her plans go to Hades.”
    Especially this time. “Are you sure the door goes directly into his bedchamber?”
    Mathers shrugged. “To be honest, I haven’t looked. The only time I saw the room I went in through the door to the corridor, but your dressing room is on the other side, so I assume his is, as well.”
    “Find out to-morrow.” Mary couldn’t keep her eyes off the door. It was almost as if she expected him to walk through it at any moment. “I’ll keep it locked.”
    “Only at night. I’ll make sure it’s unlocked by the time the maids get up here.”
    She’d completely forgotten about that part of Mr. Featherton’s being here. Who would believe she was still chaste? Everyone would . . . will think they were acting as a married couple. Well, perhaps not. After all, she’d not spoken one word about him since she arrived. Still, his visit was going to cause a goodly amount of speculation, not only here but in Rosebury and the surrounding area.
    She removed her hat and threw it