Wicked Wager by Mary Gillgannon Page B

seemed to have a genuine interest in colors and fabrics. Not to mention that we get on quite well. I enjoy her company. Isn’t that also a requirement of a lady’s maid?”
    “Even so, Maggie hardly has an appropriate wardrobe for a lady’s maid. While a maid certainly isn’t expected to be as well-turned-out as her mistress, she must blend in with polite society. Maggie’s mob cap and dark, plain clothing would look quite out of place on Bond Street.” What was Penny thinking? She seemed to have no sense of the natural division between the well-born classes and those who served them.
    “Perhaps I could purchase some nicer clothing for her. Or, that is, you could.” The look she gave him was so sweet and winsome, Marcus felt himself weakening. He had to admit Maggie had done wonders with Penny’s hair. The striking young woman standing before him bore little resemblance to the messy hoyden he’d first encountered. And not having to deal with an agency would save him quite a bit of time. Although if he made Maggie Penny’s maid, he’d have to hire a cook. But Bowes could take care of that.
    “Very well,” he said, “Maggie may escort you. And you have my leave to purchase her a few inexpensive garments.” He fixed Penny with a stern look. “Given that your wardrobe is probably costing a fortune, I trust that you will be frugal with hers.”
    “Of course. Thank you!”
    The smile Penny gave him was so luminous he almost regretted his harsh tone. Really, a few gowns and furbelows were a small price to pay for a property like Horngate. And they would be wed, James’s bizarre wager notwithstanding. What the devil was his friend thinking, betting that he would fall in love? The very idea was absurd. Penny might be fetching, but that didn’t mean he was about to lose his head over her. He might grow fond of his future wife, but that was all.
    With that comforting thought in mind, he went to get Bowes and talk to him about hiring a cook.
    ****
    “You really want me to serve as your lady’s maid? Truly?” Maggie’s eyes were wide with astonishment.
    “Yes. There’s no reason for Revington to hire someone else. After all, you did quite well at curling my hair.”
    Maggie clutched her hands together, looking distressed. “But I don’t have no clothes, that is, any clothes appropriate to being a maid.”
    “I intend to remedy that. I have leave from Mr. Revington to purchase what’s required.”
    Maggie smiled. “Blimey, but you’re a miracle worker. Mr. Revington’s normally right tight with his money. You should see how he’s on me about buying provisions at the market. Always reminding me that it’s just him I’m cooking for and not to be extravagant.” She straightened abruptly. “The market! Who’s going to buy the food and cook it if I’m busy waiting on you?”
    “Revington’s hiring another cook. I suspect he thinks it will be cheaper to pay for kitchen help than for a lady’s maid.”
    “Ah, so that’s how you done it.” Maggie nodded knowingly. “You’re right clever, miss. You appear to have the master all figured.”
    “I wish that were true. Frankly, every time I think I understand what he’s about, he does something to surprise me. At any rate, you and I are going shopping today. Until we get you some new garments, you can wear my old pelisse.” She scrutinized Maggie. “And we have to do something about your hair.”
    “What do you think?” Maggie asked, smiling broadly. “Perhaps we should curl it?”
    Penny laughed. “Probably not. But I do think we should try putting it up. Take off your mop cap and sit down.” She motioned to the chair in front of the dressing table.
    Maggie frowned. “It don’t seem right for you to wait on me.”
    “It’s no bother. Just pretend I’m your sister.”
    Maggie dutifully sat in the chair. As Penny started brushing out her curls, Maggie sighed. “I wonder how my sisters are getting on these days. I haven’t seen them in