The Pursuit of Lucy Banning by Olivia Newport

opener. I did not merely misplace it, and I am not being forgetful. So don’t try to placate me or ply your silly distractions. I’m going to get to the bottom of this if I have to look under every pillow and behind every curtain in this entire house.”
    Charlotte began pouring coffee, but Samuel spun on his heel and left the room.
    “Miss Lucy,” Charlotte whispered, the sterling silver coffeepot still in her trembling hand.
    “I know,” Lucy responded. “But I don’t think he’d really search the rooms.”
    “He sounds serious to me, miss.” The color drained from Charlotte’s face.
    Lucy shook her head. “I doubt he’s ever even been on the third floor. He rarely even goes to the second floor.”
    “He’s the master of the house, and he’s awfully angry.”
    “Charlotte!” Penard came from the butler’s pantry. When he saw Lucy, he tempered his tone. “Might I have a word with you?”
    “Penard, are you aware my father’s letter opener is missing?” Lucy asked. “Perhaps you could have a look around his study. I believe he’s in there. I’m sure he’d appreciate your assistance.”
    “Mr. Banning is still here?” Penard sounded startled.
    “Yes, I suppose he’s decided to go into the office late today.”
    “Miss Lucy, he has an important engagement this morning with a new client. Last night he was quite emphatic that he did not want to be detained overly long at breakfast.”
    “Thank you, Penard. I’ll speak to him myself,” Lucy said, already on her way out of the room with no telltale glance at Charlotte.
    She rapped on the open study door. “Father, I’m sorry you’re having an upsetting morning. However, Penard tells me you have an important meeting. Perhaps you ought to be on your way to the office after all.”
    Samuel slapped the surface of his walnut partners desk. “Penard is correct, as usual.” He waggled a finger at Lucy. “I’ll grant you the appointment slipped my mind, and I do have to go, but I assure you I did not lose that letter opener—or the tin box. I’ll be home for luncheon at 1:00 and will take up the search then.” He pushed an annunciator button and said curtly, “I need a carriage immediately.”
    Lucy sat down on the opposite side of the partners desk. “Father, do you have time for a question while you wait for the carriage?”
    “What is it, Lucy?” He picked up a stack of papers and slid them into his briefcase.
    “These next few days are very full,” Lucy said. “My social obligations related to the dedication of the fair on Friday are fairly demanding on top of my usual commitments. I will require frequent changes of clothing. I know Mother is going to need Elsie’s help, and it will be unrealistic for Elsie to assist us both in this busy week. I’d like to have my own ladies’ maid.”
    Samuel peered at his daughter. “It’s rather short notice, don’t you think? There’s no time for Penard to hire staff before the dedication weekend.”
    “I was thinking about the new kitchen maid. I’ll be out much of the time, but when I’m here, I’d like to have her at my disposal.”
    “What is her name again?”
    “Charlotte. I might even ask her to sleep in the anteroom in my suite. I expect I’ll need her late in the evenings and early in the mornings.”
    Samuel sighed. “I suppose it’s a reasonable request, though I doubt Mr. Penard and Mrs. Fletcher will see it that way.” He reached toward the wall behind his desk and pressed an annunciator button.
    Penard’s voice crackled through the tubes. “Yes, sir, Mr. Banning?”
    “Would you come in here, please? Bring Mrs. Fletcher with you, and the new maid.”
    “Yes, Mr. Banning.”
    Lucy reminded herself to breathe. This could work.
    When Charlotte followed Mr. Penard and Mrs. Fletcher into the room, Lucy merely remained comfortably seated and allowed her father to do the talking. She did not look at any of the servants. In a matter of minutes, Charlotte was her