Too Hot For A Rake by Pearl Wolf Page B

“That’s right. So I’ll need more proof you’re the marquis.”
    Waverley pretended to think on this bizarre request. “I suppose I might apply to Magistrate Wyndham. He was a close friend of my father’s. He’s known me all my life.” He reached into his vest pocket and drew out his watch. “At this time, the magistrate is likely to be enjoying his dinner with his family. I would hate to disturb him, especially since the result will be in my favor, I assure you.”
    The woman stuck out her chin in a final attempt at defiance, though her eyes signaled defeat. She glanced over the entire group. “Din’t ’spect so many of you. Rooms ain’t ready.”
    “We’ll make do,” said Waverley with more cheerfulness than he felt. In truth, his hands itched to strangle the woman. “Bring our baggage in, Rabu. Casper will assist you.” He turned to Mrs. Trasker and added, “I shall occupy my father’s quarters in the east wing, cousin. Would you be so kind as to escort Lady Fairchild to the chamber opposite my grandmother’s?”
    Amy cleared her throat to gain his lordship’s attention.
    “Yes? What is it, Amy?”
    “The men are hungry, milord.”
    “Thank you for reminding me, lass.” He turned to Casper and said, “The kitchen’s below stairs, just opposite the stables. After you unload our baggage, stable the horses and inform Cook of our arrival.”
    Not to be left out, Amy added, “Ask for Cook Wells. She’s my aunt and she knows we’re expected, ’cause I wrote to my mum. She’s told her, I’m sure. And don’t forget to remind her to prepare some supper for the marquis and her ladyship.”
    “Yes, lass.” Casper winked at her.
    “Stubble it, Casper,” Amy growled. She turned away to follow her mistress.
    But Helena stopped her. “Go along with Casper and Rabu and tell your aunt not to fuss over dinner for us. Something simple will do.”
    “But milady…”
    “Do as I say, dear,” Helena ordered.
    Upon entering the Great Hall, Waverley said at once, “I must make our arrival known to my grandmother. Will you excuse me?” Without waiting for answer, he took the stairs two at a time to the second floor where he knew he would find his grandmother’s chamber.
    Helena remained behind and took stock of her surroundings, astonished at what met her eyes. Dust motes floated in the air like soiled snowflakes. Her senses were assaulted by a stale odor so foul as to offend the heartiest soul. There were wilted flowers in the decorative bowl adorning a grimy table in the center of the hall. The floors felt like sand beneath her feet. It was obvious they hadn’t been swept in some time.
    She heard the voices of two under maids chatting idly to one another drifting from somewhere nearby. Had they nothing better to do than gossip to pass the time? A cold chill seeped into her bones and she shuddered, for there was no fire in the grate. Two armored statues white with dust stood sentinel on either side of the grand staircase, its banisters sadly in need of polish.
    Helena turned to face the woman who had tried so hard to prevent their entry. “Mrs. Trasker? I would be most indebted to you if you would lead me to my chamber.”
    “How long you gonna stay?”
    Helena ignored her belligerence. “I cannot say. A month? Two? Perhaps three.” She spoke casually, knowing her words would irritate. “Inform my abigail to join me as soon as she may. She can unpack my things while I rest. I’ll meet the dowager marchioness at dinner.”
    “Her ladyship doesn’t come down to dinner. She eats in her chamber and sleeps a lot, her bein’ sick and all.”
    Helena understood that she was engaged in battling a formidable enemy. Here was a challenge she was determined to win. “Then I have my work cut out for me, Mrs. Trasker. I mean to relieve you of the burden of caring for his lordship’s grandmother. The Duchess of Heatham, my mother, charged me with the task of seeing to her ladyship’s well-being. I hope