“Good. Now, there is one more bit to tell you.” He pointed to the seat, and Max took the chair. “Maggie is an heiress. The house that has been boarded up and all the associated property was not entailed. It was actually her grandmother’s, and she bequeathed the deed to Maggie shortly before her death. Winters—Maggie’s father—told Dean about it, who happened to also be the Winters’ man of business. The former Viscount Winters was having his will redrafted and had the deed in his office for safekeeping until he could deliver it to his attorney. Apparently, because of the way Maggie was ‘betrothed,’ they passed no dowry. Her father had that separate within his estate, and as she was his only issue, Winters made Maggie the beneficiary of his accounts. I would wager she does not understand any of this.”
“Yes, it is not something discussed with daughters. Such a shame.” Max gnashed his teeth at the thought of all she had suffered at the hands of these men.
“Max,” Harlow gripped his right shoulder. “I believe Maggie is in a great deal of danger. She is an heiress. If she is hanged or imprisoned for her husband’s death, who would question it?”
Max paled. “We must ride. Grab your things.”
Chapter 5
Maggie woke to the sun streaming into the room. Shep noticed she had woken. He moved from his corner of the bed to her face and kissed her on the nose before curling up next to her. A quick knock on the door preceded Gertie, who entered carrying a tray with chocolate and biscuits.
“Shall I put this on the table, my lady, or would you enjoy having it now?”
“I am feeling hungry. I think something would soothe my stomach from the empty rumblings.”
“Ye slept so soundly after the good doctor left yesterday, we did not want to wake you.” The maid hesitated before adding, “I brought a wee bit of food for your pup too. It’s right here, under the small dome.”
“That is so thoughtful of you. Shep and I ate so sparingly this past week. Ha! He had the cook at my house wrapped around his little paw. She kept food for him from dinners. My husband hates my dog, so my dog stayed out of his way, mostly staying in my room…unless...”
“’Tis but a small measure of cold meats. I did not mean to remind you of what you have been through. It will upset my mistress. She has barely left your room herself, she has been so worried about you.”
“No. I am the one who needs to apologize. A proper lady would never speak of her husband thus, no matter…” Her words drifted off as she recalled his leering face. It was as if he was there in front of her. “Fergus is a cruel man. Even his horse dislikes him.”
“You are safe here. His lordship left strict instructions that we should not upset you. If I have done that, I am rueful.” The maid fussed with the edges of the bed linens, tucking them in. “Is there anything else ye require, milady?”
A frisson of shock tore through Maggie at having spoken harshly of her husband to the maid. “Wait, Gertie. I apologize. I do not know what came over me. I should not speak so of my husband, but it was as if he was standing in front of me and I just...”
“It could be the laudanum. They gave you quite a draft of it last evening upon the doctor’s leaving. He wanted ye to rest.”
“That could be it. It always makes me feel poorly and I lose my better judgement. Honestly, I dislike the stuff.”
Gertie gave a quick laugh. “I see what my mistress likes about you. You are not unwilling to speak plainly. And ’tis clear you have a big heart.” She nodded in Shep’s direction. “Would you enjoy a bath, milady? I would be happy to have the water fetched. And the tub is just behind the changing screen. A warm soak could be just the thing.”
“Yes.” Maggie felt better just thinking about a bath. She recalled being cleaned when she got here, but a bath would feel marvelous. “I believe that would make me feel better, Gertie. I will have my chocolate and biscuits before the bath. It was kind of you to bring us something to break our fast.”
“You are most welcome, milady. I shall alert your lady’s maid that you are getting bathed. She can help you get dressed when you are ready.” She curtsied and left the room.
Maggie looked over at her little dog curled up next to her and patted his head gently. “I love you, little one. I cannot believe our good fortune.” She sipped her chocolate and reflected. It feels odd being in this house, especially after losing Max. I still love him. Uncle’s dictates ruined my chance for happiness with the man I love. An involuntarily shudder shook her body. I need to keep Fergus from this house. I think I may know a better spot to hide in Father’s house. It was hard to look for Father’s papers without using light. Mother told me where to look, but someone moved everything around. The books at least. She had described a small stack of books with the colors blue and burgundy as bindings. I am not sure what it looks like, but I need to find it. “Don’t worry.” She scratched her dog behind his ears. “When I feel better, we will leave. We can go back to Father’s. We will be all right, I promise.”
“My dear! How are you?” Lady Worsley briefly tapped the door as she entered carrying a small basket over her arm. “I have some cut flowers. I thought they would cheer you.” She laid the basket on the small side table and took out her garden shears. “And no, you and Shep are not leaving here. Max would not hear of it, and neither will I. Let
