Chapter Twelve: Alexander

"So who is she?"

Startled by the question, I looked up from my glass of port. "Sorry. What was that?"

My cousin grinned at me. "You've been distracted all day. John and I agree that it can only be a pretty face, and I saw you walking with a young woman earlier today. So. Who is she?"

I glanced over at the other two men in the dining room. John Burrows was a baron and married to Olivia. Mr. Henry Fernow was a wealthy man, though untitled, and had married my other cousin. Just as I had feared, both of them looked amused by the conversation.

"I said we should leave you be," Fenrow said, holding one hand up. "After all, teasing a man half in love will only result in your head being bitten off. I'd rather keep my head, thank you very much."

"I'm not in love, or half in love."

"Then, why are you so distracted tonight?" William asked, his tone disbelieving. "I know there is no pressing problem on the estate, but you didn't hear a word of what was said over dinner. Never say it was the young lady who had bad news today!"

"No, she did not." I was in no mood for teasing, though I knew my cousin meant no harm. "She did not have much time for conversation as Mrs. Burke was expecting her to return quickly from her errand. She said her mistress has a temper and is not one to be crossed."

William's smile vanished immediately. "Oh. You were speaking to the maid." He cleared his throat. "Well, you know many servants often have complaints when their employer sets standards where there were none before. The girl is no doubt too accustomed to being in a house with no one to oversee her work."

"Oh, I disagree. I'd say most servants who complain often have good reason to do so," Lord Borrows said before I could rein in my annoyance at William's dismissive attitude. "Besides, Mrs. Burke is not known for her kindness, you know."

"Miss Ellie was not complaining, and I did not say she had," I said swiftly. "She simply commented on Mrs. Burke's temper, which I find I agree with. I would not want to earn her displeasure."

"Well, you ought not to have been speaking with the maid in the first place," William persisted, filling his glass once again. "Mrs. Burke warned me to keep you away from her. I didn't think I would have to."

Oh, she had, had she? "Do you object to my speaking with her because you think a maid beneath notice and her word should not be considered? Or is it because you dislike that she expresses a negative opinion about someone you have chosen to trust? Not five minutes ago, you thought she must be a pretty face to distract me. Quite the change now that you know who I was speaking to."

My cousin sputtered. "Now that is an excellent point," Fenrow said, much to my surprise. "Which is it, Berdwell? Have you decided to trust the Burke woman or do you think yourself too good to hear what a simple maid might have to say?"

"I assured Mrs. Burke that there would be no trifling with anyone in her household!" the earl protested. "Now I find that my own cousin has made my word false? Why am I under accusation here?"

It took all of my self control not to push away from the table and be done with the ridiculous conversation. "So. A conversation is enough to be considered trifling with a young woman? No wonder you fled London. And thank you for enlightening me on your opinion of me and my conduct. I am astonished you would have me in your employ if I am so dangerous."

Bold words I probably ought to have kept to myself. A steward shouldn't be so easily offended or feel free to express himself. Especially not to an earl. But what was said could not be unsaid and I wasn't sorry for a single word.

William's face flushed. "Alex, you know that's not—"

"It sounded exactly like that to me," Lord Burrows said, interrupting the earl. "And since you didn't answer Fenrow's question a moment ago, it sounds as though you have decided Mrs. Burke is worthy of your trust and protection."

His words almost made it sound as though the woman were William's mistress. "I can do little else but trust her," William said, his voice rising. "She knows where my ward is. If I do not do as she says, I will never meet the girl. So yes, I wish to stay on her good side."

There was a pause. "Did I hear that right?" Burrows turned to where his brother-in-law, Fenrow, was seated on his right. "Did the earl of Berdwell just say a widow of no title, consequence, or money has more authority and power than he does?"

Fenrow gave a nod, all trace of amusement gone from his blue eyes. "Indeed. I heard the same thing. A dangerous path to take, in my opinion. First a woman who cannot cause any real harm. But soon after? What is to keep an ambitious man with nefarious plans from taking advantage of an earl who cannot enforce his own decisions?"

The earl's face was beet red, though it was impossible to know if it was from anger or embarrassment. "You both are making too much of this and you're supposed to be on my side," he complained. "I let you marry my sisters. I deserve some respect."

"Nothing of the sort," Burrows said immediately. "Your father is the one who gave permission for me to pay my addresses to Olivia, but she made her own choice. You have nothing to do with it."

"And isn't that getting a little off topic?" Fenrow asked. "I believe we were discussing Mrs. Burke and your ward."

"No, we were discussing how the earl of Berdwell sees someone in his employ, or a young woman who is not in his employ," I corrected, surprised though I was to find them both on my side. "And before that we were discussing what a maid's opinion of her mistress was."

With both of his brothers-in-law looking at him, the earl cleared his throat. "Look, Alex, I didn't mean to offend you. Of course I know you wouldn't trifle with a young woman's affections. I didn't think before I spoke. And I know I told you to learn all you could about Mrs. Burke from those she employs. Just, don't you think you should be done with that by now?"

"I don't think I've learned the truth of the matter," I said honestly. "Mrs. Burke has not been entirely truthful about anything. Until I hear from the solicitor in London, I won't know which side is telling the truth and which has kept lying. Who took the funds for Meadowbooke's upkeep?"

"Is it in question?" Fenrow asked, his blue eyes lighting up with interest. "I hadn't heard about this."

William shook his head, no doubt wishing to end the conversation, but I said, "Mrs. Burke claims she sent funds over the years, expecting the repairs to have been made. However, the housekeeper and maid say no money was ever sent. No letter was ever written acknowledging their concerns. I have the testimony of the local thatcher and a local boy that the housekeeper and maid were creative in keeping the roof over their heads."

"What if it was the solicitor who kept the funds?" Lord Burrows asked. "Then, both sides would be correct. Miscommunication between them, especially if there has been bad feelings on both sides, would only confuse the issue."

"It is a possibility," I said with a nod. I hadn't even thought of that, but it was worth investigating. "I am reserving judgement until more facts are made known."

"Good. That's settled for now, then," Lord Burrows said. "But that still leaves us with the alarming confession that the earl of Berdwell has given Mrs. Burke all of the power in the relationship."

"As I said, I have no choice," the earl said defensively. "What would you have me do?"

"It seems to me you have multiple choices. You are the girl's guardian, are you not? If Mrs. Burke keeps the girl from you, she is essentially kidnapping and we can hold her accountable by the law for that crime."

"She has promised Miss Burke is to come next week," William said, standing up. "So I don't see any need to discuss it further. Once I have my ward where I can keep an eye on her, there won't be any need for Mrs. Burke."

"Do you really expect her to simply let Miss Burke stay with you and have nothing more to say?" Fernow asked in astonishment. "Why would she do that?"

"Because I am the girl's legal guardian and—"

"As we have already established, you have been the girl's guardian, but what has that gained you? You have had Mrs. Burke thwart your efforts to bring the girl to one of your estates. Didn't you say yourself she was resistant to you planning for the girl's future?"

William hesitated. "Yes, but—"

"But nothing. You've let her give you the runaround from the beginning. You have caved to every request she has made. You repaired her cottage, for crying out loud! Why would she just give up all of that? You've shown you will give her whatever she asks for. She would be a fool to give up that kind of power."

The earl shook his head, his face set in stubborn lines. "If I didn't do as she asked, why would she have cooperated with me?"

"She's not cooperating now!" Fenrow broke it. "That's the point, Berdwell. She is taking advantage of you and you're just letting it happen!"

For a moment, it seemed the conversation had come to an impasse. Glancing between the other men, I made a quick guess what was going on in my cousin's mind. "It's not your fault your father didn't take an interest in the girl long ago," I said, keeping my tone calm. "And it's not your fault you only just learned about her. You don't have to make it up to her. It's not as though she has been neglected in any way."

"Of course I have to make it up to her. She was left in the hands of Mrs. Burke." William sent an accusing look at his brother-in-law. "You said yourself that she is an unkind woman."

"Well, make it up to her once she is here. But for love of all that is good, stop giving Mrs. Burke whatever she asks for." Burrows rose from his chair. "And if she says she is going to keep Miss Burke from you, just remind her that you are the earl and you are the one who is in charge."

Though I held my tongue, I could not have agreed more with my cousin-in-law's statement.

"Are we all in agreement? I don't think we should continue this in front of the ladies," Fenrow said, pushing his chair back. "I have the feeling they might object to the idea that we are plotting against oneof their own sex."

"Oh, Olivia knows Mrs. Burke and would be entirely on our side."

The three men moved towards the door. I drained his glass. The conversation hadn't gone as I had expected. Though I'd wanted to get them away from the topic of who he had been talking to, I had not expected it to turn into a criticism of the earl's actions. It would have been a better conversation to have privately and I didn't need to be involved.

Hearing my cousin's words had hit harder than I might have expected. Why would my cousin think an intelligent young lady not worth speaking to? Just because she had no fortune? Even if that might be true for William, I was not the same rank and could be more lenient in my choice of marriage mate.

Not that I was interested in the lovely Miss Ellie.

"Are you coming, Alex?" Wiliam asked.

Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I stood up. "I'm coming."

~*~

Over the next few days, I couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped as I went about his duties. On Sunday, there was no sign of Miss Ellie in church and I could not get close enough to ask Mrs Haynes where she was.

Had Mrs. Burke punished the girl in some way? Just because we had spoken together for a few minutes?

Come Monday, I rode out without my cousin to collect the rent from the farmer who had requested extra time. The man thanked me for the extension and handed over the money without protest. It was a pleasant surprise, but I resolved not to extend the mercy too often.

Thick clouds overhead did little to improve my mood. My mother and aunt were to arrive later that day, and I knew I wouldn't have freedom to do as I pleased. While my cousin could be observant, my mother would watch me like a hawk, especially if she heard even a hint that I might be interested in a girl she would never approve of. There would be little that escaped her notice.

With a start, I realized I had arrived at Meadowbrooke Cottage. Pausing on the road, I didn't see anyone at the windows. Should I check on the repairs myself and make sure they were done well?

"Good day, sir."

At the unfamiliar voice, I shifted my gaze from the cottage to the road. A tall, thin woman was walking toward him. "Good day, ma'am," I said, tipping his hat.

"Are you a friend of Mrs. Burke?" she asked.

"I can't say that I am. I was stopping to check how the repairs went."

"Ah. So you are Mr. Turner, the new steward," she said, though her expression didn't lose any trace of disapproval.

I fought a smile. "And you are Miss Sharpe, the former governess."

Surprise flashed across her face. "How do you know me, sir?"

"Miss Ellie mentioned you. She had only good things to say about you," I added quickly. "She said you have been diligent about teaching her what she should know and encourage her to read."

The woman's lips curved in a smile. "I suppose once a governess, always a governess. I am always looking for someone to educate."

"Not many would think a maid is worthy of education."

"Everyone is worthy of education, no matter their station in life," Miss Sharpe said, her tone becoming icy. "Well, do you intend to stay on your horse or will you walk up with me?"

With a start, I realized how rude I'd been by talking down to her. "My apologies," I said hastily. I dismounted and tied the reins to the gatepost. "I would be happy to walk up to you."

Striding past me, Miss Sharpe opened the gate. I hurried to catch up to her. "I hope you will be attending the masquerade in a few weeks," I said, just to fill the silence. "I know my cousin intended on inviting everyone in the neighborhood."

"Everyone? Or everyone of a certain rank?"

Her sharp question made me pause. "Well, I suppose—"

"I did receive my invitation, but I have not yet decided if I will attend," she said, interrupting him. Her expression had become smug. As though he had proved a point for her. "I am a mere governess. No one will miss me if I do not attend."

"I'm sure that's not true. Your friends will look for you, surely."

"I am not accustomed, Mr. Turner, to being told what I must think or know." Miss Sharpe plied the knocker briskly. "I am currently put out with the Berdwell family, though it is of little consequence to them. It would be hypocritical of me to accept their hospitality."

A thread of unease went down my spine. Hadn't the woman just returned from a visit elsewhere? What had William done to offend her? "My cousin would be distressed to know it. What has he done to deserve censure?"

The door swung open. Miss Ellie, her face unusually pale, greeted them. "Good day, Miss Sharpe, Mr. Turner," she said, curtsying. Her blue eyes flicked between them.

"I am here to see Mrs. Burke," Miss Sharpe said, her voice prim. "Is she at home?"

Ellie glanced over her shoulder. For a moment, I thought I heard the pounding of running footsteps. "I'm not sure if she is accepting visitors, but I will let her know you have come," she said slowly.

Would Mrs. Burke turn away any visitor? "I'd like to inspect the repairs," I said, removing my hat. "If it is not inconvenient."

Again, the maid hesitated. "Who is there, Ellie?" Mrs. Burke's voice called out. "Don't keep them standing at the door!"

"Miss Sharpe and Mr. Turner, ma'am," Ellie said. She stepped back. "Come in. It seems she is accepting visitors."

The liveliness that I had come to expect from her was missing entirely. I could only conclude that she had been punished, and I felt a stab of guilt. "I will leave the ladies to their tete-a-tete while I see what the carpenter has done," I said, determined to find some way to apologize to her. "Will you show me, Miss Ellie?"

Her gaze lifted quickly. before flicking over to Miss Sharpe. A flush stained her cheeks. "Of course," she said quietly. "I will be happy to do so, though I don't think you could get lost in Meadowbrooke."

"Mr. Turner!" Mrs. Burke came rushing up behind the young woman and then pushed her aside. "This is an unexpected pleasure! Is the earl not with you?"

"I am not here to disrupt your day," I said, heading off what I suspected was an invitation to join the ladies for tea. "I was passing by and thought to check the work that was done. I trust you have no complaints?"

"Well, no one has come to put the garden right," Mrs. Burke said, a pout forming on her face. "I worry what my dear stepdaughter will say if she arrives to such a jungle when she has such pleasant memories of it being well tended! I sent a message to the earl, but he hasn't responded."

"The earl is occupied at present with his family. If Miss Burke is of a mind to enjoy a garden, she will be welcome to visit the ones at the manor. She can find no fault with them."

"Has your physician visited yet?" Miss Sharpe asked, her tone conciliatory. She lifted her basket. "I brought some of my mother's excellent calf's foot jelly for you. It will help put you right."

Had Mrs. Burke been unwell? She had been very animated in the churchyard on Sunday.

"How...kind of you think of me. You really should not have taken the trouble." Mrs. Burke accepted the basket with a forced smile. "Ellie, take this to the kitchen. If you please. No use to stand there like a lump on a log."

She held the basket out without even looking at the young woman. Ellie took it without a word. "I did not realize you have been feeling poorly, Mrs. Burke," I said, unsure whether to believe the woman had been truly unwell. Or was this another ploy for attention? "Should I summon the village doctor for you or have you consulted him?"

"No, no," Mrs. Burke said swiftly. "It is nothing. Really. You are making too much of it. Come. Let us go into the sitting room. Ellie! Tea!"

"Thank you for your offer, but I have only time to see the repairs so I may make a report. Enjoy your visit with Miss Sharpe. I'm sure she must have some entertaining stories from her time as a governess."

"Oh, but I'd hoped to make known other—"

I brought my hand up to cut her off. "I'm sure the earl will inform me of any other concerns if you have written to him about them. If he intends to see to them, of course. Meadowbrooke is not part of his estate, you know," I said firmly. "I won't be but a few minutes."

As I spoke, I stepped around her and stepped to the staircase.

"Oh, but—" Mrs. Burke tried to protest.

"Come, you must sit down, Mrs. Burke," Miss Sharpe said. "If you need a London physician to check on you often, you must get what rest you can. Tea will be just the thing."

So, I was able to make my way up to the bedrooms and make a cursory inspection. The repairs had been skillfully done and I couldn't find any fault. The room I knew was intended for Miss Burke still showed of being used. The pale gown that was strewn on the floor was smaller than he thought Mrs. Burke to be, but I shook his head. I was no judge of a woman's size or fashion.

When I returned to the main floor, I tread carefully to avoid being heard. Miss Sharpe's animated voice came from the sitting room, so I hurried to the kitchen. There I found Ellie at the work table, all alone. She was hitting the dough in front of her with more force than I suspected necessary.

"Are you well?"