Jo Beverley - [Malloren] by Secrets of the Night Page B

goes well with her.”
    Rosamunde, however, was thinking that a birthing was a grand place for gossip. Many women would gather, and then there’d be hours to pass talking.
    “Is she near her time?” Rosamunde asked.
    “I don’t think so, milady. Her pains only started this morning.”
    Could be all day then.
    Mrs. Yockenthwait came back in. “Are you bothering Lady Overton, Dilly?”
    “No,” Rosamunde said. “I was just asking about your niece’s welfare.”
    “She’ll be all right, God willing. A sturdy lass, and healthy.” But then Mrs. Yockenthwait said, “Dilly, you wait outside.” When the girl had gone, she said, “I’m a mite worried about leaving you here with that man, milady.”
    Rosamunde felt as squirmy as poor Dilly. “No need. I’m keeping his door locked. And if he gives any trouble, there are men nearby to help.”
    Mrs. Yockenthwait gave her a Yorkshire look. It could reflect worry, or it could be suspicion as to what Rosie Ellington was really up to.
    There was no help for it. Rosamunde seized her courage. “Mrs. Yockenthwait, I’m thinking it might be better if people didn’t know about him. About the man …”
    “Aye, milady?”
    Rosamunde tried to look calm and in control. “He spent the night unconscious or vomiting, but still. It might look a little strange if people heard about it. My reputation …”
    After a moment, the woman nodded. “Happen you’re right, milady. Best anyways to keep these things to ourselves. You hear, Jessie?”
    “Yes, Mrs. Yockenthwait!”
    “I’ll have a word with Mr. Yockenthwait, too. Perhaps you should speak to your groom and coachman, milady.”
    “I’ll do that. Thank you.” Rosamunde spoke as calmly as possible, but inside she quivered with the certainty that Mrs. Yockenthwait
knew.
    Knew what she planned.
    And why.
    Which was why such a stern, upright woman was willing to turn a blind eye to sin.
    The housekeeper took off her apron and put on a cloak and hat, barking out a stream of orders. “Jessie, you be sure to look after Lady Overton properly. And to put that bread in the oven when it’s risen. And to take it out right. And don’t forget to put that ham in for supper. And pick the beans. And …”
    Eventually she ran out of instructions, gathered up the basket she’d prepared, and cast one last considering look at Rosamunde. “You take care, milady.”
    Rosamunde nodded, and watched her leave.
    How excruciating to think that the housekeeper guessed what she was up to. On the other hand, it suggested the local people might be willing allies. No one wanted the New Commonwealth in the area, and dale people being dale people, there wasn’t a family at Wenscote without links to every other family hereabouts. Dale people being dale people, they’d not want outsiders to know of their business anyway.
    She cast a cautious look at young Jessie, but she had settled to her work. With luck, she didn’t suspect anything.
    Normally, Rosamunde would have put the girl at her ease, but it suited her to have Jessie somewhat in awe and fixed below stairs. “Millie and I will take care of the gentleman, Jessie. There’s no need for you to come upstairs.”
    “Very well, milady.”
    Millie returned. “I’ve done as you asked, milady, but do you know, that wretch has hardly a stitch on! It’s not right, you going in there.”
    Rosamunde blushed, but grasped the moment. “I’m sorry it upset you, Millie. I am a married lady, which you and Jessie are not, so I’ll see to him.” Before Millie could form an objection, Rosamunde added, “Meanwhile, there’s mud on my blue petticoat. Please try to clean it. In fact, why not work in the kitchen where it’s warm?”
    Millie frowned, but she never really argued with anything. She shrugged and clumped off to find the petticoat. Rosamunde nipped round to the small stables and warned Garforth and Tom not to gossip about theman. When she returned, Millie was close to the hearth with the