Ladies of Deception 03 - Betraying the Highwayman by Ginny Hartman Page A

hand feed him his meal again, as she carefully set the tray down on the table next to him, conveniently within reaching distance. She was caught off guard when he reached one hand out and clasped her wrist firmly. She looked down at his hand on her arm, then slowly up to his face where she met his serious gaze. “Yes, my lord?” she managed to squeak.
    “I think I can manage to feed myself this morning, so I will no longer need your assistance—” Elenore let out a sigh of relief. “However, I am feeling quite fatigued and have planned to spend the day resting and would prefer it if you would kindly refrain from interrupting me. Please do not bother checking in on me unless you are summoned. Is that clear?”
    Not only was it perfectly clear, it was perfectly welcomed news, and Elenore couldn't be happier that she would be have some free time to rest her weary feet, dream of America, and to do as she wished. Her step was light, as she returned to her chambers, excitedly trying to decide what to do with herself. As she entered the room, she saw the same maid who had summoned her earlier gingerly setting a tray on the small oak table in the corner of the room. As she backed away, Elenore could see that the tray was a breakfast tray—the steaming tea and bowl of oatmeal beckoned her, and she felt her stomach begin to growl.
    The maid stepped forward nervously. “I'm sorry to intrude, but the master insisted I bring you some breakfast then show you around the estate so you'll feel more at home.”
    “He did?” Elenore asked, puzzled that the earl could think beyond anyone other than himself.
    “Aye, he did. He may seem a little calloused and slothful, but buried underneath his gruffness he truly does have a heart of gold.”
    Elenore raised one eyebrow skeptically, not sure what Lord Brat had ever done to the girl for her to form such a glowing opinion of his character. She took a moment to assess the girl, who appeared to be similar in age to her, possibly even younger than her own ten and eight years. She was petite and willowy with pale skin and golden hair. Elenore imagined if she pulled her hair up into a Grecian knot with ringlets framing her elfish face instead of the severe bun she currently wore, that she'd be quite beautiful. An unpleasant thought crossed her mind—what if she and Lord Brattondale had the kind of relationship that she had heard some gentlemen carried on with their servants? She couldn't blame him for finding her attractive, for she was certainly pleasant enough, but the age difference was enough to make her feel repulsed. Lord Brattondale could easily be the girl’s father, if not her grandfather. She truly hoped they weren't carrying on a clandestine relationship.
    The girl reached up self-consciously to tuck a strand of loose hair behind her ear, uncomfortable with Elenore's blatant staring. “Enjoy your breakfast, Sister. I'll be back in a quarter of an hour to give you the tour.”
    The minute the maid left, Elenore began eagerly ingesting the warm food, the maid and her possible relationship with the earl all but forgotten. She was starving after having missed supper the night before, due to falling asleep so early and so unexpectedly. She had just sipped the last of the tea, when the maid returned right on time as promised.
    They began ascending the stairs to the main level of the house, where the tour would begin. “Pardon miss, but what is your name?” Elenore asked the maid, curious to know a little more about her guide.
    “Charlotte Winfrey,” she replied.
    “Well, Charlotte, I appreciate you taking the time to show me around the manor. I must confess. I hadn't a clue as to what I would do to occupy myself while the earl rested.”
    “Tis not a problem. As I said before, the master requested it.” Again, Elenore noted she spoke with kindness when speaking of the earl, a sinking suspicion telling her that her earlier assumptions could quite possibly be correct.
    “How long