His Lady Mistress

Elizabeth Rolls137He had loved her mother enough to marry her even thoughhis family disowned him for it. And she could remember thephysical affection between them. Gentle touches, tendernessthat they had never hidden from her.So she couldn’t hide from Max behind the blank mask ofindifference with which she had held the Faringdons at bay.She would have to face her responsibilities and learn aboutrunning this huge house. She would have to take her mealswith him. Make conversation. Try to gain his...his trust...hisrespect? If she gained that, it was as much as she dared hopefor. She had better keep busy. Then she wouldn’t have timeto dream of how much more she wanted.There was a light tap on the door.‘Come in.’The door opened to admit a maid carrying a large andheavily laden tray.‘I didn’t ring,’ said Verity.‘No, my lady. His lordship gave orders that your breakfastwas to be brought up to you.’ The girl looked at her curiously.‘Where shall I put the tray, ma’am? Do you want it in bed?’In bed? Breakfast in bed? She remembered the man whohad stayed all night in a cold, cheerless cottage guarding thesleep of an orphan. And had then gone out to find her somebreakfast. This was the man she had married. No matter howangry he might be with her, she was safe.Taking her silence for assent, the maid brought the trayover and placed it carefully on her knees.Dazed, Verity said, ‘Thank you. What is your name?’‘Sarah, ma’am. I’m to wait on you for now.’‘Oh.’ Verity smiled. ‘Well, that’s nice to know.’‘Just till I’m married, ma’am,’ said the girl with a curtsy.‘Mrs Henty thought it best. Her ladyship says you’ll need aproper dresser in London, so Mrs Henty said I should do ituntil you can hire one.’A dresser? One of those horrid, superior creatures, like theone who waited on Aunt Faringdon? Not if she could help