His Lady Mistress

160 His Lady Mistress‘And?’ prompted Max.Mrs Henty drew a deep breath. ‘Her ladyship said to finda decent woman nearby who’d take Sarah as a boarder, withthe baby. Maybe a widow with young children so’s theycould help each other and she’d pay board and a little besidesso’s Sarah could get ahead. She said she’d do the same evenif I gave notice to make a home for Sarah. That it was up tome, but she’d help, whatever we decided.’‘I...see,’ said Max. He tried to imagine how any other ladyof quality would react to the news that one of her maids waspregnant. Lady Arnsworth, perhaps? Or, his stomach condensedto ice, Lady Faringdon?Mrs Henty eyed him nervously. ‘If your lordship doesn’tapprove...’He shook his head. ‘Don’t be a peagoose, Henny. I...I wasjust surprised.’ How many ladies of rank would have donethat? Most would have flung the girl out penniless. IncludingMama. Not Verity. Having faced that fear herself, she’d neverinflict it on another. No. He wasn’t really surprised.‘So where is Sarah going?’ he asked.Mrs Henty actually smiled. ‘Why, to Martha Granger. Herladyship arranged it. She took me in the gig to see Martha.And once she got over the shock, Martha couldn’t agree fastenough. With the little ones, the offer of Sarah’s board wasa blessing.’ She paused. ‘But it’s not just that. She said shedidn’t care if the baby was a...a bastard. ’Twas just bad luckand she’d have something of Ted left to love and a newdaughter into the bargain.’She fixed his lordship with a glare. ‘I don’t know what herladyship’s family’s like, but it’s a fine thing when a lady ofquality tells an old woman like me that she’d have me as heraunt any day!’ She picked up her pile of linen...and waited.He’d once asked Verity what she wanted—a family...tobelong again—and he had pushed her away. Told her shehad no place here.The news that she wasn’t eating again rocked him to the