His Lady Mistress

164 His Lady MistressMax had cared for Selina, enough to call her his sweetheart.Verity was no more than a duty to him.She came in halfway through the afternoon, damp with alight drizzle, and listened to Mrs Henty’s urgings with anaching heart.‘Told me to ask you to come down. Set on it, he was.’She forced a smile as she untied her damp cloak. ‘Thankyou, Mrs Henty. I’ll remember. Would you send Sarah up tome, please?’He couldn’t have been terribly set on it. He’d said nothingto her out on the cliffs.Mrs Henty nodded. ‘I did tell the master about Sarah. I...Ididn’t realise you hadn’t mentioned it to him yet.’Verity jerked around from removing her cloak. ‘What didhe say? Was he angry?’ Fear clutched at her. If he tried tostop her helping the girl...she wouldn’t stand for it!Mrs Henty smiled. ‘Master Max? No. He didn’t mind. He’salways been kind and serious-like about his responsibilities.’Verity turned away to hang her cloak over the back of achair by the fire. ‘Yes. Very kind.’ She fought to keep thewobble out of her voice. A man could resent his responsibilities.Deeply. Blinking rapidly, she faced Mrs Henty. ‘Iwon’t need Sarah now. I think I might have a nap. Send herup to wake me for dinner.’A beaming smile chased wrinkles all over the housekeeper’sface. ‘Yes, my lady. I’ll come up with her meselfand we’ll choose a pretty gown for you!’Guilt niggled at Verity, but she forced a smile. ‘Thankyou... Henny.’Mrs Henty flushed. ‘Well, to be sure! You get a good rest,my lady. Get some colour back into those cheeks. You don’twant to go showing his lordship a pale face.’‘No,’ said Verity. ‘I won’t.’