Regency Rumors (The Sinclair Society Series, #1)

by Swafford, Bethany

  Startled by the blunt statement, I blinked. “I imagine I am not the only woman in service who has had an education,” I said slowly, unsure of exactly what she meant by those words. Was it merely an observation or an accusation? “In fact, is it not encouraged for a maid to be clever?”

  “Perhaps. But I do have to wonder why, all the sudden, so many questions are being asked in this household.”

  Before she could elaborate on that point, the door opened. Mary appeared, carrying a tray laden with food. She sent a conspiratorial look in my direction and then dropped her gaze to the tray as she set it in front of me.

  A small, sealed letter lay next to the teapot. Monsieur Lemaire’s response? I glanced over at the housekeeper, only to find she was once again occupied with her paperwork. “Thank you, Mary,” I said, calmly.

  Her lips twitched as though she wanted to smile, and then she hurried out of the room. Mrs. Wilder continued working, and I picked the letter up. Breaking the seal, I scanned the brief message informing me Monsieur Lemaire did indeed recall ‘Madame Sinclair’ and would be pleased to call upon Miss Burnham to offer his advice that very morning.

  All at once fidgety from nerves, I devoured my meal. Mrs. Wilder lifted her head as I stood up. “No other questions, Miss Nelson?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. Her gaze was thoughtful, curious, and I felt vulnerable.

  Where would I even start? “Actually...” I struggled to think and my courage failed me. “No, I don’t think so. Have a good day, Mrs. Wilder. Perhaps we could continue our conversation later?”

  She said nothing in response as I left the room. Once in the hallway, I breathed out a long sigh of relief. I needed her on my side, yes, but in no way could she suspect I was not who I said I was. How was I supposed to do that when she was a little too curious about me?

  First of all, I would have to be a little more cautious about what I said and did. If I behaved like a proper lady’s maid and kept my thoughts to myself, I should be able to escape any undue notice. And second...to be honest, I couldn’t think of what my second step could be.

  Shaking my head, I forced my feet to move. I had a job to do and a young lady to prepare. I would have to spend more time devising a plan to avoid Mrs. Wilder’s scrutiny.

  “WHAT IF NOTHING CAN be done?”

  Laying out the evening gown I had worked into the night to finish, I barely kept from sighing. Eugenia had repeated that question for over an hour. The first dozen times I’d done my best to reassure her and Mary, who was just as nervous, but I was quickly reaching the limit of my patience.

  “Losing hope will do none of us any good.” Doing my best to soften my sharp tone, I turned to face the two younger women. “Monsieur Lemaire is a talented hairdresser, and he has been known to work miracles.”

  I regretted my sharp words as soon as I saw Eugenia’s face twist in despair. “It will take more than a miracle to manage this mess,” she said, waving a hand at her hair. I’d not attempted to tame it this morning, knowing it would be best for Monsieur Lemaire to see it at its worst. “I will never make Landon see me.”

  “He already sees you, Miss,” Mary said, resting a comforting hand on Eugenia’s shoulder. “Why, he stood up to dance with you twice at the last ball you attended. And did you not tell me he came to your opera box?”

  Such actions showed Mr. Landon had at least a passing interest in her. “He was simply being polite,” Eugenia said in protest. “He’s not the only man who’s danced with me twice in one evening, or called the day after.”

  “But he is the one you admire,” I murmured, my heart reminding me it still felt some grief over losing Henry. As angry as I was with him and how he’d abandoned me when I’d needed him most, I’d truly loved him once, and I remembered well how it was to want his attention, to be noticed.

  Neither of them overheard me, which was undoubtedly a good thing. “Well,” I said, straightening my back. “If you don’t want to do this, you should have told me before I finished your dress for this evening.”

  Eugenia admired the gown. “Oh, it looks so lovely, Nelson,” she said, not having paid any attention when I had carried it into the room. She rose from her dressing table to inspect my handiwork. “I hardly recognize it. But, is it supposed to be so...simple?”

  “Yes,” I said emphatically. “One or two adornments are all very well in their place, when they are used with moderation and skill. But to have an abundance of lace, feathers, or beading will hide your slender figure and draws the wrong sort of attention.”

  “And no one will recognize this as a dress you’ve worn before, Miss,” Mary added, her tone practical. “Once all your gowns have been altered, it will be as though you have a new wardrobe, without having to go through the time or expense of getting it.”

  Never mind it would need all of my time to make the alterations. But, Eugenia had been teased out of her worry, and I wasn’t about to remind her of her uncertainties. In any event, the bedroom door opened, drawing all of our attention.

  “There is a Monsieur Lemaire in the drawing room,” Molly, the other maid, announced. Her tone was filled with curiosity. “He says Miss Burnham requested his attendance.”

  Eugenia’s eyes widened and her face paled. “Oh...I...I...”

  “Please show him up,” I said since it seemed I would have to be the one to take charge. “He is expected.”

  With a nod, Molly hurried out. I swept the dress into the wardrobe, where it could stay out of the way and unharmed by any misfortune. Mary glanced at the door. “Mrs. Wilder will be wondering where I am. I should return to my duties.”

  “Oh, please don’t go,” Eugenia said, her tone pleading. “I need you here, Mary.”

  “Miss Burnham is correct.” I was not about to be left to deal with Eugenia’s nerves on my own. “If you are to know how to dress her hair when I am unavailable, you need to remain here. I will explain to Mrs. Wilder.”

  Mary’s expression twisted into fear and apprehension. However, I didn’t have the time to reassure her. I faced the door as it opened and a man stepped in. He was not as tall as I remembered, but his dark eyes had the same intelligent spark I remembered. “Monsieur,” I said, dropping a respectful curtsey. “I am Miss Nelson. I sent you the message on Miss Burnham’s behalf. Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

  As he nodded in acknowledgment, I noted he hadn’t changed much in the five years since I’d last seen him. The beginning of grey in his dark hair made him appear even more distinguished. He still carried the same bag containing the instruments of his trade, and his mode of dress was as impeccable as it had ever been.

  “Mademoiselle Nelson,” he said with only slightest hint of a French accent in his voice. For a moment, his eyes met mine. There was a slight frown on his forehead and the flicker of recognition in his eyes that vanished as he turned to Eugenia. “It is indeed a great pleasure to meet you, at last, Mademoiselle Burnham. I’ve heard a great deal about your charm and sweetness.”

  I’d known there was a risk he would recognize me. After all, he’d cut my hair for my first Season in London. He’d also spent many years doing the same for my mother, who’d adored him, and who I’m told I resemble a great deal.

  I could only hope I’d have the chance to extract a promise of secrecy from him before he left, and then pray he was still the same honorable man I’d known.

  “Monsieur, I do hope you can help me,” Eugenia said, sincerely. “I have done everything else possible.”

  I took up position beside Mary as the man went straight to work. First, he felt the texture of Eugenia’s hair and tutted. “Have no fear, Mademoiselle,” he said, his voice full of confidence. “I know exactly what must be done. If you would please have a seat? We must begin right away.”

  Eyes still as round as could be, Eugenia sat down. Setting his bag on the dressing table, Lemaire began to lay out what he would need. “You were wise to summon me,” he said to no one in particular. “We must have Mademoiselle Burnham shini
ng as soon as possible, oui? We cannot have a certain young gentleman kept waiting for too much longer.”

  I couldn’t help but smile. He was as well-informed as he’d ever been in the past. “Exactly,” I said.

  Eugenia made a slightly confused sound in her throat. “Ah, Mademoiselle Burnham,” Lemaire said with a broad smile. “I am well acquainted with Madame Landon, you know. She comprehends nothing of her son’s interest, for she is incapable of looking beyond what is on the surface. Let us show her the pearl that is hidden beneath this unfortunate appearance.”

  A clip of his scissors and a lock of her hair fell to the floor. There was no turning back now!

  I FOLLOWED LEMAIRE into the hallway, leaving Eugenia under Mary’s care. “I thank you for your time and attention, Monsieur,” I said as I walked with him towards the front door. “What you have managed is truly astonishing.”

  “What is astonishing, Miss Sinclair, is that I should find you in such a position.”

  His accent had vanished entirely. Pursing my lips at his brutally honest statement, I glanced at him. “There are some things in life beyond our control, Monsieur.” There was such pity in his eyes I couldn’t meet his gaze for longer than a moment. “Please promise you will say nothing of this to anyone.”

  “I shall carry this secret to my grave,” he said. “But will you not tell me the whole of the story? Your dear mother was a valued acquaintance to me. You were on the verge of a good connection, last I remember. That you have fallen so far is incomprehensible.”

  “As I said, sometimes our path in life takes an unexpected turn, and we have to continue on, even if we do not know where it will lead.”

  We reached the bottom of the stairs, and Lemaire turned towards me. “Have no fear, my dear girl,” he said, taking my hand. He bowed over it and then brought it up to his lips. “If you are ever in a position to need my services for yourself, I will put myself at your disposal.”

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Wilder glare at us. A hairdresser showing such respect to a maid? Unthinkable! I pulled my hand free of Lemaire’s grasp. “Thank you, Monsieur.” I remained in my place as the hairdresser left the house.

  Wilder closed the door more firmly than was necessary and continued to glare at me.

  Molly’s voice came from the top of the stairs. “Miss Nelson, there you are,” she said before the butler or I could say anything. “Mrs. Burnham has been demanding for you to come to her at once. She is furious you have not yet seen to her needs.”

  “And how long has she been asking for me?” I said, having a suspicion it had been some time.

  The maid smirked. “It has been nearly an hour, Miss Nelson. You did say you weren’t to be disturbed.”

  When had I said that? “Then, I should go smooth things over,” I said, keeping my irritation out of my voice. Arguing with her would only waste my time and would no doubt make Mrs. Burnham even angrier, leading to my dismissal. I could, however, put my energy into appeasing my employer. “I’ll make sure to mention your diligence in finding me, Molly.”

  Molly flinched. “I’m sure you will, Miss Nelson.”

  She spun on her heel and stalked away. Wilder made a slight huffing sound before he too left the foyer. I breathed out slowly and shook my head.

  If it wasn’t one thing, it was another.

  Chapter Eleven

  “You are finished here, Nelson.”

  Mrs. Burnham’s sharp words greeted me as soon as I entered the room. She stood in the center of the room, her hands on her hips. Every response that came to mind were sarcastic and I suspected would not be appreciated. Holding my tongue, I went to the wardrobe. “Is there a particular gown you wish to wear tonight?”

  My employer gave a dissatisfied huff as she sat at the dressing table. “The mauve silk,” she said, her tone sullen. “You ought to have been here an hour ago, Nelson. What good are you if you are not available when I need you?”

  With ease, I located the mauve gown. It was a new addition to Mrs. Burnham’s wardrobe. “Miss Burnham required my assistance to prepare for tonight.”

  “I didn’t ask for your excuses! Tomorrow, you will pack your bags and be gone.”

  I had the vague suspicion that this was how many lady’s maids had found their employment ended. “Of course, Mrs. Burnham,” I said calmly. I faced her, holding the selected gown. “I think you will look very well in this.”

  Twisting her head around, Mrs. Burnham stared at me over her shoulder. “I am serious, Nelson, and you will not leave with a reference from me.”

  Carefully laying the dress where it would be ready, I considered how to respond to this. I had not learned what I needed from the house, so I hardly wanted to leave. Otherwise, this whole masquerade was for nothing. How could I persuade Mrs. Burnham to change her mind, though?

  “Perhaps you would prefer it if I were to leave immediately?”

  At my question, Mrs. Burnham’s eyes widened. It was a risky gamble, but one I had to try. She needed the services of a lady’s maid. There was no doubt about that. It had taken her a great deal of time and effort to hire me, so it was not likely that there would be a quick replacement if I were to leave. We both knew this.

  For a moment, anger burned in her eyes, and then she spun to face the mirror. “Get on with your work, Nelson!” she said sharply. “Eugenia and I are expected at the Gardners’ for dinner.”

  Hiding a triumphant smile, I moved to begin arranging her hair. It took longer than usual to get Mrs. Burnham ready for the dinner party. She was sullen and dissatisfied with everything I did.

  Finally, my employer was dressed and on her way down the stairs. I left the cleaning of the dressing room for later and rushed back to Eugenia’s room. The young lady and Mary both turned to face me as I entered.

  “How do I look?” Eugenia asked apprehensively.

  Her once long brown hair had been cropped to only a few inches in length tapering even shorter to her neck. Now that it was no longer weighed down, Eugenia’s locks had a distinct curl to them, and Monsieur Lemaire had shaped the cut masterfully. It drew attention to Eugenia’s cheekbones, making her face appear longer and her eyes brighter.

  Mary had woven a string of pale pink beads among the soft curls, which were brushed forward a la Titus as it was called. The white gown I’d altered looked elegant now it was free of its encumbrances, and it showed Eugenia’s figure off to perfection. Her fan was clenched tightly in her gloved hands.

  “Miss Burnham, you look splendid.” Eugenia blushed from my praise. I went to her and gently pried her fingers from the death grip she had on her poor fan. “Mr. Landon will not know you when you arrive. The important question is, though, how do you think you look?”

  She took a deep breath and faced the mirror again. “I think I look very well,” she said, a note of surprise in her voice. She glanced over in a slight panic, though. “But what will Mama have to say about this?”

  No doubt Mrs. Burnham would have a great deal to say on the subject. “Why don’t you go down and find out, Miss Burnham?” I held the fan out to her.

  Accepting the necessary accessory, Eugenia took a deep breath and nodded. She smoothed her white kid gloves one last time and then walked out of the bedroom. Mary and I exchanged glances and, without a word, we followed her out.

  “Genie!”

  “What happened to you?”

  I cringed as two young voices made themselves heard. “Miss Daphne, Miss Calliope,” I said sternly. “Am I to assume you have escaped Miss Graham’s keeping once again?”

  Calliope barely glanced at me as she circled her older sister, trying to get a good look at Eugenia’s hair. “You look so different, Eugenia,” Daphne said, tugging on the sleeve of her sister’s dress. “Why didn’t you tell us you were going to do this? What happened to all the feathers and lace?”

  “I can’t believe that Mama gave you permission to cut your hair!” Calliope said, her eyes wide. “Can I get my hair cut?”

  �
�Eugenia!” Mrs. Burnham called, a note of real annoyance in her voice. “Any longer and we will not be able to attend.”

  “Daphne, Calliope, I have to go,” Eugenia said, trying to escape her younger sisters’ scrutiny. “Mama is angry that I have kept her waiting. Go back to Miss Graham, and I will tell you everything in the morning.”

  Daphne shook her head. “Ol’ Gray Boots is not here. She said she had an important errand to run.”

  I frowned at that bit of news but set it aside in my mind until I had the time to deal with it appropriately. “That’s enough!” I caught Daphne’s hands and pulled her away from the dress I’d taken so much care with. “Even without your governess, I’m sure you can find some way of keeping yourself entertained, you cheeky gudgeons. Unless you need more socks to darn?”

  The Shakespearean insult fell from my lips with an ease that should have alarmed me. Aunt Beth’s habit had rubbed off on me without me realizing. My attention, though, was on Daphne and Calliope.

  The subtle threat made both girls turn pale. They spun on their heels and bolted back the way they’d come. I sent an exasperated look towards Mary, but she was fussing with the dress, making sure no harm had come to it. Eugenia continued towards the landing, and I followed several steps behind.

  “Eugenia!” Mrs. Burnham snapped, her gaze on her reticule as Eugenia descended the stairs. “We must be on our way.”

  “I’m ready, Mama,” Eugenia said as she reached the bottom.

  Mrs. Burnham finally looked up, and her jaw dropped. “Eugenia! What have you done?”

  Concerned, I watched Eugenia twist her hands into the fabric of her gown. “Monsieur Lemaire cut my hair, Mama, so that it could be more easily managed, and Nelson altered my gown to be more the thing. I think it looks splendid, don’t you?”

  “Your hair, Eugenia!” Mrs. Burnham’s voice rose several octaves, and I saw Eugenia wince. “Your long beautiful hair! Your dress!”

  “Mama, it was not beautiful,” Eugenia said patiently. “I am assured it will be much easier to manage now.”