Page 68 of Juliet's Touch
“Indeed,” Fletcher said. “I followed up on the article and AW’s source is credible.”
“Who is his source?” Charlotte asked, her eyes sparking.
Clamping his lips together, Mr. Fletcher shook his head.
Charlotte brushed her fingers over his shoulder. “I will get it out of you, husband.”
“Good luck, trying, wife.”
Juliet had no doubts that Charlotte could seduce the information from her husband; however, she needed to use other methods. She removed her reticule from her wrist and placed it on his desk.
“I do not require payment to look into the matter further,” Fletcher said. “As Charlotte said, you are practically family.”
This was for the best since Juliet still needed to find lodging, something she’d never done on her own. Still, she’d managed to hire a coach, convince a man with a carriage to drive her to the city, and hire London’s best investigator to assist her for free, so surely, she could find a place to stay.
“Juliet, where are you lodging tonight?” Charlotte asked.
These people seemed to know her every thought.
Juliet swallowed. “I’m going to look for a lodging house. Tomorrow night, I will stay with my parents.” That is, if they didn’t disown her and toss her out on her bum. “If I had gone to my parents before coming here, they might have prevented me from seeking your assistance.” She could not live with herself if something happened to Knight Roamer while she was arguing with her parents.
“You shall stay here with us.” Charlotte hopped off the desk, settled the cat on all fours, then pulled the bellpull in the corner.
Within seconds, the door opened, and Billy stuck his head in.
“Please help Lucy prepare a guest room,” Charlotte said. “Miss Coldpepper will be spending the night.”
“Already done, my lady,” Billy said with a toothy grin.
Juliet surveyed her bed, chair, nightstand, and washstand. This chamber did not come close to the grandeur of Chesterhill Manor or even her personal bedchambers at her family’s country home and Mayfair townhouse. Still, it was rather cozy with its blue walls, lush counterpane, and framed artwork. Its cheerful ambiance was another reminder that Juliet wanted what her sister-in-law had. Charlotte was the daughter of a very wealthy marquess, who’d given up society life and seemed perfectly content living in her charming home with her ruggedlymasculine working-class husband, devoted staff, and adorable animals.
“Does this room suit?” Lucy asked.
“Oh, yes,” Juliet said. “I shall be quite comfortable.”
“If you need anything during your stay, do not hesitate to ask,” Lucy said. “Billy and I are both available any time. As is Lady Charlotte. She prefers to actively take part in the household duties.”
“She seems wonderful,” Juliet said.
“She is the kindest lady in the world,” Lucy said. “I used to be her lady’s maid. Now, I am her companion. I suspect because she wants her staff to feel like family.”
Juliet had been curious about Lucy’s status. Now her fashionable dress made sense.
“It warms my heart to see her so happy after the abuse she suffered at her stepmother’s hands,” Lucy said.
According to Emily, the disturbing rumors about Lady Chesterhill were indeed true. Perhaps Mother and Father were not so bad. The truth was, she’d had a pleasant life and wanted for very little. Tomorrow, she would sincerely apologize and beg them to forgive her.
“Mrs. Lista said that once you are settled, you should visit the kitchen,” Lucy said. “She has a plate prepared for you.”
Juliet’s stomach growled, reminding her that she had not eaten since the morning meal.
“I suspect that, being a daughter of a baron, you are used to certain rules and etiquette. However, this household is quite informal. You are welcome in the kitchen whenever you are hungry.”
Juliet considered inquiring about how to best avoid Curly and Stilts but held her tongue. Informal rules didn’t mean rudeness was acceptable.
“Charlotte would like you to join us for a late breakfast in the dining parlor tomorrow morning,” Lucy added. “About ten of the clock.”
“That sounds lovely,” Juliet said.
