Page 102 of How to Ruin a Rake

“The land agent’s cottage isn’t fit to be lived in,” Max said. “Would you object to staying in the house until we can get that fixed up?”

“Are you offering me the position?” Mr. Lake asked.

“If you want it,” Max said, and proffered his hand.

“Yes, I’d like that very much.” Mr. Lake shook his hand and smiled properly for the first time. “In truth, I can’t wait to get started.”

“Max, where have you been?” Allegra came into the kitchen and stopped short as she observed Mr. Lake. “Good afternoon, sir.”

Mr. Lake jumped to his feet. “My lady.”

“Allegra, this is Mr. Nicholas Lake. He has agreed to be my new land agent.”

“Excellent news. Perhaps this one won’t try and beggar us,” Allegra said.

“I’ll do my very best not to do so, my lady.” Mr. Lake bowed.

“Mrs. Smith is organizing him a room in the house, as the land agent’s house isn’t fit to keep our pigs in.” Max turned to Mr. Lake. “When do you think you can start?”

“I’ll go home tomorrow, speak to my father, and let you know the date of my return.”

“You will stay the night, though?”

“Yes, the mail coach doesn’t leave until tomorrow morning from Frome.”

“Did you walk from Frome?” Allegra asked.

“I managed to secure a place on a farmer’s cart for most of the way, my lady,” Mr. Lake said. “He dropped me off at the end of the drive.”

“I’ll take you back in the gig tomorrow,” Max offered. “You’ll join us for dinner at six.”

The next morning, Allegra woke up to find that Max and Mr. Lake had already departed for Frome. She breakfasted with her mother and sister, her mind elsewhere, which meant she struggled to follow the conversation.

“What’s wrong?” Carenza finally asked. “You’re speaking in riddles.”

“I’m sorry,” Allegra said. “Mr. Lake seems very nice, but I have to wonder why Max suddenly decided he needed a land agent when he insisted he could do everything himself.”

“Perhaps he had the humility to realize he was wrong,” her mother said. “It’s actually quite refreshing.”

“But why now? He didn’t discuss the matter with me at all, and suddenly there’s Mr. Lake.”

“I believe Max said the duke sent Mr. Lake, and it was quite a surprise for him, too,” Carenza said.

“Did he? I must have missed that, because he certainly didn’t mention it,” Allegra said.

“Oh, for goodness’ sake, Allegra.” Carenza rose to her feet. “This doesn’t mean that he’s planning on leaving you.”

“How do you know?”

“Well, I know as much as you do, because you refuse to have an honest conversation with your own husband,” Carenza said. “By the way, Mama and I are going out for a drive. Do you wish to accompany us?”

“No, thank you.” Allegra gave her sister a haughty look. “I suppose I should stay here and await my husband’s return.”

Carenza made no attempt to change Allegra’s mind, and half an hour later, she left with their mother in the open carriage, waving merrily as they turned down the drive. Allegra, who had hoped to be persuaded out of her sulks, was slightly disconcerted to find herself alone. She decided to retire to her parlor and write a letter to her and Carenza’s mutual friend, Olivia, who was still in London.

Fifteen minutes later, her peace was disturbed when Brice tapped on her door. “My lady, some … ​gentlemen have arrived. They are asking after his lordship and refuse to leave, even though I’ve told them he is not at home.”

“I’ll speak to them.” Allegra rose from her chair.