Page 73 of The Favourite

She took a deep breath. “I suppose,” she said slowly, “because she is the only other person I know who is grieving my sister.”

“This comforts you?”

“A little,” she admitted. “You see, there are so few of us who mourn her. Even my own mother …” Her words trailed off.

“If Ayleth is a source of comfort to you, then keep her around by all means,” he said generously, “but we need to find you another maid for dressing.”

“Very well,” she said brightly. “When you find us new rooms, then I will take on a new maid.” Alisander narrowed his eyes at her, and Jane affected not to notice, making a great show of selecting the fig she wanted out of the bowl.

She settled back again. “The thing with Ayleth,” she said apologetically, “is that she has been with my family for over thirty years.”

“Yes, but her loyalty has never been yours to command, has it?” He skewered her with a look. “As I understand it, it was first with your mother’s and then your sister’s.”

Jane did not look at him but acknowledged the truth of this with a nod. “You think I ought to have brought Beth back with me, instead of Ayleth,” she observed with a sigh.

He did not deny it. “Why didn’t you?” he asked, reaching himself for the dish of figs.

She tipped her head as though considering her answer. “Initially, I thought that Beth might … might trickle information back to my uncle.” Her face flamed. “I suppose that prejudiced me against her, though I now think she will make us an admirable housekeeper.”

“It is not so unusual to have a servant with divided loyalties in this day and age,” he replied with a shrug.

“You think not?”

“The day of the blindly devoted servant is done.” She cast him a disbelieving look. “It is true. Must I give you an example to persuade you?”

“Well, I know you do not mean Robert,” she said roundly.

“No, I did not mean Robert,” he answered feeling slightly nettled. “He is a leftover from a previous age. I was alluding to my efficient Wat.”

“Wat?” She was startled. “How do you mean? Your servant Watkin is highly obliging.”

“Oh, he is that,” he agreed, lowering his voice. “He is also in the employ of Lord Vawdrey.”

Jane sat up. “He is?” An appalled look dawned on her face as she took in the implications. “You mean … he spies on you?”

Alisander nodded. “Oh yes. He has done ever since he entered my service.” He reached for two more walnuts and cracked them.

Jane was still staring at him. “Are you quite, quite certain?” she asked in horrified tones.

He nodded. “Quite, quite certain,” he answered, though he was not sure why he was telling her. He held out his hand to her with two more walnut halves. She took them from him and ate them absently. “And have you never considered dismissing him?” He shook his head. “Does it not rankle at all?”

“Why should it?”

Jane leaned forward conspiratorially. “That his loyalty is not to you, I mean?” she hissed.

“I do not require loyalty from Wat,” he answered simply. “I have Robert for that.”

Jane sank back onto her pillows looking thoughtful. Hesitantly, she asked, “Have you never wondered if, at this point in his life, Robert might be happier retired and living quietly in the country with his own family?”

“I am his family,” he responded bluntly. Too bluntly. Why the fuck was he telling her this?

“You are his family?” she repeated. He nodded. “Is that … why you tell him things?” she asked curiously.

“Things?”

“You know … things.” Her words trailed off awkwardly.

Ah, he realized, she meant like telling Robert he meant to marry her. “Things, like I thought your eyes were like jewels?” he asked casually.