Page 66 of An Alleged Rogue

“Marvelous.” Freddie signaled a passing footman. Moments later, three glasses of brandy appeared. He took one and raised it. “To the success of this endeavor and the removal of all felons in our midst.”

“Hear, hear,” Bertrand said as he and Hadford raised their glasses to Freddie’s.

Freddie smiled and set down his drink. His work here was complete. It was time for this felon to make his exit.

The gray light outside the cart shed was turning a warm gold. Adam rinsed his hands and exited the building, walking briskly back toward the house. He had been up since dawn, emptying the apple press of yesterday’s crushed fruit before the milling began today. No one but Cook had been about at that early hour, and he would not normally have returned to the house before evening, but he was determined to speak with Miss Glover before she and Emily set off for the orchard.

He glanced at the sky. No clouds marred the deepening cerulean color. The unseasonably warm and sunny weather had been a godsend. Regardless of their lack of extra help, they were harvesting apples at record speed. There had been no delays for storms, and the apples were sweetening in the sun-drenched tumps faster than usual. The lawn was starting to show the strain associated with lack of moisture, and the leaves on the trees were crisping earlier than he remembered them doing in the past, but he would not complain. He could not have asked for better harvesting conditions.

Much as they had all night, his thoughts drifted back to Miss Hadford. She, too, had been a godsend. He still marveled that she was willing to work in the orchard all day long—and in her maid’s clothing. A smile played across his lips. She could have no idea how attractive she looked in such simple attire. He did not fully understand the connection he felt to her, but he was willing to admit that it was becoming harder to ignore. Even now, contemplating the moment he had looked into her eyes after washing her hand caused his heart to pound. It was far safer to focus on what she had revealed about Miss Glover.

He had hoped to speak with his sister’s companion last evening, but by the time he had finished his work in the cart shed, the older lady had already retired for the night. There could be no doubt that the long days in the orchard had been excessively wearying for her, but that she was willing to participate was further reason why he could not put off speaking with her any longer. Her loyalty deserved more than he had previously offered.

Thompson greeted him as he entered the house. “Good morning, my lord.”

“Good morning, Thompson. I am looking for Miss Glover.”

“I believe she is in the dining room, my lord.”

Adam started in that direction only to see Emily hurry out of the room.

“Oh, Adam.” She staggered to a stop. “Did you wonder what had become of us? I have only to gather my bonnet and gloves and I shall be ready to join Henry in the orchard.”

“There is no rush. I was hoping to catch Miss Glover before she went out. Is she in the dining room still?”

“She is.”

Curiosity shone in his sister’s eyes, but Adam offered no further explanation.

“Good. I shall speak with her whilst you fetch your things.”

Recognizing the informal dismissal, Emily continued down the passageway toward the stairs.

Adam entered the dining room. Miss Glover was sitting at the table, a half-eaten roll on her plate and a cup of drinking chocolate in her hand.

At his appearance in the doorway, she set her cup down and rose to her feet. “Lord Dunsbourne.”

“Good morning, Miss Glover,” Adam said. “Please, sit down and finish your meal.”

She resumed her seat and looked at him uncertainly. “May I help you, my lord?”

Adam determined to come right to the point. “I wondered if you would be so good as to share your plans for the future with me.”

Miss Glover blanched. “My . . . my plans for the future, my lord?”

“Yes.” He waited, not wishing to give her the opportunity to simply agree with any vague suggestion he might offer.

“I . . .” Her coloring turned from white to pink, and she fiddled with the edge of the tablecloth. “As of yet, I do not have any fixed plans for when Miss Norton is no longer in need of my services.”

“I see.” He dropped into a chair on the opposite side of the table from Miss Glover and fixed her with a serious look. “Over the many years that you have been at Dunsbourne Manor, I blindly assumed that you were aware of my appreciation of your service and of my determination that your devotion to my sister should not go unrewarded.”

He paused, choosing his words carefully. “Like you, I do not know exactly what the future holds, but this much I will tell you, Miss Glover: I should very much like to have you stay on as Emily’s companion until the day that she marries. If, at that point, she wishes you to go with her to her new home, I hope you will consider it. If she chooses to enter the next phase of life alone and you determine that you would rather not seek employment with another family, I will ensure that you receive a monthly stipend sufficient to keep you in a modest home at the location of your choice.”

If the cider production were as successful as he hoped, he would be able to cover a financial outlay such as this without much difficulty. If not, he would find another way. He had to. For Miss Glover to leave Dunsbourne Manor destitute after all she had done for his family was unthinkable.

To his immense discomfort, tears filled Miss Glover’s eyes. “Thank you, my lord.”

“No. Thank you, Miss Glover. It was remiss of me to not discuss this matter with you sooner.”