Chapter 3 #2
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
Silence stretched between them. Eliza kept her gaze steady, willing herself not to avert her eyes, not to fidget, not to give anything away. She may as well have been gambling with fire, and her life was at stake.
Finally, the Duke leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk. “You’re quite eloquent for someone who learned to speak from books alone.”
“I learned where I could along the way, Your Grace.” The lie came smoothly now. “And I’ve always had a good ear for speech.”
“Clearly.” A faint smile tugged at his mouth. “And you’re certain you can manage the work here? It’s demanding in a home so large as this.”
“I’m certain, Your Grace.”
He studied her for another long moment. Eliza felt his eyes on her like a weight, probing, searching her mind. She forced herself to remain still.
Then, abruptly, he said two words. “You’re hired.”
Eliza blinked. “I—what?”
“You’re hired, Miss Graham,” the Duke repeated, his tone matter of fact. “I’ve learned all I need to know.”
“But…” Eliza’s mind raced. “Your Grace, I… I did not expect this. I am ever so grateful for this opportunity. Thank you, truly.”
“You’re intelligent, well-spoken, and clearly capable of thinking on your feet. That’s more than enough for me.” He pulled a sheet of paper toward him and began writing. “Now, there are a few rules you should be aware of.”
Eliza stared at him, still trying to process what had just happened.
“First,” the Duke started, not looking up. “You are to keep away from my private chambers. My bedroom is off-limits to all staff unless I explicitly summon someone. Is that clear?”
“Yes, Your Grace. Of course.”
“Second, and more importantly, the boys you saw earlier, those are Arthur and Philip Lockhart. My closest friend’s nephews. They’re staying here for the next month. Under no circumstances are they to wander into my private chambers either. See that the rest of the staff are equally mindful.”
Ah, so that explains the relationship, she thought to herself, then frowned slightly.
The concerns about his quarters were… odd, but she assumed that he valued his privacy dearly.
“Of course, Your Grace,” she nodded.
“Good.” He set down his pen and looked at her. “The boys are energetic and curious. If you’re assigned to help with them at all, keep them entertained and, above all, out of trouble. Their governess, Miss Winslow, is in charge, but she may appreciate an extra pair of hands from time to time.”
“I understand, Your Grace.” Eliza hesitated, then ventured, “And… what about your duchess, Your Grace? Does she have any particular instructions?”
“There is no duchess,” he said, matter-of-factly.
Eliza bit her lip. “Oh. I, I do apologize for the assumption, Your Grace.”
“It’s a reasonable assumption for a man of my age and standing.” His expression was unreadable. “The boys’ mother and father, they passed two years ago. Their uncle—and my friend—the Duke of Welton, is their guardian now.”
“Ah,” Eliza said softly.
“They’re not my sons. Only under my protection until their uncle is back from his honeymoon.”
“I see.” Eliza felt an unexpected flicker of relief in learning the truth of his household, which she quickly suppressed with a polite smile.
It didn’t matter. None of this mattered.
The Duke pushed the paper across the desk toward her. “Your wages will be thirty pounds per annum, in addition to board and lodging. It is above the usual rate for a housemaid. In return, I expect diligence and discretion.”
Eliza’s eyes widened. Thirty pounds. At her father’s house, even the upper housemaid had received no more than eighteen.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she said quietly. “That’s very generous.”
“I prefer my servants well compensated,” he added coolly. “It discourages discontent. Now, where are you staying currently?”
“The Red Lion Inn, Your Grace. In the village.”
“I’ll send a footman to collect your effects and settle any accounts.”
“That’s not necessary, Your Grace. I can—”
“Miss Graham.” His voice was firm but not unkind, its deep tone sending butterflies to her stomach. “You are in my service now. It will be managed. I prefer matters handled properly. Unless you have an objection?”
Eliza hesitated. She’d already paid her bill through the week, and her belongings were meager. A single bag with a spare dress, some undergarments, and the money she’d taken from her father’s study. But refusing would seem suspicious.
“No objection, Your Grace,” she said. “But I’ve already settled my account at the inn. There’s no need for you to pay.”
He nodded. “Very well. I’ll have your things brought here promptly. You’ll begin work now.”
He stood, signaling the end of the interview. Eliza rose quickly, her legs still unsteady. The Duke moved to the door and opened it, calling for Mrs. Dawson. The housekeeper appeared almost immediately.
“Mrs. Dawson, please show Miss Graham to her quarters. She’ll be joining the staff and will begin her work today. See she is properly introduced and acclimated.”
Mrs. Dawson’s surprise was evident, but she masked it quickly. “Of course, Your Grace.”
The Duke turned back to Eliza. His expression was unreadable, but there was something in his eyes. Curiosity, perhaps. Or suspicion.
“Welcome to Kirkhammer Hall, Miss Graham,” he said.
Eliza curtsied deeply. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
Then, she followed Mrs. Dawson out of the study, her heart pounding as it seemed to do constantly.
She’d done it. She was safe. Hidden. For now.
As she walked through the grand corridors of Kirkhammer Hall, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the Duke of Kirkhammer saw far more than she wanted him to.
And that, sooner or later, her secrets would come to light.