Grave Expectations by C. J. Archer

Author:C. J. Archer [Archer, C. J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 2015-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

* * *

Lincoln hadn't returned by the time I awoke in the morning. According to Doyle, his bed hadn't been slept in, although that didn't mean Lincoln hadn't returned, merely that he hadn't been to bed.

I felt too restless to sit in the parlor alone and present a show of being a lady for the butler's sake, so I ignored Doyle's disapproving frown and ate breakfast in the kitchen. Afterward, I joined Seth in the stables, only to be summoned back inside when Doyle announced we had a caller.

"Mr. Andrew Buchanan to see you, miss."

"Buchanan!" Seth and I exchanged glances. "Is he here to see me or Mr. Fitzroy?"

"You, miss."

Seth followed me inside, and we were joined by Gus and Doyle. It would seem I wasn't to be left alone, even with someone we knew. Not that I trusted Buchanan. Not in the least. I mentally added him to my list of people who may have helped Mrs. Drinkwater kidnap me, although I couldn't think why he'd do it.

"Miss Holloway." He stood with his hands behind his back and bowed upon my entry. When he straightened, I saw that he appeared fully recovered from his ordeal in Bedlam's insane asylum. The color had returned to his cheeks, and the shadows had been erased from his eyes. He gave me a lazy smile that would have melted most female hearts, but not mine. I knew him well enough to dislike him.

"Good morning, Mr. Buchanan. You're looking in fine spirits."

"Thanks to you." He cleared his throat and glanced pointedly at each of my chaperones.

"You know Seth and Gus, and you've just met our new butler, Doyle."

Doyle dutifully bowed.

Buchanan acknowledged only Seth with a curt nod. "Good to see this old place getting some staff finally. If you're in need of maids, please allow me to direct you to several I know. All good girls, I assure you."

Behind me, either Seth or Gus snorted. I, however, was intrigued with how much he knew of our domestic situation.

"Do you know someone who will make a suitable housekeeper?" I asked.

"Maids only. You'll want someone staid for a housekeeper, and I don't know any women who'd fit that description." He smirked. "None from the serving classes, anyway."

I believed him. I couldn't see him even knowing a woman like Mrs. Drinkwater, let alone collaborating with her. Helping her was of no benefit to him.

"I have something for you." Buchanan produced a small package that he'd been holding behind his back. It was tied with a red bow.

"What's this?"

"Open it and see."

I didn't take it. "Is this a gift, Mr. Buchanan?"

His smile became strained. "Yes. Hence the bow."

"I can't accept it."

"You must. I owe you."

"You don't. Besides, you've already thanked us."

"I wanted to give you something that truly showed my appreciation for your efforts. I might still be in Bedlam, if it weren't for you."

"Then perhaps you ought to give Mr. Fitzroy a gift too, as well as Seth and Gus. We all worked together to free you."

He shifted his weight and the color rose in his cheeks.

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