The Baroness Affair by Jean Wilde

Author:Jean Wilde [Wilde, Jean]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-07-16T20:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

It was an immense relief to everyone in the household when the Dowager Baroness Hastings finally departed for Bath. Even the servants seemed more cheerful as they went about their daily tasks. Piers continued to work with Mr. Hill, pleased with all the technical expertise the older man deigned to share with him. Who knew that building restoration could be so interesting?

They rode together into town about once a week to purchase building materials and hire workers. As always, he deferred to the older, more experienced man in making all the business decisions, and Piers watched with equal parts amusement and fascination as Mr. Hill haggled with merchants over prices. It was during one of those trips into town, as Piers was readying himself to return to Delaval Hall, that the ominous clouds, which had been hanging low all day, decided to open up. Rain poured from the sky, soaking the streets and forcing everyone to seek shelter—including Piers. He left Titus at the stables of a local inn and stepped into the taproom.

The Bull’s taproom was loud and crowded with the bodies of people seeking refuge from the downpour. Piers slowly made his way to the counter and ordered a pint of ale. With his drink in hand, he scanned the pub for an empty table or a familiar face.

That’s when he saw him.

Mr. Jonathan Miller sat at a table near the window with another young man. Piers had no difficulty recognizing the former footman. He appeared relaxed, dressed casually in pantaloons with his shirtsleeves rolled up to his elbows. As he chatted animatedly at his companion, he looked less like a villain and more like a jovial young man.

Still, Piers knew better than to judge people based solely on their appearance. He adopted a casual air as he sauntered toward their table. The youth seated across from Miller looked up at him expectantly while his quarry stared at him sharply.

Smiling in a friendly manner, Piers addressed both men, “Might I join you two? It’s a bit of a crush in here, and while my horse may enjoy drinking while standing, I prefer to be seated. I’d be happy to buy you gentlemen another round until this rain lets up.”

The unfamiliar young man nodded amiably and scooted over on the bench to make some room for Piers. When he introduced himself as Andrew Miller, Piers realized he was Jonathan’s brother. A younger, chattier version of the former footman but with the same dark features that hinted at a Mediterranean background. Piers introduced himself and set out to make himself agreeable and befriend the young man seated next to him. The elder Miller merely nodded at him from across the table, a wary expression on his face.

After ten minutes or so, Miller finally spoke up. “Why don’t you go check on Jenny, Andrew? Make sure none of the patrons are bothering her.”

Andrew nodded and excused himself. Piers watched him navigate his way through the crowd before turning his attention back to Jonathan.

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