Elizabeth Bailey - Misfit Maid

He had done what he might to avert the worst consequences of her descent upon him, but he was a little disturbed by Shurland’s remarks. It would be as well, he thought, to discover just how matters were left. Maidie’s expressed wish to visit her lawyer was therefore opportune.

They set off in his phaeton on Friday morning, with Maidie (who had yesterday been on a further shopping spree with Lady Hester) arrayed in a new pelisse of warm brown and a matching bonnet adorned with russet satin rosettes. With her curls rioting under a wide brim, Delagarde acknowledged that she made an appealing picture.

‘You look very well,’ he said, as he handed her up into the carriage. ‘Was it your choice?’

‘No, it was Lady Hester’s,’ Maidie told him, giving him her direct gaze with those clear grey eyes. Well! It was moderate praise, but at least he approved. ‘I have not yet learned enough to trust myself.’

‘You will,’ Delagarde said, climbing up into the phaeton, and disposing the heavy folds of his caped greatcoat loosely about him to free his arms before taking up the reins and his whip. He nodded at his groom, who let go of the horses’ heads and swung himself up behind as the carriage swept past.

‘It is very kind of you to take me to see Bagpurze,’ Maidie told him, not to be outdone in civility.

‘No, it isn’t,’ Delagarde said with a grin, glancing down at her. ‘I have a very good reason for going with you.’

Maidie frowned. ‘What do you mean?’

‘Since I have been thrust into a position where I may well have to figure as your trustee, I had better know the true facts of your inheritance.’

‘But I have told you!’ Maidie protested. ‘Do you suppose I have been lying to you?’

‘You have scarcely told me anything at all, and you cannot expect me to have made head or tail of the rigmarole you did tell me. But at least I must get a straight story from a lawyer.’

‘Do as you please,’ Maidie said huffily. ‘I have nothing to hide.’ She thought for a moment, and then added, ‘Besides, it is a good opportunity for us to come to terms.’

Delagarde glanced frowningly down at her. ‘Terms?’

‘Yes, of course. You need not think I should expect you to do all this for nothing. And I am sure you will find the charge less troublesome when we have agreed how much I should pay you for serving me.’

For a stunned moment, Delagarde could say nothing at all. He held in his horses with automatic skill as he guided them through the turn into Piccadilly. Then he found his tongue, throwing a quick look at the calm figure at his side.

‘You wish to pay me?’

Maidie frowned up at his profile. ‘What is the matter now? You need not be embarrassed to admit that your pockets are to let. I should have thought you would be only too glad of the opportunity to obtain some easy money.’

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