Downstairs Rules (6 page)

“What happened..?”

“Can we speak outside the room?”

Ella heard raised voices. Was Lord Baxter angry with her? Was he angry with York? A few moments later the butler came back in.

“Am I in more trouble?”

“No,” he said, giving her a small smile. “You’re in no trouble. I should not have left you alone in such a state. I never would have, if I’d thought you were going to leave.”

“I was just so upset,” she said. “I did leave a letter explaining it all.” She sighed. “William read it.”

“He’ll say nothing if he knows what’s good for him,” York fumed.

The door opened and Lady Baxter rushed in, Lord Baxter behind her.

“You were leaving me?” She looked stricken. “Please don’t go!”

“I didn’t think you would want to see me again,” Ella said. “I thought you’d be too embarrassed after what I saw.”

“You thought that because you saw me punished? My dear, there are worse humiliations. You saw them with Lady Chatworth.  My husband does love me, even if he is too stern..” She glanced at her husband. “I can bear punishment, especially when I know I could have avoided it. But I could not bear losing my new maid. I want you by my side for a very long time.”

Ella smiled, blinking back tears.

“Please indulge my wife,” Lord Baxter said. “She does dote on you. Odd thing, for a lady to dote on a maid, but I would make her happy.”

“Would you allow her a bit more freedom, My Lord?” Ella asked timidly. “I understand there are rules, but I would not lie for her if I did not have to. And if you would just trust her a bit more, perhaps everyone would be easier…”

York looked at Lord Baxter and raised an eyebrow.

“I can’t guarantee anything,” he said. “But I will promise to think about it.”

The women smiled at one another.

“Let’s leave these two alone,” Lord Baxter said, and he and York left the room.

“York likes you,” Lady Baxter said, and laughed. “I’ve never known him to like anyone. You must have magic in you.”

“He’s older than I am,” Ella said.

“Alastair is older, too,” Lady Baxter said. “It can work, if there’s something there. Do you think there is?”

Ella blushed. “I don’t know. But since we’ll be working together we have plenty of time to find out, don’t we?”

“We certainly do, Ella,” the lady said. “We certainly do…”

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