Free Maid for Scandal by Anthea Lawson Page B

day, sir.” She settled for a quick bob up and down, then hastily made for the kitchen door. Heavens, could that have been any more awkward?
    All thoughts of her meeting with the stranger were soon buried beneath a mountain of household chores. After she had dusted the shelves in the library and helped one of the other maids fold the linens, Mrs. Foutch set her to polishing the silver in the butler’s pantry.
    At least it was easy on the knees, though her fingers were soon smudged with tarnish. Still, she was put out. How would Giles ever find her here, tucked away in the pantry?
    Then, blessing of blessings, she heard his voice. Anna hastily set down the spoon she was polishing and pulled the door a bit wider. There he was—walking down the hall with the head groom. Giles looked splendid, dressed for riding in a dark blue coat that showed his broad shoulders to advantage, with a sky-blue waistcoat beneath. His cravat was tied in a perfect knot, and his boots shone as if they had never been marred by contact with a stirrup.
    A little sigh escaped her lips.
    He was deep in conversation—she caught something about a new horse as the men approached. Her heart pounded wildly. Any moment now he would lift his head and see her. Anticipation and joy sizzled through her whole body. She opened the door another few inches. Soon, soon.
    Now.
    Now, their eyes would meet, and his lips would form her name. Anna held her breath. He was a mere yard away…a foot away… close enough for her to reach out and touch his arm…
    He walked past. Without even noticing her. Despair washed over Anna, and her breath left her in a low, quiet sob. She nearly called his name aloud in desperation—but it was too late.
    Blinking back hot tears, she watched as the two men turned the corner and were gone. Giles had not seen her. He had not for an instant looked up, despite the intensity of her gaze upon him.
    She retreated back into the pantry and dabbed at her eyes with the hem of her apron. Giles was mad for horses, she knew it from their second conversation. Clearly his mind had been elsewhere just now. Why, he likely wouldn’t have noticed anyone , he’d been so engrossed in speaking with the groom.
    It was good for a person to have a variety of interests. Indeed, Anna herself was quite fond of riding. Once she and Giles were married, they would have a lovely time discussing horses, she was certain of it. Perhaps they would select a matched pair to ride. Grays. Or no, chestnuts, with lovely dark manes and tails. How handsome they would look together…
    “I believe that spoon is quite polished enough.” Mrs. Foutch’s voice broke into her thoughts. “Finish up here, and then you’re needed to help serve tea. Speak with Cook, directly.”
    “Yes, ma’am,” she said, but the housekeeper was already bustling away.
    Anna took a few moments to tidy up in the servant’s area of the kitchen. She washed her hands, tucked a stray brown curl back under her cap, then presented herself to Cook.
    “Have ye a steady hand?” The woman held out a tray piled high with delicacies.
    “I do,” Anna said, trying not to eye the sandwiches and cakes. Her stomach gave an unfortunate growl.
    “Follow Martha here up to the mistress’s rooms,” Cook said, nodding to the red-haired maid, who was standing beside her. “And take care on the stairs.”
    Anna lifted the tray and gave Martha a bright smile. “Shall we?”
    The other girl scowled, then took up a second tray holding the teapot and cups and turned her back on Anna. Unfriendly indeed—but it was just as well. They had no hope of ever becoming friends, after all. What a shock Martha would have when Anna’s engagement to Giles was announced. The servant would become the mistress, much to everyone’s surprise. She felt a secret smile cross her face at the thought.
    The servant’s stairs were narrow and steep, and Anna heeded Cook’s advice. She was glad not to be carrying up the teapot. It