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thieves, but she was clearly not an idiot. She did not want him holding her down in the bath and scrubbing her.
    As predicted, the swarm descended. The servants gave the girl odd looks, a few wrinkled their nose at her stench, but no one spoke any word other than what was required to accomplish his orders. Half of them must have been asleep, but they marshaled as though they’d been standing at attention, awaiting his order. The only clue that he’d interrupted what should have been a restful night were the maids whose caps did not quite cover the rags they’d tied in their hair to produce curls when they woke in the morning.
    The housekeeper and Crawford did not get along, she having been in residence only six and ten years and thus still an interloper, and Dane was not surprised to see that Crawford had not roused her. Instead, the cook took charge. She bellowed orders for warm water, and Dane watched as the hip bath was moved into a small room he had not known was there. This must be where the servants bathed. The tantalizing smell of fresh meat and broth made his mouth water, and he noted the girl turned her head in the direction of the kitchen as well.
    â€œThe bath is ready, my lord,” one of the maids informed him. She held up a boy’s clothing. “This was Jimmy’s. It’s a bit ragged, but it’s clean.” She handed him the clothing. Jimmy had been a tiger and was now working his way toward becoming an under footman. “Crawford requested extra soap. There’s plenty in there, and towels for drying.” She bobbed and walked away.
    Only Crawford, the kitchen maid, a footman, and the cook were still about.
    â€œHere,” Dane said, handing the clothing to the girl. “Put it on after you bathe. And use soap. A lot of soap.”
    She peered into the room. It was small and dark without a window. He knew she could not escape. It was just big enough to fit the bath and one person. A lamp hung on a peg on the wall, and several towels were stacked beside the bath.
    â€œI’m going to catch my death, sitting in water like that. It’s not natural.”
    â€œI have survived the ordeal hundreds of times.”
    She narrowed her eyes at him, as though evaluating his heartiness against her own. “How do I know you won’t come in when I’m undressed?”
    â€œI give you my word as a gentleman.”
    She gave a short laugh. Apparently, she knew the worth of most gentlemen’s promises. He gestured to the butler. “Crawford will keep me in check should I be overcome with raging desire at the thought of you without clothing.”
    â€œWhat?”
    He shook his head and left her to it. In the kitchen, the cook had set out a bowl filled with some sort of hearty soup, a crust of bread, and a cup of the wine the servants drank. “I did not think it appropriate that she eat at the table, my lord,” Crawford informed him. “She may stand in here and eat.”
    Dane shrugged. He didn’t care what she did. “Has my brother returned?”
    â€œNo, my lord, but your mother and sister are preparing for bed. Or so I have been informed.” His tone held a measure of censure, and Dane realized he would have to make amends for the disruption he’d caused in the nightly ritual. “I only hope Lloyd was able to see all was done correctly.”
    Lloyd was the head footman.
    â€œI am certain all was done to your specifications, Crawford. Mrs. Worthing, might I trouble you for a measure of that cooking sherry?” He nodded to the bottle on a shelf behind her. It was not brandy, but it would have to suffice for the moment.
    â€œNo trouble ’tall, my lord. No, it’s no trouble ’tall.” She poured him a hearty measure, and he drank it down.
    â€œIs there anything else you require, my lord?” Crawford asked.
    Dane ran a hand over his face. If Brook wasn’t back yet, he had to do something with the