Read Lady Maggie's Secret Scandal for Free Online Page B

tea?”
    “Sweet, nearly white.”
    She served him, prepared a cup for herself, and only then met his gaze. “I need your help.”
    He nearly sputtered his tea all over them both, so effectively had she surprised him. He took a deliberative sip, letting a silence stretch until he was good and ready to offer return fire.
    “You expect me to believe a duke’s daughter with no less than three strapping brothers extant requires my assistance?”
    “I am a duke’s daughter, but having titled antecedents doesn’t smooth every bend in the road of life, does it, Mr. Hazlit?”
    She let a little silence of her own build, and Hazlit nearly saluted with his teacup.
    She was good. By God, she was good.
    “I am not enthusiastic about working for a female. Nothing personal.”
    She didn’t even flinch at his brusque tone but took a delicate sip of fine Darjeeling. “Her Grace has mentioned that you will work for a lady.”
    “Exceptions, all. I assume you’ve conferred with her regarding retention of my services?”
    “I have not, but I know you are a demanding employee.” She grimaced a little at her tea.
    “How would you know such a thing?” For it was the truth.
    “You will determine the time and place of all meetings. You will not render any reports in writing but will convey them only orally. You demand compensation at the outset in cash and return unused monies in cash only. You’re rather like a barrister in that you don’t solicit business, but one accounts oneself lucky to have your services.”
    “I don’t believe the analogy flatters me.”
    “Nor was it intended to.”
    He might have missed it, because she bent her head to sip her tea. His living depended on noticing the small clues, though, so he saw the first tiny temptation to turn her lips up into a smile. She hid it almost fast enough.
    Miss Windham, Miss Windham… She was here in broad daylight but without a companion to ensure the proprieties. He still didn’t know what her game was and really did not have time for games in any case.
    “Very well.” He was gentleman enough to wait until she set down her teacup. “If you’re prepared to pay the shot.” He named an exorbitant sum and waited to see how she’d regroup without sacrificing her considerable dignity.
    “You’d prefer it in cash?”
    “I will accept it only in cash.” He felt a twinge of pity for her. A very small twinge.
    “I’ll have the sum delivered to you before the sun sets. More tea?”
    “Please.” He frowned at her practical, pretty hands while she poured tea he didn’t particularly want. Of course, the money would never materialize, and that would be that. While he reasoned himself to this conclusion, she executed the tea ceremony like the daughter of a duke.
    No, he corrected himself, like the daughter of a duchess.
    “Cakes, Mr. Hazlit?”
    “Thank you. My breakfast is becoming a distant memory.”
    She passed him a plate with two cakes, their hands brushing as she did.
    By accident? By design? He was becoming unwittingly curious as to Miss Windham and her stratagems. “You’re not having a sweet?”
    “One must refrain occasionally for the sake of fitting into one’s gowns.”
    He flicked an eye over her, though did not permit himself to linger at the obvious locations. “Your sacrifice is duly appreciated; but tell me of your circumstances, Miss Windham, and how I might be of service.”
    She stirred her tea, a slow dragging of the spoon around the bottom of the teacup. A tell, he suspected. A small, personal flag denoting nervousness or impending mendacity.
    “I’ve lost something precious.”
    “Jewelry? That’s easy enough, as it usually turns up somewhere around Ludgate, kept out of sight for all but particular customers. Was it something that could have been easily broken down and fenced?”
    “Why would anyone put a fence around jewels?” She frowned, those little creases appearing between her brows.
    “Let me acquaint you with a bit of