Read Online The Fall of Lord Drayson (Tanglewood Book 1) by Rachael Anderson - Free Book Online

ever find the box?” Georgina asked.
    Miss Beresford shook her head. “No. But it was probably for the best.”
    “Why?” said Georgina.
    “Because Ben thought it would be great fun to add a snake he had found in the woods, along with my pet toad. And well, I’ve since learned that snakes eat toads, so . . .” Miss Beresford shivered, her expression one of revulsion.
    Collins chuckled, realizing he had not minded the work as much as he had thought he might. He grudgingly admitted that it likely had something to do with Miss Beresford’s presence, for it was easy to see why Georgina respected her employer so much. When not on the defensive, Miss Beresford had a likeable way about her. She had taken charge of the situation in a kind-hearted way and had even rolled up her sleeves as well. There were many who would look down on her for doing the job of a servant, and yet Collins could not find fault. It felt as though he’d just been taught a valuable lesson—one that he could put to good use when . . .
    When what? Collins frowned. It was errant thoughts such as these that made him certain that he was used to being the master and not the servant, but . . . who was he, exactly? Did Miss Beresford know? Or was he really the equivalent of a runaway—hiding behind Miss Beresford’s skirts like a coward?
    The thought didn’t settle well with him, for he was not a coward.
    “I think that ought to do it,” said Lucy, examining the room with a critical eye. “Collins you are never to clean flues again.”
    “Say it isn’t so,” he said dryly, making Miss Beresford laugh. It was a lovely sound, and he found himself wishing she would do it again.
    Instead she gestured to the door. “Georgy, why don’t you wash up and get a bite to eat before Mrs. Bidding arrives? I would so hate for our conversation to be disturbed by a rumbling stomach. You too, Collins.”
    Collins was both surprised and not surprised by her thoughtfulness. Mostly though, he was grateful, for he was feeling quite filthy and famished, and a wash and food sounded wonderful.
    “Would ya loike me ter draw ya a bath before I go down, Miss?” Georgina asked.
    “A bath sounds heavenly,” said Miss Beresford, “but there isn’t time for that now. Later, perhaps.”
    Georgina dipped into a quick curtsy. “I’ll be back ter attend ter ya quick as a wink.”
    “But not before you have had some luncheon,” said Miss Beresford. “I am quite capable of washing and dressing myself.”
    “Yeah, Miss.” Georgina grabbed the rags and the bowl of grimy water before rushing from the room.
    Miss Beresford watched her leave before looking back at Collins. “She won’t eat, you know. Georgina will wash and change, only because she does not want to soil my bedchamber. But she will not eat until I am ready to receive Mrs. Bidding and she has prepared something to serve us.”
    “Then she is a good, loyal maid,” said Collins, wondering why Miss Beresford appeared sad.
    “Oh, Georgina is the most wonderful of maids. But she also works herself to the bone, and sometimes, well . . . I wish she didn’t feel the need. Someday, I will make her my companion, pay her a proper wage, and see that she finds some enjoyment in life.”
    Collins walked toward Miss Beresford, still carrying the broom. “That is not the way of things, Miss Beresford, as you well know. Companions are ladies of genteel birth, not—”
    “Not what, Collins?” Miss Beresford eyed him sharply. “Georgy may not sound genteel, but she is every bit as well-mannered as I, probably even more so.”
    “Forgive me,” he said, unable to look away from her dark eyes. In them he saw fierce loyalty and kindness, along with a dislike of the ways of society. She intrigued him. Miss Beresford had a youthful face, and at times, an almost childlike demeanor, but other moments, when her chin lifted just that way and her eyes sparkled with conviction, she blossomed into a fiery woman. With her dark hair