“These are the family chambers. That one is mine.” He pointed to a door visible from where they stood. “A few steps and here I am. A few more above and there you are.” He closed the door, then took her face in his hands. “I want to visit you tonight. Will you permit it?”

“Yes.” Right now, with the pleasure still echoing in her, she would have agreed to anything.

“At ten o’clock then. Be sure your maid is gone.” He brought her back up the stairs. At the door to her own level, he kissed her deeply, then turned to retrace his steps.

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen

“A most unfortunate accident.” Mrs. Young kept saying that, whenever Minerva raised the matter of the duke’s death. It proved effective in ending the topic for a spell, until she raised it yet again. Between failed attempts, she chatted about the grounds, the manor building, and other simple topics. It kept her from thinking about tonight.

The sensual stupor had passed over an hour ago, leaving her to question whether she should have encouraged him. Could she do this? Should she? The usual cautions about pregnancy and heartbreak did not occupy her mind. What did was the chance for horrible disappointment, in herself.

Her own failings might be overcome by courage alone. The man she had chosen for this initiation was the bigger question. Even now, sitting at this dinner, she had to force her mind not to dwell on the questionable wisdom of taking such a step with him of all men.

The housekeeper’s quelling look at the other servants sent them back to their dinners. Silence reigned. Minerva was losing her patience. So much for trying to glean information through casual chatting. More directness would be required.

“No one is sure it was an accident. How likely is that? The walkway up there is wide enough, and in good condition. The wall is high enough. The weather was fair. The duke was familiar with that roof walk, and not going to do something stupid that would make him fall.”

Big eyes turned on her, shocked that she pursued the subject.

“We don’t speak of it,” Mrs. Young said sharply.

“Perhaps you should. Eventually there will be those who demand you do. I am sure the new duke would want you to cooperate with them.”

“We were all in bed,” Sarah said.

“Were you all asleep? Did no one hear anything? Your chambers are right below that parapet. Whose are on that side of the building?”

More determined eating. She looked at each of them in turn. One red-faced blond girl finally raised her hand. “Mine is. Joan and I are right there.”

Joan, a dark-haired young woman, barely paused in her meal. “I was asleep, as was you.”