That was the last thing he needed—to be witless in the presence of a woman he was beginning to think possessed an incredibly sharp mind. She would tear him to shreds before he knew what was happening.

A firm rap sounded on the door. Chase called a greeting and a mobcapped female entered, her face twisted in a look that was as welcoming as a cold stone floor in the height of winter.

She regarded him dourly as she bobbed a most unwelcoming curtsy, her disapproving gaze finding the brandy decanter almost immediately. Her expression turned even more sour. “Supper is ready. Everybody has been waitin’ in the sittin’ room fer ten minutes now.”

Chase glanced at the clock on the mantel. “It’s only a little after seven. Surely dinner is not served before eight.” Even for country hours, eight was unseasonably early.

The woman stiffened as if he’d insulted her parentage. “We eat promptly at seven at Garrett Park and we’re not likely to change just because ye’re here.”

Lovely. He was interred in a house where not only the eldest daughter held him in derision, but so did the upstairs maid.

Chase wasn’t used to such treatment. Usually when he spent a day or two at someone’s country estate, his hosts were more than happy to have him about since he was an unmarried son from one of the wealthiest families in England. People didn’t fawn over him precisely, but they appreciated him. Enjoyed his company. Occasionally even laughed at his jokes.

As for the servants, he was known to be generous with his vails and that had earned him some respect as well. But he could neither inform his current hostess of his parentage, nor did he have any money to pay vails—not after the robbery, anyway. All told, he was relegated to a pecuniary, disrespected level of existence, and it wasn’t one that he particularly enjoyed.

He eyed the maid with some misgiving. “I suppose I am ready to go down now, Miss—”

“Mrs.,” she snapped, as if suspecting he was attempting to flirt with her. “It’s Mrs. Maple. I’m the housekeeper.”

“Ah. May I say that Garrett Park is a lovely house? I daresay you must work hard to keep it up.”

Her gaze didn’t soften one bit. “See to it that you come down to dinner on time from now on. ’Tis rude to keep the family waitin’, especially Miss Harriet.” With that admonition, the housekeeper spun on her heel and marched off, indicating with a glare that he was to follow her.

Chase did as he was bid, hiding a rueful smile. So Miss Ward was not the only prickly character in the house, was she? It seemed that some of the servants were likewise afflicted. Perhaps it was the water.

It was a good thing he’d found that brandy decanter.

The housekeeper stopped beside the door of the same room where Chase had met Mr. Gower just that morning. She threw open the door, made a harrumph sound by way of announcing him, then stepped aside and gestured for him to enter.