Merely the Groom (Free Fellows League 2)

Alyssa chuckled. “It is a bother, but you would be amazed at how sympathetic, thoughtful, and inventive husbands can be at this time of the month.” She frowned. “Are you in a great deal of pain?”

Gillian nodded. “It’s been late before, but never this uncomfortable.”

“I have just the thing,” Alyssa told her. “Miranda will stay with you while I run home and get my potions.” She smiled at Gillian. “Don’t worry. I’m very good. I’ll have you feeling better in no time.”

“Please,” Gillian said. “Don’t bother.”

“It’s no bother,” Alyssa assured her. “I’m happy to do it. We’re just down the lane. Practically neighbors.” She started for the door. “I’ll only be gone a few minutes if the little dragon doesn’t try to stop me again.”

Gillian started to protest, but Alyssa was already heading out the door.

“Let her do it,” Miranda advised. “You’ll feel better, and Alyssa will be thrilled that she was able to do something for someone besides pay social calls.”

“Thank you.” Gillian managed a smile..

“I’m Miranda St. Germaine, by the way,” Miranda told her. “We met at your wedding breakfast, but we didn’t have an opportunity to speak.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Oh, posh!” Miranda waved her apology aside. “You had better things to think of on your wedding day than meeting me. Besides, we have plenty of time to become friends. Alyssa likes you. And if Alyssa likes you, I like you. I was her maid of honor. And she was thrilled that she got to be yours.” Miranda made a face. “And although I would have been honored to do it, thanks for not asking me. I’ve earned a reputation as the ton’s perpetual bridesmaid, and I’d just as soon let someone else have the title and the gossip that goes with it.”

Gillian laughed.

“Speaking of which...” Miranda took a deep breath. “You needn’t worry about the ton crucifying your reputation anymore. That’s one of the benefits of having Alyssa and Griff as friends. They’re the Duke and Duchess of Avon, and no one wants to upset them. And it doesn’t hurt to have their parents on your side, either.”

“Or you, I suspect,” Gillian offered, thoroughly at ease with Miranda.

Miranda shrugged. “That’s one of the benefits of being a marchioness in my own right. Nobody knows what to make of me, so they generally leave me alone and let me do what I want.” She met Gillian’s gaze. “Perhaps this isn’t the time or place to mention it, because I’m probably stepping in where I don’t belong, but you did receive references when you hired your lady’s maid, Lavery, didn’t you?”

“Yes,” Gillian said, “she came with glowing references from the Lady Exeter, Lady Barfield, and Lady Chemsford.”

Miranda frowned. “Are you certain she gave you references from Lady Chemsford?”

“Yes. She came to work for me shortly after she left Lady Chemsford’s service. She came highly recommended, and I’ve had no complaint with her service.” Lavery’s skills couldn’t compare with a certain viscount’s, but Lady Miranda didn’t need to know about that. “Why?”

“She was dismissed from Lady Chemsford’s service for forging her references from her former households—including Lady Barfield’s and Lady Exeter’s. She was dismissed from both of those households without references.” Miranda shrugged. “But as long as she’s working out well and you’re happy with her, that’s all that matters. Skilled lady’s maids are difficult to come by and even harder to keep. So it’s good that Lavery has been given another chance.”

“I didn’t intend to give her another chance,” Gillian answered honestly, “because I didn’t know she needed one, but I am a firm believer in granting them.” She smiled.

“You’re very fortunate to have Lord Grantham,” Miranda told her.

“I know.”

“And I think he’s equally fortunate to have you.”

“I’m back,” Alyssa announced, making her way into the room before busying herself with her bag of potions. “Your butler is bringing up a pot of strong tea and a tray of cakes to go with this...” She waved a bottle at Gillian. “And then we’ll fix you right up.”

Alyssa was as good as her word. When the tea arrived, she filled a teacup half full of her potion, topped it off with tea, and then handed it to Gillian.

Gillian drank it down, and soon her discomfort vanished.

Alyssa and Miranda spent the afternoon entertaining her, and the master bedroom reverberated with the sound of laughter.

“Will you come back soon?” Gillian asked when Alyssa stood and announced that she had to get home to Griffin.

Alyssa nodded. “We’ll be back to check on you tomorrow and to bring you the remedy for the headache you’re going to have.”

Gillian was puzzled. “How do you know I’m going to have a headache tomorrow?”