John could stand it no longer. He
never interfered in the Roberts’ conversations with their guests, but today, he
had no choice. After a brief bow, he made eye contact with Anne Roberts.
“A
brief word, mum?” His brows knit.
Anne’s
gaze met his. “Certainly, John. Excuse me, Edda May.”
Edda
May made a face, but offered a quick nod.
John
led his mistress into the pantry.
“What
is it?”
“That
spider is lying.”
“Mrs.
Crumpton?”
“Yes,
mum. I heard the whole conversation. Mrs. Crumpton offered Maggie a job. Even
dangled more money in front of her. But Maggie didn’t bite.”
“She
turned it down?”
“Yes,
mum. She’s very happy here.”
Anne
smiled. “Glad to know.”
“Yes
mum. We plan to marry.”
“Has
she said ‘yes’?”
“She
has.” A shy smile curled his lips.
“How
wonderful!” Anne’s eyes lit up.
“Are
you going to give her the axe?” .
“No,
of course not. You do me a disservice, John.”
“Begging
your pardon?” His eyebrows quirked up.
“You assume I’d believe Edda May.”
He
nodded.
“She’s
a big, fat liar. I don’t know why she’s trying to get Maggie fired, but it won’t
work. I didn’t believe a word she said. Do you know why she did this?”
The
unexpected question sent heat to his cheeks.
“Something
to do with a former attachment I had? To her maid, Gerty.”
“Broke
her heart, did you?” Anne Roberts stared at him.
“Didn’t
mean to. Just…when Maggie came along,” he stumbled over his words, and felt his
blush deepen. “Well, you know how she is. Kinda special.”
“You
have good taste.”
“So
you won’t be firing Maggie?”
“Of
course not. That windbag has some nerve trying to cause trouble in my home,”
Anne’s eyes fired up, she straightened her spine and pursed her lips.
“Thank
you. Maggie will be much relieved.”
“Stick
around, John. Edda May has a little surprise coming,” Anne said, heading toward
the living room.
