"Molly," Maxine slowly uttered, taking another step back until the back of her knee touched the edge of her bed.

"Yes, Max?" Molly asked, stopping right in front of her. "You have been gone for quite a long time and I had a long time to think." The maid took another step forward and Maxine gulped. The woman was batting her eyes too much. "I decided that I must tell you how I feel." Molly's hand went up to touch the edge of her white nightgown. "But then I decided against it and chose to show you instead."

The woman started to pull at the strings of her nightgown and Maxine jumped in panic. She reached out to grab Molly's hands and hold them still. "Stop. What are you doing?"

Molly's lips curled into a sensual smile. "What I ought to have done a long time ago, Max." She leaned forward, lips puckered.

In her attempt to escape, Maxine leaned backward and lost her balance. She fell unto her bed and before she could roll away, Molly jumped on her and straddled on her hips.

"Let us not act like little children, Max." She leaned down, hands resting on both sides of Maxine's face. "Albin is not here, but Oscar and the others are merely a few doors away. We must be very quiet."

Maxine shook her head. This could not be happening to her!

She grabbed Molly's hand and with all the strength that she could muster, she pushed the woman away. "Molly, you cannot do this."

Molly blinked. "But I want to! I desire to do this. I have been waiting for you to come home, Max. I can no longer—"

"No, Molly, you do not want this. I do not want this."

Molly blinked and then stiffened. Her face turned ashen as she opened her mouth in disbelief. "But—but you—"

"I consider you a friend," Maxine said, gently pushing Molly to the side and when the woman's legs freed her, she jumped out of bed and rushed to the door. "But not like this, Molly, please."

The woman's eyes suddenly filled with tears. "You do not fancy me? Not at all?"

Maxine swallowed. Bloody hell. "I'm sorry, Molly," was all she could say.

Molly gasped and covered her face with her hands. "Oh, this is embarrassing!"

"No, please, Molly, do not—" Maxine stopped. Well, it was indeed embarrassing. "Please, let us forget this ever happened, Molly."

The woman shook her head. "But I—Oh, Max, why can't you—" Molly stood up and walked toward Maxine. Her hand desperately clutched Maxine's shirt. "Please, love me. I want you. I know you can love me. I will make you and—"

Maxine winced. "Molly, that is highly unlikely. I am certain that what you feel toward me is merely a passing fancy. It shall wear off and—"

"It will not! I have met many men before but you are different. You look at me as though I am different and it makes me feel loved."

Maxine pulled away from her grasp. "Molly, I do like you as a friend. I enjoy your company," she said, motioning to the bed, "but not in this way."

Molly's face tightened and a new look enveloped her eyes. "I shall make you change your mind," she uttered with determination. "I shall make you come to me. I have heard how Lady Ysabella had changed Lord Wakefield's heart and I would be as patient as her if need be. But please, do not make me wait and suffer for years as Lady Ysabella did."

Maxine shook her head and reached for the door. She pulled it open. "Not everything goes our way, Molly." She stared the woman in the eyes. "It has been a very long day for me, Molly, and I am certain it has been the same for you. Please, go back to bed and let us both forget this night."

Molly shook her head. "No, Max, I shall not forget this night. But I will give you your well-deserved rest." She walked to the door, much to Maxine's relief. "I will see you on the morrow."

Somehow Maxine dreaded the morrow from the tone Molly used.

"Good night, Molly," she said in a rush the moment the woman stepped into the corridor. Without waiting for another word from Molly, she shut the door close and turned the lock.

She lifted her hands and watched as they shook in front of her.

If Molly had turned more aggressive, Maxine could have been found out.

She went back to bed, fully awake, dreading for tomorrow, blaming Albin for leaving, Ysabella for setting an example, and Maxwell Everard for... for what?

She stopped her thoughts right there. No need to think of Maxwell Everard now.

*****

Breakfast was not as what she had expected. Since she left for Willowfair with Oscar and Molly still treating each other coldly, Maxine had expected to aid lighten the mood.

Never had she expected though that she would arrive and find herself hiding from Molly instead.

"If I dinna know better, Max, I'd think his lordship starved ye in Willowfair! Look at how fast yer eatin'!" Lottie uttered, eyes wide with amazement.

Fanny chuckled beside the woman. "And if I do not know better, I'd think my cooking has improved!"

Oscar was silently chewing his food. He turned to study Maxine with a frown. "You have never been in such a rush, which is why I refuse to think that you are doing so now because you are eager to work."

Maxine merely smiled, her mouth still full. She heard footsteps coming from the service corridor and she immediately jumped to her feet. "Werk," she mumbled through her full mouth.

The door opened and Molly stepped into the kitchen, wearing her uniform. Her smile brightened when her eyes landed on Maxine. "Hello, Max!"

Maxine swallowed her food and forced a smile. "G'morning, Molly," She started to rush out of the kitchen.

"Where are you going? His lordship is still asleep."

Everyone else was watching them. Lottie was hiding a smile. Oscar was scowling. Fanny was staring at Oscar with a knowing look.

"Have to air the room," she lied, walking away but Molly stepped in front of her, eyebrow arched high, lips curled into a sultry smile.

"Are you avoiding someone by any chance, Max? I wonder who and why?"

Maxine flushed. She started to panic. Could Molly have told everyone what she planned to do? But surely not! "'Cors not, Molly. Good day," she replied, circling around the woman to get to the door.

"I will see you later, Max!" Molly cried after her, making her cringe.

For a moment Maxine thought that she would rather face a hundred Maxwell Everard than deal with one Molly.

*****

Maxwell surprised his brother when he entered Nicholas' study unannounced.

Nicholas frowned at him. "I am not aware that we have something planned, Max. But if we did, I am afraid that I cannot join you. I have somewhere to go."

Maxwell looked around the room. "Where is your incompetent valet?"

"And why do you ask?"

Maxwell stood in front of his brother, the table separating them. Without answering the former's question, he announced, "A previous mistress of mine has found my estate and would not leave."

Nothing registered on his brother's face for a few more seconds before Nicholas burst out laughing, slapping the table with one hand. "For someone who is too careful, you ought to have known that this was bound to happen!"

Maxwell did not reply.

"Now, pray tell who this former mistress is. I am not aware that you kept one."

"I shall not disclose her name," he said for he had no name to give. If Nicholas was to go to his estate, he would find no one but his old butler and footman.

"Then why the bloody hell did you come here to tell me of the woman's presence?"

"Because I intend to stay here for a week until she is compelled to leave my estate."

Nicholas gaped. "You do realize it is your estate, yes?"

"Of course."

"And you allowed her to stay there?"

"No, of course not. But she would not stop knocking on my door."

Nicholas went to his feet.

"You cannot go there," Maxwell uttered.

"I will not, brother," Nicholas said. "I have no desire to check your former mistress. I am off to find a new one as a matter of fact."

He frowned. "You are going to Rock'oles? At this time of day?"

Nicholas grinned and winked. "Better be there early before the others come to flock the place." Nicholas walked to the door. "Do feel at home here as your former mistress must be in your estate."

Maxwell shrugged. He knew it would be easy. Nicholas was never the curious one.

*****

Maxine helped Nicholas into his coat.

"By the by, Max," Nicholas said before he turned to the door. "My brother, the one who hates you and you hate in return, is currently living under my roof until his former mistress decides to leave his estate." Nicholas grinned and leaned closer to whisper, "Know that he does not need a valet at all."

Maxine cleared her throat to fight off a laugh. She bowed and said, "Very good, milord. I shall keep that in mind."

Nicholas turned on his heels to depart his estate once more.

She had never cared where Nicholas went before, but now she did. Nicholas not in residence meant she had more time in her hands. And if the valet had more time in his hands, the maids would know.

Molly had shown herself twice since Maxine left the kitchen that morning and it was apparent that she had been seeking Maxine out. Whatever she had in mind, Maxine would dare not want to know. Yet now Molly had more opportunity to trap her.

But before her life was sucked out of her, Maxine suddenly remembered what Nicholas said. Maxwell was here. Molly would have to find a later time for her seduction then.

Ah, thank goodness for the tiger brother! She paused when Nicholas' words completely sank in. Maxwell was here to hide from a former mistress? Who could it be? Shaking her head, Maxine thought that it was not her business to know.

She turned to search for Maxwell, intending to pretend that she was serving him but all the while confronting him with questions. He had promised to help her and he ought to start now.

Maxine heard Molly's voice from somewhere, calling out, "Max!" and she dashed to the stairs, stumbling on the way up. She rushed to Nicholas' room and locked herself inside and waited. She stopped breathing when she heard Molly's light footsteps outside and released a breath of relief when the maid walked away. She waited a few more minutes to be certain before she opened the door and poked her head outside.

The corridor was empty. She walked out and stealthily made her way down the corridor. She thought she heard female voices in one of the rooms she passed by. Perhaps Molly and Lottie?

Maxine prowled back to the staircase and hastily made her way down to go to the library where Maxwell might be. He was not there, nor was he in the drawing room.

"Have you seen Max?" she heard Molly's voice from up the stairs and she groaned.

Bloody hell, Molly!

*****

Maxine later found herself hiding in the garden. It was a very small one, but it had tall sham bushes for hiding until Molly was done with her luncheon.

Truly, why was she hiding from the woman? Had she not said enough last night? Surely Molly would not push herself into her again, yes? But she could never be certain. The woman was too impulsive. Maxine would never be safe until Albin returned.

The footman must be on his way back by now. Merely a few more days, Maxine said to herself as she paced the garden, killing her time.

"I have been searching for you," the familiar voice said. She jumped in surprise to find that Maxwell was standing in the garden entrance, frowning at her. "Why the bloody hell are you here?"

She moistened her lips, her heart still racing against her chest from mere surprise. Or mayhap it was the sight of him in his half-opened white shirt with his hair framing his face that caused her heart to prance. Had he been asleep this entire time? She had not searched any of the chambers after all.

She mentally shook her head at the atrocious thought that came to her by the sight of him.

Maxwell Everard causing Maxine Theobald's heart to prance? Bloody tarnation, of course not! He is causing it to stop then, a very tiny voice whispered in her head, one she immediately ordered to go mute.

He raised one thick brow. She had never realized they framed his emerald green eyes in an oddly beautiful way until now. "Well?" he asked, his voice oddly, soothingly familiar in her ears.

What was happening to her?

This must still be one of the many effects of what had happened to her. This must be Molly's fault. She was now seeing Maxwell Everard as a better option.

No, of course not! He never was!

He rolled his eyes and stepped farther into the garden. All the while, Maxine found herself stepping back in equal measure as though she was afraid that if he went near she would start to tell him of her recent troubles, Molly in particular. He was the only one who knew of her secrets, after all, and she needed to tell someone, lest she would go insane.

"Very well, if you do not wish to tell me," he said, frowning at her, "but do stop walking away. Else how would I be able to approach you?"

Maxine stood frozen. Why was her heart still racing? And why the bloody hell was Maxwell Everard looking broodingly handsome inside a garden?

"Why are you here?" she asked. "Ah, I heard you are in hiding from your mistress."

His lips quirked. "You are interested to know about my mistress?"

"Of course not," she snapped. "Please, my lord, if you may, grace me with your question for that is why you are here, yes?"

"I came to ask you something, Max," Maxwell said, stepping closer. She could not step back even if she wanted to. His eyes had held hers prisoner and along with it her entire body. "You are gentry, yes?"

She blinked, hearing his question. "I cannot say."

"It is a yes, then." He tilted his head to the other side, eyes narrowing as he studied her. "Tell me who your father is."

"The reason why I refuse to say anything is him."

He slowly shook his head, looking at her as if she was a puzzle he was trying to solve. "You look flushed. Why?"

Her throat closed up on her. Yes, why the bloody hell was she flushing!

"Molly," was the only word that she could think of.

"Molly?" he frowned. He took another step closer. Did he crush her supply of air with each step? Maxine suddenly found it harder to breath.

"T-the chambermaid," she supplied, stammering, blinking as he took another step closer. Why was he standing so close? She craned her neck to the side, wincing at her muddled thoughts and racing heart.

"And why is this Molly causing your face to flush, Max?"

Maxine's wince deepened. She closed her eyes and the words rolled out of her lips. "She tried to seduce me last night and it was the most horrible night I had to ever spend with anyone, you included! And that speaks volume, considering it is you I compare the situation with! She came into the room dressed in naught but her nightgown and she jumped on me and nearly stripped naked! You must understand that I have never been very much afraid for my virtue than I did last night! It was simply horrible! And although I succeeded in convincing her to leave my room, she vowed to make me fall in love with her like how your sister, Ysabella did with Lord Wakefield! She would not leave since then and I have to resort to hiding in every corner I could find whenever she is about! And I have not had my luncheon yet and I am famished!"

She did not realize how much she had shared until a soft, rumbling sound made her open her eyes. And to her utter bewilderment and amazement, she saw Maxwell Everard laughing. The rumbling in his chest slowly turned into a deep one until she heard a distinct sound that was very similar to genuine laughter.

His eyes glimmered, a green pool of mirth. Bloody hell, a laughing Maxwell Everard looked entirely, scandalously exquisite. No wonder why his mistress would not leave his estate!

When his laughter died down, Maxine found her breath again. She frowned and uttered, "You laugh at my predicament!"

He shrugged, a slight curve of a smile remained on his lips. "You could simply act as though you are a nancy," he said.

For a moment Maxine was confused for she had forgotten the subject. Yes, of course, Molly! "A nancy? How?"

"You act like a woman, which you already are," he said, looking her up and down. "But do so in a subtle manner."

"But how could I—"

"Bloody act as though you fancy someone from the male breed!"

She blinked, feeling incredulous. They ought to be talking about her mother and how to present herself in front of Amelia Trilby. Instead, here they were, talking about how to pretend to be a man who was a nancy to escape the advances of a chambermaid!

He rolled his eyes when she did not say anything. "Pretend that you fancy a man."

"A man?"

"Yes."

"But who—"

"Me," he said with a shrug. "I would not mind."

"This is ridiculous. I could not pretend to fancy you! Lottie fancies you and she would hate me should I act as though I do too!"

"Then bloody choose—Molly or Lottie?"

"Why would I choose between Molly and Lottie when I could very well choose between the butler and the footman to be the subject of my fancy? Surely you are not the sole option as there are other men, including the driver and your brother..." Her words faltered as she realized what was coming.

It was not an attack. No, Maxine would not consider it as such for she had seen it coming. She saw how he closed the distance between them and she definitely waited in anticipation, her words hanging in midair, completely forgotten, as Maxwell leaned lower and touched his lips against hers.

No, it was not an attack for she waited for it. She held her breath until his lips touched hers in a very light, featherlike whisper of a kiss.

Her eyes were wide when he leaned back. His emerald green eyes locked with hers before they moved down to look at her lips. And he leaned closer once again, this time taking another step to close the distance between them until their chests touched.

When Maxine could not muster to push him away, Maxwell leaned back once more, assessing if she would dare do it now. But she could not for it felt somehow beautiful.

And for the third time, now with certainty and confidence that she would not push away, Maxwell's hand went behind her to pull her against him before once more taking her mouth in his in a deeper and powerful kiss. His lips patiently moved over hers and she hinted a faint taste of honey and tea. They moved against her stiff lips, urging her to open wider and when she did she felt as though her world had completely turned upside down.

The senses she had felt with the first two semi-stolen kisses were nothing compared to this one. The hint of honey and tea were followed by something solely Maxwell Everard, overwhelming her senses like never before. Surprising her with every movement of his lips and sending tingling sensations spiraling down to the tips of her toes and fingers.

His other hand came to rest on her nape, angling her head to fit her mouth against his, to prepare her for his onslaught, this time deeper as if he too was learning her texture, her taste, her warmth.

And then it was over. He stopped and so did she.

Her breathing matched his heavy one as he took a step back, staring at her, both bewildered and amused.

"I did not expect it to be very good," he admitted, reaching out to tuck a stray of her black hair behind one ear. "And now I am even more confused why no one else has ever noticed you are a woman."

She slapped his hand away. "You are trying to seduce me," she accused, glaring at him. "After having established that I am gentry, you decided to seduce me."

"No," he replied with a scoff. "Gentry or not, woman, I have always known I am out to seduce you."

Maxine gaped in disbelief. He did not even blink when he admitted such appalling fact!

Maxwell sighed and wryly uttered, "Do bring me tea and sandwiches in the drawing room." He turned and walked out of the garden as though nothing had happened—as though he did not do anything!

"You—you bloody bastard!"

Maxwell stopped and turned to face her. "I merely admitted to seducing you, woman. No need for profanities. And I believe mine was better than Molly's?"

Maxine knew she ought to be appalled, even scandalized, but she found that she was simply shocked. But she could not allow him to think that his advances were welcome! With a scoff, she rushed past him. "You are one perplexing form of a being! No gentleman would do and say things you just did!"

"Tea and biscuits, Max!" he called after her.

"After I sort out my thoughts, milord!" she shouted back over her shoulder.

As Maxine walked back to the kitchen, her heart skipped. Maxwell Everard kissed her and she kissed him back.

She scoffed, fighting a smile. Now, who was the bloody fool?