"How could you be so blind, William?" Ysabella asked her husband who could not keep his eyes off Maxine. "It is truly her!"

Wakefield inclined his head to the right and narrowed his eyes. "Apart from the eyes, I do not quiet see how she can be Maxine."

Maxine gave Ysabella a look. "I told you I am good, did I not?"

The door to the study opened and the butler came in with a tray of fresh tea.

"Morris, I expect you to keep our guest's presence here a secret," Ysabella said to the middle-aged man.

The butler looked at Maxine and nodded, saying, "Yes, of course, my lady. Whatever you wish."

Ysabella let out a satisfied smile. "Morris can be trusted," she reassured Maxine.

"Of course, he can be," Wakefield dryly uttered.

His wife ignored his remark. "Morris, do you see her as a woman?"

The butler studied Maxine and shook his head. "I honestly do not, my lady. A pretty boy is what I see."

Wakefield threw his butler a look. "Finally, you and I agree on one thing."

Morris nodded. "Yes, my lord. But I must also point out that we both have always agreed on many matters. For one, we both liked Lady Ysabella, only that I never ignored it as you did so for many years. Also, we both agree that—"

"You can leave, Morris," Wakefield said, voice filled with warning. "And do tell the servants that they cannot speak of our guest's presence to anyone else."

Morris shamelessly nodded before he walked out of the study.

Maxine would love to have worked with that Morris than Oscar. Mayhap she ought to have come to Ysabella instead of Nicholas!

"Now, tell us what is the matter. Why do you need to hide, Maxine?" Ysabella asked, concerned. "You are not in grave danger, are you? Because if you are, I do not believe it is wise that you hide from your family. Samuel was here a week ago and he was very much worried."

"I cannot let him find me just yet, Ysabella," Maxine said. "I have to face my mother first."

Ysabella seemed surprised but she did not express it in words. "So that is why you ran away."

Maxine nodded. "Yes."

"I do not understand your predicament, Maxine, for I have never been in one of the same nature. But I do know how it feels to want to fight for something only you can comprehend. Which is why I understand why you wish to hide from your brother."

"And yours as well," Maxine hastily added.

Ysabella stared at her with confusion. "Nicholas?"

"No. Maxwell."

Her friend frowned at her. "You have said that he knows that you are a woman, but not who you are—"

"He now knows who I am."

"And he wants to take you back home to Theobald, does he not?"

More than that, she wanted to say yet there was no reason to cause a rift between the Everard siblings. Whatever Maxwell was planning, Ysabella had nothing to do with it.

"He is simply making things quite difficult for me," was all she said.

"Hmm. Curious," Ysabella said. "Maxwell seems not to be someone who would meddle in someone's affairs."

"He found out that his brother's valet is a woman," Wakefield pointed out, "and now he learns that she is gentry. Any man would feel inclined to meddle." He shifted in his seat. "But I will allow you to stay here if you truly wish to hide. I could not simply kick you out now, yes?"

"And I would not allow it if that is to happen," Ysabella loyally uttered. "I have offered you my help and I will give it to you." Her eyes wavered for a moment before she said, "But, Maxine, know that should I find the need to tell your brother, I will. Not now, of course, but I also can no longer lie to him. He is a dear friend as well, see? And I honestly believe he should know."

Maxine sighed. "I understand." She looked at Ysabella. "Merely for a few days, Ysabella. And I will be gone."

"I do not feel comfortable, Maxine. Let us help you. We will take you where you wish to go."

Maxine started to shake her head but Ysabella stood up and added, "We will take you. We will not meddle, but we will take you. Is that right, darling?" She turned to her husband.

The handsome blonde lord nodded. "I believe my wife is correct, my lady. Should something happen to you, it will be on our conscience."

"But I do not wish to inconvenience you with my—"

"I do not want to lie to your brother and I could very well not let you go to Willowfair with naught but a small bag. Do you even have money?"

"I have a few townsends."

"That will not do." Ysabella took her hand. "We will help you."

No questions asked, Ysabella offered help. Unlike her brother, she was honestly concerned over her safety. No other agenda in mind but to help a friend and for the first time Maxine felt how it was to have one.

Her eyes watered. "Thank you."

"Do not cry. You are in right company. Whatever my brother did wrong to have forced you to come to me, do forget about it. Maxwell is an odd sort and can make things quite uncomfortable and difficult. Do not tell me he must still be insisting on you being a spy!"

"Not after he learned that I am a Theobald."

"Then he is a stupid fool—" Ysabella stopped. Her hand came up to cover her gasp. "Oh my! Oh sweet Mr. Jones!"

"What is it?" Maxine and Wakefield asked in unison.

"He is being a fool, is he?" asked Ysabella.

"Well, for how his odd mind has been running, I believe he is more than that," Maxine could not help but say.

Ysabella simply laughed. "Ah, famous!"

"What is it?" asked Wakefield.

"Nothing, darling. I merely remember what Maxwell once told me about men being fools."

"And what did he say about fools?"

Ysabella smiled and lifted one shoulder in a shrug. "Mayhap I will tell you at another day." She turned to Maxine. "For now you rest. Respites are things I am most passionate about," she uttered to Maxine with a wink.

Moments later, as Ysabella led her to a private chamber made ready for her, Maxine turned to study the young woman.

Ysabella's face had gone serious again, probably thinking about the situation, and Maxine realized how different the woman had become since the Theobald party.

The playful wickedness was still somewhere there, but something else had emerged. Ysabella had somehow grown up.

"You have a different air around you now," Maxine noted with a smile. "It is not dire, but it is different."

Ysabella turned to smile at her. "I have changed a little, have I not?"

"Marriage must be the culprit?"

But the woman shook her head. "Mayhap the things that happened before I married Wakefield made me grow."

"Things?"

The woman nodded. "Disappointments, heartaches, loss—everything I never thought I would ever go through." She looked ahead. "It was not a very good experience, Maxine, but it allowed me to realize things." Ysabella chuckled lightly, adding, "I became a woman, see?"

Maxine nodded, not entirely comprehending her friend's statement. For truly, when and how could a lady realize that she had turned into a woman?

*****

The entire household of Nicholas Everard in the junction of Vinge and Dosette was in ruckus by the time Nicholas and Maxwell arrived.

Oscar, the butler, tried his best to appear normal when he opened the door for the two brothers, but there was no way he could have concealed the shouting from another part of the house.

"What is happening?" demanded Nicholas.

Oscar cleared his throat. "The servants are having a spat, my lord. I shall settle it at once."

Maxwell frowned. "And why are they fighting?"

Oscar winced as he turned to Nicholas. "The valet is missing, my lord. We suspect he ran away without notice."

Maxwell went cold. "Missing?"

Nicholas was outraged. "Max? Why the bloody hell—"

"The footman believes it is because of one of the maids, although I do disagree. The maid in return believes the footman may have caused the valet's disappearance due to a squabble over her."

Nicholas suddenly whirled on his feet to face Maxwell. "Or it could simply be because of you, you bastard. What did you truly say to Max when you dragged him away days ago?"

Oscar turned to Maxwell as well, looking confused.

Maxwell was not listening for his mind was already somewhere else. He faced the butler, ignoring his brother. "When did the valet disappear?"

"We noticed his disappearance merely moments ago, my lord, when Albin could not find him."

"Bloody hell!" Nicholas cried out in frustration. "Now look what you have done!" he said to Maxwell. "You do not merely cause your own valets to scurry away, but you also have to do it with mine!" When Maxwell turned toward the main door without a word, Nicholas shouted, "Where are you going?"

"To find you a bloody valet!" he shouted, already rushing out of the manor.

"Where are the servants? Send them to me at once! What have you all been doing behind that blasted service corridor!" he heard Nicholas' order as he bounded down the stairs.

Where could she have gone?

He had to go home and think. Maxine was no fool and he was certain she had planned to outwit him. But that would not simply do. He would outwit her first.

*****

Maxine was planning the trip to Willowfair with Ysabella in the parlor the day after she arrived. She had not told the woman who her mother was, nor had her friend inquired.

"Why would you think Maxwell will follow you to Willowfair?"

Maxine shrugged. "I have grown to know your brother in a short time, Ysa. He will definitely be following me to Willowfair."

"Odd," said Ysabella. "But why? Has he offered you help of any form?"

"No," she lied. "He now simply wishes to drag me back home to Theobald."

"Then he ought to have taken you back to Samuel. I wonder why he never told your brother yet?"

Maxine did not comment. If she explained why Maxwell was doing what he was doing, it might only cause more trouble. And she was done with theatrics for that was sure to happen should Ysabella know the truth behind her brother's schemes.

"William will finalize whatever he needs to be done here in Wickhurst and then we can leave in a day or two."

Maxine hesitated before she voiced her mind. "Ysabella, I was thinking of going alone."

"But Maxine, we have discussed this. I cannot let you—"

"But if you go and should your brother learn that you are on your way to Willowfair or have left town, he will know I am with you. If Samuel relayed to him that he came to see you, then my brother must also have told him about our acquaintance. That is why I came to you for I know that he will think I will not do so because I know of his knowledge about us."

"And which is why I deduced you will be here for I know that you will try to outwit me," Maxwell's voice said from behind them.

Maxine stiffened. Her mind calculated the hours since her escape from Nicholas' estate. Merely one bloody day and the bastard found her.

Ysabella jumped to her feet while Maxine remained seated, trying to appear calm.

She heard his footsteps approach. "I remember you spoke of Ysabella's name with familiarity and knowing my sister, in addition to what Samuel has relayed, I am quite certain Ysabella now considers you a friend and will undoubtedly offer you refuge."

Ysabella stepped forward and Maxine closed her eyes in defeat. "Max, Maxine is my friend. Whatever you believe she is planning, it is not what it is. She is—"

"She is going to meet her mother, I know," said Maxwell. "Which is why I am taking her to Willowfair."

Maxine gritted her teeth. Ysabella frowned with confusion. "You are not taking her back to the Theobalds?"

"Is that what she said?" Maxwell's voice asked.

Maxine jumped to her feet and whirled to face Maxwell and almost stopped in surprise. He did look messier than the usual. His face was rumpled as his clothes.

Ha! The bastard must have been fretting over the loss of his number one asset against the Trilbys and Osegod!

"I do not desire your help, my lord. I chose to accept Lord Wakefield's," she haughtily told him.

Maxwell narrowed his eyes. "I am sorry, Maxine, but did I hear you wrong? Should I turn around and get your brother instead? I am certain he would love to hear your argument."

"By then I will be gone."

"By then you will be on your way to Theobald! Would you rather be whisked back home before you could even say hello to your mother?"

Ysabella turned her head from Maxine to Maxwell and back. "Now I understand why she is hiding from you, brother. You speak to her like a heartless man!"

"A monster is what he is!" Maxine corrected. "Is that not right, my lord?"

"And you are one excruciatingly stubborn lady," he snapped at her before turning to face Ysabella. "I will take her to Willowfair."

"But we have already decided. William has agreed to provide Maxine with his protection. And how can I be certain that you will not turn around and take her to Theobald instead?"

Maxwell sighed and said to Ysabella, "Come with me for a moment." He turned on his heel and added to Maxine, "You stay here."

"I stay here under my own decision, not because you order me to," she snapped back, sitting back in her chair.

*****

"What?" Ysabella demanded the moment they left the parlor.

Maxwell faced his sister and said, "She is a Trilby."

Ysabella frowned. "I do not see why you think it will discourage me from helping her, Max."

"And the Trilbys are close to Osegod, Ysabella."

His sister blinked and her eyes began to waver.

"I cannot have you be involved in this, especially when your husband's brother is handling a delicate case against Osegod."

Ysabella's eyes rounded in surprise. "You mean Thomas? But he is—he is a Leaguer?"

"And you cannot tell anyone."

"But—but how is that possible! Thomas? A Leaguer?"

Maxwell did not want to tell Ysabella everything for it meant telling her about Aurora Randolph, what Thomas Hayward did to his sister's former friend and how Margaret was involved in her disappearance. But then, Ysabella was not aware that Margaret was a Leaguer. In fact, neither Emma nor their mother knew. If they found out about Margaret's actions, they might never understand.

Aurora betrayed Ysabella as a friend before the League of Founders found her, and whether or not Ysabella had forgiven her, Maxwell still believed that Aurora's sins against his sister was nothing compared to what the League was planning to do with Aurora and her child with the help of one of their own. It was better to let Ysabella believe that she was a victim of a vicious old friend than learn that her sister did something far worse, especially when a child was involved.

"Should the Trilbys learn of your relationship with Maxine, they will start to question the motive behind you helping her and they will look into your husband and his family. Hayward's case is highly sensitive and we cannot let Osegod or any of the Trilbys start looking into his life either. But I, on the other hand, have no connection to anyone involving the League of Founders and their missions. I can present myself as an Everard and a friend of Samuel's, but not of any Leaguer." He paused, allowing his sister to digest the little information he offered. "At the very least, Ysabella, try to keep this to yourself. I am not quite certain if your husband is aware of Thomas being a Leaguer and you can tell him if you must although I highly suggest you both do not let Thomas know that you know."

Ysabella had gone serious. She nodded. "Is that why you believed her to be a spy?"

Ah, so Maxine told her that. "Yes."

"But now you surely do not believe it still. She is more of a Theobald than a Trilby, Max."

He nodded. "But I believe she still might not be a Trilby."

She frowned. "Why?"

"She is simply making decisions based on complete theory. She has no strong proof yet that she is a Trilby."

"The very reason why she is adamant to face the woman whom she believes to be her mother," Ysabella said, nodding her head. "I can understand her desperation, Max."

He frowned. "You do?"

"Of course!" his sister hissed. "You ought to have seen how she had been living her life in Theobald! Oh, it was a lonely one, Max. She imprisoned herself and I believe I know the reason why."

"Imprisoned herself? Why?"

"Because she is a bastard and she does not deserve to live the same life we do. Or so she believes it to be so." Ysabella's eyes watered. "But now she has finally decided to go out and search for something that will complete her being." His sister grasped his arm. "Max, please, help her. Do not make this difficult for Maxine. I will let you take her to Willowfair and I trust that you will not take her to Theobald without giving her a chance to do what she came here to do. I will disappoint her, yes, but only because I know that I must do so to protect something far bigger."

Maxwell nodded and started for the door.

"But will you take her back to the Theobalds after this?"

His sister's question made him pause but he did not offer a reply.

"Max, what if she is truly a Trilby and they wish to keep her?"

"If that is to happen, the decision will be hers and not ours." He pushed the door open and walked inside to announce the disappointing news to Maxine Theobald.

*****

"You must feel betrayed," Ysabella solemnly uttered, not meeting her eyes. "I will understand if you despise me now."

But Maxine understood. Yes, it did hurt her that Ysabella did not insist on taking her to Willowfair instead of Maxwell, but she also understood that Maxwell was Ysabella's older brother. And by the look on the woman's face, Maxine was certain that Ysabella now had knowledge of her connection with the Trilbys.

She was an Everard still, after all. And she would always choose family over anything else.

Which is why Maxine had always thought that she was better off alone on this journey. Friend or not, Ysabella had priorities.

But then she would not be alone, of course and it was time to accept it. She could never escape the man.

"Fret not, Ysabella," she gently said, turning to face Maxwell. "I am certain that your brother will lead me straight to my mother without a different agenda. And he will be good to me, yes?"

Maxwell's jaw tightened at her provocation. "Why, of course, my lady."

"Ah, then I no longer regret having outsmarted you."

"Merely for a day," he corrected. "And I outsmarted you in return."

Ysabella let out a dry scoff, her face turning bright now that Maxine seemed to have taken the news quite lightly. "You both try to outsmart each other, but both are too smart to succeed with precision!"

Maxine and Maxwell ignored her statement, still glaring at each other—she, for being caught; he, probably for having the trouble of catching her.

"We leave first thing on the morrow," Maxwell told her.

"You do not order me around, my lord. I am not your valet," she said, lifting her chin. "We leave first thing on the morrow."

Maxwell scoffed in disbelief, raking his fingers through his long hair.

"I am glad to finally know that my brother is capable of different sorts of facial manifestations after all," Ysabella said, taking Maxine's hand. "Come, Maxine, we must prepare for your travel on the morrow. And I assure you, you will reach Willowfair. Max has given his word not to take you back to Theobald."

But Maxine paused at the door to ask, "How did the household react to my disappearance, my lord?"

Maxwell cocked an eyebrow from where he was standing in the middle of the parlor. "You mean how did Nicholas react to the disappearance of his valet?"

"No, I believe that is not how I placed my question."

"He is angry, of course," he said with a shrug. "Now you cannot return without facing his wrath."

Maxine scoffed and shrugged. "I should express my apologies to your brother in the future, Ysa," she said, tearing her eyes away from Maxwell. "I mean, of course, Nicholas, not the scowling one we just left behind in the parlor."