"It's alright," she said. "He just likes being alone, I suppose." Or being with whoever he was using that riding crop and sheep gut on. She had come to understand by now that he despised the maid and that her initial suspicion was wrong. It did not make her dislike the girl any less.

She finished her tea and set her cup down. "Well, since you're busy, I shall not disturb you any longer. Can I call again soon?" Hopefully sometime when the tart was out again.