CHAPTER SEVEN
The Conniving Jonathan Pierce
Preparations were underway for Jonathan’s dinner party. Several of his friends would be attending, along with Mrs. Peacock and Lady Antonia Casals, the mistress’ dearest friend. All of Grimsby Hall was astir with life. Priscilla had even hired three new maids to help Lizzy serve her guests. The spit and polish were on; if ever the dour, tapestry-laden house festively sparkled, it was now.
Lizzy was given a new grey silk dress to wear for the occasion, with skirts that rustled and a tight-fitting style that suited her shapely body. Less than an hour before the guests were to arrive, she was on her way to check the flowers in the drawing room, when she heard Jonathan’s voice grab her back into the servant’s hallway.
“In here!” he whispered, as
