Ruth didn't know what to make of the maid's warnings and proposal. It didn't matter. Before she could answer another maid entered. Was she supposed to get used to servants to walking in while she was butt naked?

Her eyes narrowed when the Tilly read the note and excused herself. They followed her reflection to the door.

What the hell? Ruth decided she disliked Tilly.

She shrugged at the comment and tossed her hair over her shoulder again. "Magnus is waiting for me," was her only answer. Her eyes had already turned to the older maid. "Let's get on with it."

As the maid dressed her and did her hair, Ruth was silent and reflected on the conversation and its abrupt end. Tilly was clearly playing her own game. She was as much of a danger as the rest of the family. Ruth decided her own common practice would serve her best in this hornet's nest. She'd trust nobody but herself.

At the appropriate time, she made her way downstairs to the hall, dressed more elegantly than she had ever been and a great deal more apprehensive than last night.