"Why did you never mention this?" he asked.
"Because," she said quietly, "servants who claim to know better than their masters rarely keep their positions."
A faint, almost imperceptible smile crossed his face at that, gone as quickly as it appeared.
From that day forward, the Duke began finding reasons to visit the stables himself, watching from a respectful distance as Elsie worked with Tempest each evening, asking occasional questions about her methods, listening more than he spoke. Their conversations were brief, but grew steadily less formal, and Elsie found herself surprised by the thoughtful, genuine man hidden beneath his cold public reputation.
Not everyone welcomed this change. Nathaniel Cross, humiliated by the outcome of his own dare, grew bitter and resentful, muttering to anyone who would listen that Elsie had somehow tricked or bewitched the horse. Bridget Lowe, furious that a simple maid now received more attention than she ever had, began spreading quiet rumors through the household, suggesting Elsie was using improper means to gain the Duke's favor, hinting at things that were never true. The whispers grew louder with each passing week, and Elsie began noticing sideways glances from staff who once barely acknowledged her presence.