Fiona’s nose twitched and she kept her head down as she said, “The count and his father entertainedimpolitesociety—we knew one day you’d arrive and not want any memories of those times.”
Sheena nodded. “There will be no more naked parties or redheads. Not while I’m here.”
Fiona looked up and her face was crimson. “Excellent to hear.”
Sheena stilled and then decided to be firm as she said, “From now on, you’ll need to go through me for major furniture changes in the future. I can’t plan a benefit and have my favorite chair suddenly disappear, though the charity set up sounds like a good thing to keep in place. We’ll discuss what’s needed monthly to help others too?”
“I look forward to our meetings then.” Fiona didn’t flinch at the new order. “I’ll notify you when the appraisers are here so they can give you their reports.”
She swallowed. “Sounds good.”
Footsteps echoed in the hall. Fiona backed up toward the door without turning her back to Sheena. “Your guests have arrived, my lady.”
“Thank you.”
Patrice walked three feet away from Matteo as they entered the room. Matteo kept his hands in his pockets. Patrice pouted as she saw the head housekeeper leave. She crossed her arms and said, “She speaks to you. I’m in shock.”
“Ms. Pierce is a darling.” Sheena remembered another lesson—always treat the staff with respect and speak kindly.
Patrice shook her head as the tea service arrived. Two servants pushed a metal cart with a tea pot and various pastries or sandwiches on trays. Patrice obviously didn’t care that she was heard as she said, “The woman was a harpy who lectured me on decorum.”
“I can’t imagine. Fiona is sweet and quite proficient as the head housekeeper from what I can tell.” Sheena waited for the staff to leave and then asked, knowing they probably still listened in, “There must be some mistake. Were you wearing something inappropriate?”
Footsteps echoed in the hall, meaning the staff had gone—maybe. “As the lady of the house, you should be able to run around in your underwear and still be respected.” Patrice eyed the pastries.
Perhaps that was the problem. Patrice might be a lady through family connections, but she certainly didn’t seem to be trained. Sheena tapped her finger to her cheek and then went toward the tea pot to serve. “A noble home isn’t a small apartment in the city that you share with friends, unless you are in your private suite.”
She poured three cups of tea and uncovered some chocolate-dipped biscotti that made her mouth water just from the sight. She passed out the tea.
Patrice looked down her nose as she said, “I didn’t think you were a lady at all. I thought your father owned a… café.”
Matteo stood next to her, their arms brushing. “Sheena and I attended the same schools as children.”
Patrice rolled her eyes. “So you grew up with the silly rules of behavior and no chance to ignore them.”
Right. She had. Sheena picked up a tray of cucumber sandwiches, which in her opinion were the worst option available all the time, and nodded. “Please sit and enjoy your tea.”
Matteo took the offering and ate, like he didn’t mind the cucumber at all. Sheena gazed at the chocolate and wished she had one, but she’d not ruin her white gown without being seen first.
Patrice gulped her tea without taking anything to eat. “I just want to say that I’m happy for you both. I came here to pay off my debt, that’s all. Gaston is waiting for me at the local pub just off the estate.”
“Matteo and I send our regards and wish you every happiness with Gaston.” Sheena wasn’t sure she believed that Gaston was really there, not with the sultry glances Patrice gave Matteo. She held her tea near her chest and said, “I’m sure your intentions were noble.”
Patrice put the tea cup back on the serving tray and shook her head. “I didn’t think you’d believe me.”
Sheena refused to say she didn’t. She motioned toward the tray. “Please stay and have a small snack to tide you over.”
Patrice stepped back with a huff. “I won’t intrude on your honeymoon period anymore. Goodbye.”
The woman left, her footsteps echoing in the hall. Matteo said, “You handled that wonderfully, Sheena.”
He kissed her cheek, and he smelled better than any desert she’d tasted. She sipped her tea and turned toward Matteo. “She’s happy. We’re happy. Why wouldn’t I treat her politely?”
He put his tea cup down and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Agreed. Do you really think you can be happy here, with me?”
Her heart stirred. Being with Matteo was better than she’d ever imagined. She laughed and pressed her hand against his chest as she said, “With you? That’s part of the bargain?”
He tugged her closer and said, “Yes.”