Page 10 of His Perfect Bride
“I do thank you for the offer.” Jackson’s voice took on an edge. “But that is not necessary. I’m managing just fine.”
“Miss Rhodes and I would like to help, wouldn’t we, Miss Rhodes?” Augusta picked up a discarded hat and placed it on the coat-tree.
“Yes, of course. I’ll do anything that is needed.” Sage would be relieved to make herself more useful and to feel as though she were actually earning her money, since her duties with Augusta had been so light and infrequent thus far.
“I shan’tneedanything.” Jackson tossed Sage a glare, one that gave her full view of his eyes, which were a chilly gunmetal blue, fitting for an ill-tempered man.
“Come now, Jackson.” Augusta retrieved another hat and hung it. “We’ve arrived just in time, for it is quite clear you could use the help as well as some cheering up.”
The scowl furrowing Jackson’s forehead only deepened.
Sage had the feeling he wanted to grouse at Augusta too, the same way he had at her. But he clearly loved his sister enough that he seemed to swallow his retort. “I meant what I said. You really should stay at a hotel.”
“Nonsense.” Augusta motioned at the carriage driver who had placed one of the trunks on the floor. “We’re staying with you, Jackson. That’s all the arguing about it I want to hear.” With that, she picked up her full skirt and started up the steps, calling to the driver. “Come along.”
The carriage driver hoisted the trunk and began to tromp up the stairway.
Sage guessed she ought to follow after Augusta to situate them into their new accommodations. But to do so she would have to pass by Jackson, who still took up half the doorway.
He jammed his fingers into his overlong hair, narrowing his gaze on Augusta as she ascended.
It was becoming more obvious with every passing moment that he really didn’t want them here. It was also becoming all too obvious to Sage that she didn’t want to be here either, not in a home where the master was like a caged feral animal who might strike out at any moment.
“Make haste, Sage.” Augusta was nearly to the top of the stairway. “We have a great deal to do today and cannot dawdle.”
Sage scurried forward, not wanting Augusta to think she was incompetent or lazy or even scared. She’d done her best to prove herself so that Augusta wouldn’t have regrets about bringing her, and she didn’t want to fail the dear lady now that they’d reached their destination.
As she sidled past Jackson in the doorway, she murmured, “Excuse me, sir.”
He didn’t budge except to stiffen.
She made it two steps past him into the front hallway before his low voice stopped her. “Don’t get comfortable. You will be gone before too long.”
Sage faced the stairway only a few feet away. Augusta was already heading down a second-floor hallway, and the carriage driver was on her heels.
Was Jackson threatening to have her dismissed from her position?
If so, he didn’t know who he was dealing with. She wasn’t easily pushed aside or intimidated. After all, he wasn’t her employer and wasn’t in charge of her.
Augusta was the only one she had to listen to, the only one she needed to please. She didn’t have to impress Jackson or to try to win his admiration. In fact, he could end up disliking her for all she cared.
Slowly she turned and lifted her chin. She might not be anything more than a poor woman from a poor family from a poor Manchester neighborhood. But she wouldn’t let this overgrown grizzly bear make her feel worthless.
“I’m employed by Miss Lennox.” She spoke with a firmness she’d always used on her sisters when they were misbehaving. “If you have any complaints, please address your concerns to her.”
With that, she finished crossing to the stairs. As she ascended, she could feel him watching her, probably scowling at her. She waited for him to demand that she stop and leave. But other than a huff of clear irritation, he didn’t say another word.
* * *
Sage worked tirelessly for hours, and the labor felt good. Even when Augusta took a break from their cleaning and organizing to visit with Jackson, Sage kept on with a new list of tasks she’d made with Augusta’s input.
The list was long, filling two sheets of paper. The first page contained the most pressing needs like getting the guest rooms ready, airing out the mattresses, washing sheets and covers, beating the rugs, dusting the furniture, and wiping away the cobwebs that seemed to fill every corner.
While Sage washed the sheets, she also laundered the basic necessities out of her and Augusta’s clothing. Sage had washed their clothing as best she could for the duration of the voyage to Victoria, and now their garments were past ready for a full and thorough laundering.
Although Sage had suggested sleeping on a pallet on the floor until a dormer room could be made ready, Augusta had insisted that Sage take the guest room directly connected to hers, both rooms already having a sparse amount of furniture, including beds.
The bed in Sage’s room was bigger than any she’d ever seen, and she was too embarrassed to admit to Augusta that she’d never slept on a real bed before. Even the tiny bunks in their ship’s cabin had been an improvement from her usual pallet on the floor in her family’s flat.
