Page 7 of The Butler and the Bluestocking
One brow on her goddess’ face lifted. “Since I am related to the owner of this property, I stand in place of your employer, and if it is decided you might continue as butler here, you will demonstrate proper respect for and obey the orders of every woman in residence.”
So, she’d accepted his claim to be an unemployed butler. He quickly scanned the housekeeper’s face. Her disapproval—whether of him or his claim—was patent.Do I wish to continue this farce?How difficult could it be to act like a butler for a few days?Staying will allow me to learn more about my intriguing lady.He could always leave if the game tired.
“Besides, even if he is a butler as he claims, we cannot afford to employ him,” Mrs. Crewe muttered.
The two women looked him up and down. He’d not felt so examined since his first day at Eton.
“I would be happy to work for room and board,” he blurted, having no need of the income but desperate for an excuse to remain. “I doubt you’ll find anyone else to perform a butler’s duties for so little salary.”
“That’s true,” concurred the housekeeper.
Bess folded her arms across her chest and eyed him suspiciously. “I don’t know.”
“It would be wise, my lady, to hesitate over employing someone without references,” said the housekeeper.
“Oh, I doubt this one will murder us in our beds,” remarked the lady who began to gather items scattered about the floor.
Evidently, she deemed him incapable of committing so heinous a crime. He did not know whether to be pleased at her small show of trust or insulted that she completely dismissed him as a threat.Perhaps celestial Bess pens horrid novels and is inured to the idea of murder and worse?
His lady drew his attention. “You would be expected to help Mrs. Crewe with her work and any heavy lifting that may be required.”
He reduced his grin to what he hoped was a modest smile. “I am happy to serve in any way.”
“Mrs. Crewe, please return to preparing the house for the arrival of Patience and the girls. You need not mention this incident to Patience. I will inform her as soon as she arrives,” ordered Bess as she gave him a considering glance.
“Yes, my lady. Your stepmama has entirely too much to worry about to be bothered with such as he, but I will remain to observe the proprieties.”
“I do not believe that is necessary. He is a servant.”
“I beg pardon to disagree. He’s a man, and as such, breaking into this house proves, he is not above perpetrating violent acts when he wishes.”
Mal watch the byplay between mistress and servant.
“Nonetheless,” Bess said, “We have little time before the rest of the family arrives and much to do. Please start now. Our new butler will join you shortly to assist.”
“Now you listen to me, Lady Bess. Someone must maintain the proprieties, and I’ll not be telling Lady Seahaven that I left you alone with this stranger.” She looked Mal up and down. “I don’t trust him, and neither should you.” She sat herself in a chair near the doorway.
The goddess sighed. “Very well, Mrs. Crewe. You are most likely correct. I think it best that none of us is ever alone with Mr. . . .?”
I cannot be making much of an impression if she has forgotten my name already. “Kentigern,” he supplied.It’s not a lie, precisely. My name is Malcolm Kentigern. I simply omitted the surname of Marr.
“Very well, Kentigern.” His Bess seated herself in the second hearthside chair. “Sit down, please. You are wounded.” She waved him back to his seat.
“I am the eldest stepdaughter of the Dowager Countess of Seahaven,” she continued. “You may address me as “Lady Elizabeth. Although when not in company, I would prefer Lady Bess. My family all know that is my preference. My stepmother will be addressed as Lady Seahaven. I will inform her of your employment as soon as she arrives. However, she has much to concern her at present, and I will encourage her to leave you and your employment here to me. Not including Mrs. Crewe and Nurse, there are eleven of us who will be residing in this house for the Season, including two children in the schoolroom and an infant.”
Mal bit back a groan.What have I gotten myself into? Eight adult women in a single household and not a man among them?
“I, Lady Seahaven, and the Ladies, Barbara, Susana, Dorothea, Josefina, Iris, and Ivy—who are expected to arrive this afternoon—will occupy the bedchambers. The younger ones, Ladies, Merrilyn, Emma, and Jane will reside in the nursery. They are traveling with the countess. You will eventually learn which of my sisters is which. If you cannot recall a name, my lady, will suffice.”
“Since you have experience of this house, you know it will be very crowded. Your work will be demanding. In addition to greeting visitors, serving meals et cetera, you will be required to fetch and carry as you are needed. You will assist Mrs. Crewe in any way she asks. You may have discerned that our finances do not extend far.” She paused, clearly considering how much to tell him.
He waited, hoping she would choose to trust him, despite their unorthodox beginning. He had correctly concluded the scant financial circumstance of Bess and her family and determined then and there to do what he could to help without embarrassing anyone.
“Be careful what you say, Lady Bess,” the housekeeper warned.
“He must know some of it, Mrs. Crewe, or he will make unwitting mistakes.” She turned back to Mal. “Kentigern, what I tell you now must never be revealed to anyone outside this household.”
“I give you my word as a gen . . . man . . . of honor never to gossip or share information about you and your family, my lady.”
