Page 16 of The Moonstone Governess
He cast her a wry smile. “No, little dove. I am in earnest. Call me Daire whenever we are able to converse privately. I doubt it will be too often, since you are afraid of me.”
Her chin shot upward. “I am not afraid of you.”
“Oh, Brenna,” he said, emitting a chuckle, “you are. And do not tip your pretty chin to the moon again and pretend indignation. Let us be honest with each other, shall we? You like me and are not happy about it. This is what scares you.”
“That is utter rot.” She stared at him. “And what of you?”
“Is it not obvious I like you? Yes, enough to want to be a gentleman around you. Ignore what happened this morning. I would like us to be friends.”
She gave a most unladylike snort.
He grinned. “Perhaps in time you will come to see I am not such a bad fellow.”
“Even with that dark snake inside of you?”
“It is mostly intent on destroying me and not anyone else. Now, let us get back to business. Will you ask your cousin to come by here and take a look at the grounds? Have her write up a proposal for me with an estimate of the costs. Do you think she can do this by tomorrow?”
Brenna nodded. “Easily.”
“Good. Same for your Uncle Simon—have him prepare an estimate for repairs and painting. I’d like to get started as soon as possible. I suppose they’ll need funds to purchase supplies. Let me know what they will require to start. I’ll make arrangements with the bank manager today and have him deposit the funds in your account.”
Her gaze shot to his. “Mine? Why?”
“This is your house, and no one will look after this renovation work better than you.”
“But I don’t understand. You speak as though you are leaving the entire matter to me.”
“Not entirely, for I must insist on all final approvals. But I do not expect to be here day in and day out while the work goes on. You, however, will be.”
“How do you know this is what I will do?”
Her question appeared to amuse him, for his lips twitched at the corners in the hint of a smile. “Because this is your beloved home, and you have quite a bit of a controlling streak in you.”
“That is absurd! If anyone is a controlling oaf, it is you.”
He laughed. “Now you are just being defensive. To be controlling and frugal is in your nature, so do not bother to deny it. I am not suggesting it is a bad thing. In fact, I rather like these qualities in you. You are going to know exactly what is going on, have opinions at every step, and be far more tight-fisted in spending my coin than I would ever be.”
She cast him an indignant frown. “I am not controlling… Merely dutiful, responsible, and cautious. Nor am I miserly, but I do think before I toss my money around, unlike you. And I shall certainly be careful with yours, since you will likely hold me to account for all I expend.”
“Which is precisely the reason why I trust you, Brenna. I mean it as a compliment, for I never trust anyone.” He glanced around. “We’ve gone over just about everything necessary. Have I overlooked anything?”
She shook her head. “No, not a single thing. Not so much as a nail has been overlooked.”
“Good. If you think of anything else, just let me know. I’ll keep out of the way as much as possible, since I am certain anyone who works on this house will respond better to you than to me.”
“All right,” Brenna replied. “I’ll bring Felicity and Uncle Simon around tomorrow morning before the tea party. I’ll leave word for you regarding the time so you may join us if you wish. It will have to be early in the morning, because the Duke and Duchess of Malvern have invited the entire village to their estate, so we will all be going up to the grange tomorrow just after midday. Their tea is an annual affair and not to be missed. I suppose they have extended an invitation to you and your friends, as well.”
“They have. Seems I will be seeing quite a bit of you these next few days. I understand you will also be at the assembly ball tonight. Is that so?”
She nodded.
“Save me a dance.”
She laughed.
“I’m serious, Brenna.”
“Very well. But only one, otherwise everyone will talk. And you must promise to dance with other village ladies as well. I cannot be the only one to claim your attention.”
