Page 68 of Harpy of the Ton
“Did you make this?” he asked.
“You ordered me to cook for you, did you not?” she retorted.
“Well, it’s proper tasty, thank you.”
A flicker of pride shone in her eyes.
No—that wouldn’t do. She was proud enough already.
“Where’s the bread?” he asked.
She rolled her eyes, then rose from the table, returning with the bread and a knife. She raised the knife and smiled coldly at him. The blade reflected the candlelight, curling into an evil grin.
I’ve no doubt you’d as soon plunge that knife into my heart, wife.
She cut the loaf into slices.
“Help yourself,” she said. “I presume you’re capable ofthat, unless the process of entering his home renders a man completely useless.”
Roberta gave a snort.
“What’s so funny?” William asked.
“She’sright. Boys are useless.”
“Don’t sayshe—it’s rude!” Jonathan cried. “Isn’t it, Mama?”
Bella turned to the little boy, and her mouth curved into a smile.
Lawrence’s breath caught at the expression in her eyes—a softness he’d not seen before.
Then she resumed eating, and the moment was gone.
“This bread’s tough!” William cried, chewing on a slice.
“Dip it in your stew, silly,” Roberta said.
“Mind you chew it,” Lawrence said. “You want to keep your teeth.”
Bella’s smile disappeared. “I’d like to seeyoubake bread.”
“That’s women’s work,” Lawrence said. “A man shouldn’t sully himself with women’s work.”
“Why? Because men are incapable?”
Roberta laughed again.
Curse her!Was she trying to enlist his daughter against him?
“Have you finished your supper, children?” Lawrence asked. In response, they pushed three empty bowls across the table. “Good—get ready for bed. Your mother will be along later to tuck you in.”
“I’ll what?” Bella asked.
“You always tuck them in,” Lawrence said. “And read them a story. Doesn’t she?”
Roberta hesitated, but the boys nodded. Then the children scraped back their chairs and clattered their way upstairs.
“I suppose you’ve not made anything for pudding,” Lawrence said.
