Page 27 of Doxy for the Ton
“I thought it wise, given the circumstances.”
Mimi’s hand faltered as she poured tea into a cup, and a splash of brown liquid fell onto the table.
“Circumstances?” she said, aware of the tightness in her voice.
“I understand from the duke that you’ve not taken a house in London before,” the housekeeper said. “I therefore thought it prudent to instruct you in any matters you might want assistance with.”
Prettily put, but Mimi could hardly expect the woman to say outright that she didn’t want a whore disrupting her establishment. Did she perhaps expect to find a row of lust-fueled men lining up outside her bedchamber each night?
Mimi continued to pour her tea, and followed it with a splash of milk, then she took a seat at one end of the chaise longue.
The housekeeper remained standing.
“Please continue, Mrs. Hodge.”
“A house such as this requires a certain degree of order to run,” the housekeeper said. “The staff each have their roles and know how to undertake them. Each occupant—both above and below stairs—must understand their role.”
“Even those who reside above stairs but whom others believe are better suited to life below?”
The housekeeper’s eyes widened.
“You may find it hard to believe, Mrs. Hodge,” Mimi said, “but I’ve been mistress of a household before, albeit five years ago. Assuming the roles and traditions you speak of have not changed materially since then, I’m confident I’ll do nothing to bring this household into disrepute.”
To her credit, the housekeeper blushed. “Forgive me, Lady Rex—I meant no offense. I was merely—”
“You were merely offering your assistance in case I was unsure of my role in this household,” Mimi said. “Rest assured, Mrs. Hodge, that I fully understand my position. I will carry out my duties—all of them—to the best of my ability.”
Her voice wavered, and she lifted her teacup to her lips and took a sip.
A flicker of understanding shone in the other woman’s eyes.
“Please, help yourself to tea, Mrs. Hodge,” Mimi said. “We’ve much to discuss.”
The housekeeper poured a cup, then glanced at the chaise longue. Mimi patted the seat.
“Sit with me if you please, Mrs. Hodge.”
The housekeeper smiled and sat. “May I say, Lady Rex, you’re not what I expected.”
“That’s kind of you to phrase it so politely,” Mimi said, “but, like it or not, I’m mistress of his house.”
The housekeeper placed a light hand on Mimi’s arm.
“That you are, ma’am. And my duty is to help you, to make sure your life here is as comfortable as possible for as long as you require it.”
“It’s only for six months, Mrs. Hodge. We can both be thankful forthat, at least.”
The housekeeper smiled. “Life takes a turn for the unexpected sometimes. Nothing is certain.”
“I know that better than most,” Mimi replied. “The unexpected is often where life takes a turn for the worse.”
“Perhaps, my dear, the unexpected may bring about an improvement in your life. Contentment can be found in the most unlikely of situations.”
Mimi took another sip. “I’d gladly settle for contentment.”
“And happiness?”
“Happiness is a dream,” Mimi said. “And while I’d advocate indulging in dreams on occasion, it does no good to place any faith in their realization.”
