Page 28 of Doxy for the Ton
“It’s a sorry creature who lacks faith, Lady Rex.”
“A rational creature, also,” Mimi said. “Faith can be very dangerous—more than hope, for at least hope carries with it an understanding of the risk of disappointment. We can recover from having our hopes dashed. But faith?” She shook her head. “Better to have no faith at all than to have lost it.”
The housekeeper stared, and Mimi averted her gaze. What had possessed her to lower her defenses to a stranger merely because she showed a little kindness?
She reached toward the table to set her teacup down. The cup rattled against the saucer as her hand shook, then two hands clasped hers, and the rattling stopped.
“I can manage, Mrs. Hodge,” Mimi said.
“I’m sure you can, my dear, but that shouldn’t prevent me from helping you where I can.” She plucked the teacup and saucer from Mimi’s hand and placed it on the table. “We’re here to make your life comfortable, Lady Rex.” Mimi met her gaze, and the housekeeper smiled, her eyes crinkling at the edges. “Even Mr. Wheeler. He’s a little fastidious, but he’ll undertake his duties appropriately.”
“And the rest of the staff, will they…”
Will they look down on me like everyone else?
“They’ll give you the respect you command as their mistress, Lady Rex. Mr. Wheeler and I will see to that.” Mrs. Hodge gave a soft smile of indulgence. “Young Charles is a little inexperienced, but he’s a fast learner, though I say it myself—he’s my nephew, you see. The duke was kind enough to let me engage him. Will you be wanting a lady’s maid?”
Mimi shook her head.
“We can arrange for one later if you wish—there’s no need to decide just now. And, of course, we have a cook, Mrs. Brennan. You must tell me your favorite dishes and I can have her cook them for you. If you wish to meet the staff yourself, I can arrange it.”
“Perhaps later.”
“Of course, my dear, I understand. You must be tired. Perhaps after luncheon I can take you to the kitchen and introduce you.”
The housekeeper smiled and nodded, and Mimi caught the unspoken words in her eyes.
You have nothing to fear.
Perhaps not in this house. But out in Society, the realm of predators of a very different nature—Mimi had everything to fear.
As if Fate had read her thoughts, a knock came on the front door. Mimi startled and rose to her feet. The housekeeper placed a steadying hand on her arm.
“I’ll see to it, Lady Rex.”
Mrs. Hodge approached the door, which opened to reveal the young footman. She gave him a smile of affection.
“What is it, Charles?”
He held out a silver salver. “Message for the mistress.”
“Take it over to her, then.”
“Yes, Aunt…I mean, yes, Mrs. Hodge.”
The boy colored, the spots on his face seeming to glow, as he approached Mimi, his hand trembling.
She gave him a smile and plucked the note from the salver.
“Thank you, Charles,” she said. “You’re very kind.”
He glanced up at her and his blush deepened.
“Charles?” Mrs. Hodge said.
The young footman issued a bow, then scuttled out of the parlor.
Mimi tore open the note and read it.
