Page 93 of Brave New Earl (The Way to a Lord's Heart 1)

Benjamin smiled down at her. “You sometimes make hasty judgments.”

“Well, you’re stubborn.”

“True. Not as stubborn as your hair, however.” He ran his fingers through one wild, curling strand.

“My hair is not my fault!”

“Your hair is magnificent.”

“You wouldn’t say so if you had to keep it in order.”

“Yes I would. And will…always.”

“You’re argumentative,” said Jean with a smile.

“I admit it.” He smiled back. “It seems we’re safe from the perils of infatuation.”

“Whatever they may be.”

“Disappointment, I imagine.”

“Disillusionment.”

“A better word.”

“Thank you.”

He laughed and kissed her, and then there was no more conversation for quite some time.

• • •

Benjamin and Jean met at breakfast the following morning as if nothing in particular had happened during the night. They’d agreed that news of their coming alliance must be conveyed to one person first, before any other announcement could be made.

“What if he objects?” asked Jean as they walked up the stairs together after their meal.

“He won’t,” replied Benjamin.

“You can’t be sure. He’s unpredictable. If he doesn’t want me here—”

“I think he does.” Benjamin held up a hand to forestall any further objections. “You’ve changed his life as much as mine. Geoffrey is uncannily intelligent. He must know this. We will—the three of us—overcome any difficulties.”

“Without…oppression.”

“Absolutely.”

They didn’t find Geoffrey in the nursery, however. Lily was alone there, rearranging the clutter of books and toys on a tall shelf.

“Hello, Lily,” said Jean.

The girl jumped, dropping a book and putting a hand to her chest. “Beg pardon, I didn’t hear you, my lord, miss.” She picked up the book and gestured with it. “I’m tidying up. I expect this Miss Warren’ll think I’m hopeless. Probably send me off to work in the scullery.” Her young face creased with anxiety.

“I’m sure she’ll be glad of your help,” said Jean. For a moment she worried about Lily’s fate. Then she realized, with a flicker of surprise, that it was in her hands as the new mistress of Furness Hall. She hadn’t gotten used to that idea yet. “You’ll be all right,” she said. Lily couldn’t know this was a promise, but Jean did.

“Where’s Geoffrey?” asked Benjamin.

“He and Tom went down to the stables. Cook let them have some carrots.” Lily clutched the book. “Master Geoffrey said she did. He might have stole them.”

“We’ll go and find him there,” said Benjamin. With a nod, he led Jean out. “I’ll be glad to have someone more capable in charge of the nursery,” he added when they were out of earshot. “Clearly the post is beyond her.”

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