“Careful, there.” Lady Merrow pointed her fork at Louise without looking. “I know he’s down there begging. The rascal had an entire ham yesterday.”
“He’s very persuasive,” Emily giggled, sneaking the dog a piece of toast anyway.
“Emily,” Louise’s reproach came automatically, though her heart wasn’t in it.
How long had it been since she’d heard her sister laugh so openly?
“Oh, let her spoil him.” Lady Merrow’s eyes twinkled. “Heaven knows he’s already the most coddled creature in London. Aren’t you, darling?”
Buttercup’s tail thumped against Louise’s chair hard enough to rattle her teacup. She steadied it with practiced ease. How many times had she hidden their poverty behind perfect manners?
“Where is His Grace this morning?” The question slipped out before she could stop it.
Lady Merrow’s expression sharpened with interest. “Aaron left early on business. He often does, though not usually quite so …” She paused, selecting a piece of bacon. “Purposefully.”
Louise kept her expression neutral while her mind raced.
Business. What kind of business requires leaving before dawn? Had he gone to Bragg? The thought of the duke confronting that monster on their behalf made her stomach clench with equal parts gratitude and mortification.
She was supposed to be managing this herself. She always managed everything herself.
“More chocolate, Lady Emily?” James appeared by her sister’s elbow.
“Yes, please!” Emily bounced in her seat, then caught herself. “I mean, if it’s allowed?”
“Everything’s allowed for young ladies who eat their breakfast.” Cecilia winked at her, then deliberately dropped a piece of bacon beneath the table.
Buttercup’s satisfied chomping followed immediately.
“Lady Merrow,” Louise began carefully, “I should discuss my duties. As your companion?—”
“Oh, pish.” Lady Merrow waved a dismissive hand. “There’s time for all that. Today you’ll settle in and get your bearings. I’m sure you’re exhausted after last night’s adventures.”
Adventures. Is that what they were calling it? Louise’s fingers found the edge of her napkin, pleating it into perfect folds.
Last night, she’d been ready to compromise herself to save Emily. Today, she sat in a duke’s morning room, eating off china that cost more than their house.
The whiplash of it made her dizzy.
“You’re very kind to take us in.” The words tasted like chalk; each kindness was another debt she could never repay.
“Kindness has nothing to do with it.” Lady Merrow’s voice was gentle. “Aaron needed a companion for me, and you needed sanctuary. It’s a practical arrangement.”
Practical. Yes. Louise clung to that word.
Not charity. A business arrangement. She was earning their keep.
“Buttercup wants to go outside!” Emily announced, scrambling down from her chair.
The dog’s entire rear end wagged in agreement.
“Take him to the garden, then. But wait!” Lady Merrow glanced toward the window, where snow still clung to the hedges. “Marie, fetch Lady Emily’s boots and stay with them. Be careful of the ice near the rose beds.”
“Yes, my lady,” the maid said, hurrying to help Emily into her outdoor things before ushering her toward the door.
The dog galumphed after her, nails scraping excitedly against the floor.
“Now then. Ask your questions.”
