‘I want to manage the household,’ she announced abruptly, hurrying on before he could say anything back. ‘If we’re making the best of our marriage then I want to make the best of my new position too. I might not have been trained to run such a large house, but I’m not completely ignorant or incompetent, and I’m a fast learner. Mrs Fitch said that you wanted her to keep doing it, but I don’t see why I should necessarily be constrained by your father’s instructions as well. No offence.’
Leo stared at her, his expression inscrutable as he took another sip of his wine. ‘You’re right,’ he answered finally. ‘You shouldn’t be constrained by them. To be honest, I’ve never given the subject of housekeeping much thought, but it was remiss of me. You’re the marchioness now and you should manage the household as you see fit.’
‘Oh.’ She opened her mouth and then closed it again. ‘Right. Good.’
‘Mrs Fitch really told you I asked her to keep managing everything?’ A shadow passed over his face.
‘Yes, during our tour of the house.’ She frowned. ‘Or at least she said something about being entrusted to do it and you not telling her otherwise.’
He muttered something under his breath. ‘Yes, that sounds like her.’
‘Will she mind very much if I take over?’
‘Whenyou take over, and yes, definitely. She’s been running the house without a mistress for almost twenty years now, ever since my mother died. She won’t find it easy to cede control but it’s your house, not hers. I’ll speak to her as soon as we get back.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Now, if that’s settled, I have my own request to make.’ He leaned back in his chair, his eyes darkening as he looked at her.
‘Oh?’ She felt the hairs rise on the nape of her neck. Whatever his request was, her mind was already veering towardsyes.
‘I’d like you to tell me some more about cows.’
‘Cows?’ She gave a shaky exhale, then tipped her head back and laughed. ‘Very well. What do you wish to know?’
Chapter Fourteen
Thanks to an overturned cart blocking one of the roads close to Southampton, it was another whole day of travel before their carriage finally rumbled down the drive of Rainton Court, just as the orange sun dipped over the edge of the horizon.
‘My lord, my lady. Welcome home.’ Rimmer was waiting at the front door to greet them.
‘Thank you, Rimmer.’ Leo nodded to his butler, then stopped in the doorway and turned towards Florence, lifting her hand slowly to his lips. It was a marked contrast to the first time they’d entered the house together, when he’d stormed ahead by himself, but he wanted this time to be different, and for everyone to know it too. It wasn’t quite carrying her over the threshold, but it was certainly an improvement.
‘Rimmer.’ There was a breathless quality to his wife’s voice as she turned to the butler, her cheeks tinged with pink. ‘It’s good to see you.’
‘You too, my lady.’ The butler’s gaze, Leo noticed, was approving. ‘How was your journey?’
‘Long. I don’t want to see the inside of another carriage for a good six months.’
‘At least.’ Leo found himself reluctant to let go of her hand again, though it was unfortunately necessary to remove his greatcoat. ‘Any news to report?’
‘Not in the house, my lord, although I understand the arrival of the herd has caused some consternation in the steward’s office.’
‘So I gather. Sewell wrote to me.’ Leo made a wry face. ‘I’m already bracing myself for our next interview. You may need to refill the brandy decanter.’
‘Already done, my lord.’
‘Ahem.’
All three of them jumped at the sound of a pointed cough, as the slim figure of Mrs Fitch suddenly detached itself from the wall, where she’d been doing an excellent job of camouflaging herself in the shadows, and walked towards them, lips pursed with disapproval.
‘I beg your pardon, my lord, but Mr Sewell only has the well-being of the estate at heart.’ Her voice was as monotone as always.
‘Of course he does.’ Leo removed his hat. ‘Good evening, Mrs Fitch. How are you?’
‘Quite well, my lord, thank you for asking. I took the opportunity of your absence to have the maids clean the carpets and curtains in all the receiving rooms. The time has been spent most productively.’
‘I’m glad to hear it.’
