‘My lady.’ Mrs Fitch inclined her head towards Florence. ‘Would you care for something to eat?’
‘No, thank you, we had some refreshments at our last stop.’ Florence smiled a greeting. ‘Although I’d love a cup of tea if you wouldn’t mind sending one up to my bedroom?’
‘Of course, my lady.’
‘And I’d like for us to sit down and have tea together as well some time soon. I think we have a great deal to talk about.’
‘Indeed, my lady?’
‘Yes.’ Florence paused, throwing a quick glance at Leo before continuing. ‘His Lordship and I have discussed it and, now that we’re back, I’m going to take over the running of the household. With your assistance, of course.’
There was an audible gasp from the butler, though when Leo looked, Rimmer was staring intently at his shoes.
A prolonged moment of silence followed before Mrs Fitch turned her gaze towards him. ‘Is that what Your Lordship wishes?’
‘It is.’ Leo lifted an eyebrow at the implication.
‘I see.’ The housekeeper’s expression was so sour, it might have turned milk. ‘Then you should know, there is a great deal to learn.’
‘I’m certain there is.’ Florence’s tone was conciliatory. ‘And I’d be very grateful for any advice you could give me. I’d like for us to work together.’
There was another long pause. ‘As you wish, my lady.’
‘Wonderful. Then how about we meet tomorrow afternoon? That should give me a chance to gather my thoughts. I have so many ideas.’ Florence beamed at each of them in turn. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to bathe before bed. I’m sure I smell like a horse!’
‘Goodnight.’ Leo smiled after her as she headed for the staircase, waiting until she was out of hearing distance before clearing his throat. ‘Rimmer, perhaps you could send Her Ladyship’s maid up to her?’
‘Of course, my lord.’ The butler scurried away.
‘Mrs Fitch…’ Leo turned slowly back towards the housekeeper ‘…as the new marchioness, Her Ladyship has the right to make any decisions relating to the household, wouldn’t you say?’
‘In principle, my lord.’ Mrs Fitch lifted her chin imperiously. ‘However, your father’s instructions—’
‘My father is no longer here.’ He spoke over her. ‘As for his instructions, they were written before I was married. Therefore, they do not apply to my wife.’
‘But by her own admission, she has no experience of managing a household this size.’
‘She can learn.’
‘What about the mistakes she might make in the meantime? The reputation of Rainton is far too important for it to be imperilled by some…farmer’s daughter.’
‘That farmer’s daughter is my wife.’ Leo’s tone was cutting. ‘Mrs Fitch, I’ll let today pass because I admit my own poor behaviour in the past might have encouraged yours, but from now on you will treat Her Ladyship with the respect she deserves, is that understood?’
A series of expressions seemed to dart across the housekeeper’s face before she made a stiff curtsey. ‘Of course, my lord.’
‘Good.’ He inclined his head. ‘Now, before anything else happens, there’s one other matter I should like to be dealt with as quickly as possible.’ He pointed upwards. ‘Thatneeds to come down.’
Mrs Fitch gasped. ‘You father’s birdcage?’
‘Yes. I don’t want to set eyes on the damn thing ever again.’
‘It’s good to have you back, my lady,’ Jane commented, holding up a linen towel a short while later. ‘You look much better than when you left, if I may say so.’
‘Thank you.’ Florence climbed out of the bath, drying herself off before pulling on a white lace nightgown. ‘I feel much better.’
‘Mr Rimmer says that His Lordship seems to be in a much better mood too.’ Jane gave her a sly smile.
‘I think so. I believe we both found the trip helpful.’ She sat down at her dressing-table, meeting her maid’s eye in the mirror. ‘Don’t look at me like that!’
