He dropped his focus to the report on his desk and returned to reading. Ellis exhaled. In that moment, she decided it might be best if she didn’t smile.
Chapter 2
Roman Garrick, fourth Marquess of Keele, surreptitiously watched his new secretary as he transcribed a letter for which he’d just taken shorthand. Today was his fourth day working—the third since he’d moved in carrying only a modest valise. Upon learning his room was on the same floor as Roman’s, in the opposite corner, Ellis had seemed slightly discomfited. Roman sensed he made the secretary nervous.
That wasn’t terribly unusual since this was Ellis’s first position as a secretary. Roman imagined he might feel overwhelmed to start in the employ of a marquess. Except Ellis had also worked, at least temporarily, for a duke.
No, that wasn’t the reason behind the young man’s…unease.
Roman couldn’t quite determine the cause. Or if he was observing something that wasn’t there. It wasn’t as if he knew Ellis well yet. Nor did anyone else in the household, as Ellis didn’t speak to them.
The household was rather small compared to others of Roman’s rank. Aside from the coachman and groom in the mews, Roman employed a butler, a maid, a footman, a cook, and a scullery maid. They were a lean and, likely as a result, close crew. He’d heard from the butler, the cook, and the footman that the new secretary was aloof.
That made Roman think he wasn’t imagining things when it came to Ellis being uncomfortable. He planned to ask the young man why just as soon as Roman’s in-laws left. They would be here shortly and looked forward to meeting Roman’s new secretary.
Seemingly unaware of Roman’s covert regard, which was Roman’s goal, Ellis continued his task. The man really did have rather feminine handwriting. Indeed, even watching the sweep of his hand across the parchment made Roman think he’d learned just about everything from women. Ellis’s walk occasionally resembled that of a lady, and Roman had caught him crossing his ankles a time or two.
Roman had known other men who possessed a more feminine affect. But there was just something…different about his secretary.
Ellis’s head turned, and his blue eyes, which had particularly long lashes for a man, fixed on Roman. They narrowed slightly, and vertical lines formed between his dark blond brows. “Is something amiss?”
Even Ellis’s voice was odd. It was certainly deeper than a woman’s, but there was a cadence to it that somehow also seemed feminine. Again, it was surely due to being raised in a household of women. Though, Ellis had to have had a father. Perhaps he’d died when Ellis was young. Roman had a mother, but he’d never known her.
“Not at all,” Roman replied. “I’m only glad I hired you.”
That was an understatement. In just four short days, Ellis had completely transformed Roman’s desk and the entire study. He’d implemented systems for handling correspondence, managing the household accounts, and organizing business to do with the House of Lords. Though Parliament wasn’t currently in session, there was still correspondence, and when it was in session, everything was already in order and Ellis would keep it that way. Roman could not have been more pleased.
“I’m glad to hear it, my lord.”
Roman noticed that Ellis didn’t smile. He’d done so that first day—just once. “Are you satisfied with your position?”
“Eminently.” Ellis pressed his lips together, and his mouth curved up ever so slightly. It wasn’t quite a smile. Rather, it appeared an approximation of one. Indeed, the secretary seemed to be trying very hard not to smile. Roman had the sense that most of what Ellis did was calculated, almost as if he were executing a performance. Perhaps he was simply putting forth great effort to make his best impression.
“I’m glad to hear it,” Roman said. “I wondered if there was anything lacking, particularly with regard to your lodging.”
“It’s more than adequate,” Ellis replied.
“Good. Has anyone in the household caused issue?” Roman asked with concern. “I notice you don’t take meals with them, and you keep to yourself almost entirely.”
“I’m the sort of person who prefers their own company,” Ellis explained evenly. “With four sisters, our household was always busy. I find I like quiet and solitude.”
“Did you not care for your sisters?”
“I did. I do,” he amended. “I was merely offering an explanation as to why I keep to myself. I’m still very new here. I’m sure I will settle in the longer I am in residence.”
“Of course.” Roman hadn’t meant to pressure the lad. “You’ve mentioned your sisters. What of your parents? Did you grow up with a mother and a father?”
“For a time, but we were all orphaned.”
Before Roman could continue to satisfy his curiosity, Graham stepped over the threshold. “My lord, the Laceys have arrived. I’ve escorted them to the library.”
“Excellent.” Roman bolted from the chair. “We’ll be right up.”
Graham nodded and left.
“Is it vital that I meet your in-laws?” Ellis asked, his quill still poised over the parchment. “I’d like to finish this letter.”
“Yes, it is,” Roman said. “Lacey and Company is my business as much as theirs. Whilst Josiah is my former father-in-law, he is also my business partner. Actually, partner is a strong word. He owns a much greater stake, and, so far, I’ve only contributed my efforts.”
