Elle exhaled, ignoring the nervousness she’d felt all morning.
She needed to get this meeting on track.
“Shall I address you as Your Highness, then?”
“Excuse me?”
“I am not an actress so that makes you the king. Now, as I said before, I’m here to—”
“Touché.” Mr. Dodd laughed. “But if you are not here to replace my assistant, you’re of no use to me. And I.” He glanced at his fob watch. “And I have other meetings today. Good day, Miss…”
“Miss Sparrow,” she began. But he had already stood and circled the desk, presumably to usher her out.
How had her meeting gone so very wrong so quickly? Before Elle could explain why she’d come, he’d opened the door where a petite but efficient-looking young woman stood on the other side.
“Mr. Dodd. I’ve one of the applicants I mentioned to see you—a Mrs. Dunbridge. You’ll find her resume to be quite impressive but more importantly, she suits all of your other requirements.” Catching sight of Elle, she paused. “I didn’t realize you had a visitor.” She stepped into the office and reached out a hand. “I am Mrs. Grey, the theater’s financial manager. If you’re here to make a donation, I’m happy to provide you with a tour. We’re always pleased to sign on new benefactors.”
Elle’s eyes flew open.
“Me? A patron? Good heavens, no. I’ve an appointment with Mr. Dodd to discuss the theater’s next production.” Was her disguise so pathetic that the first person she spoke with saw right through it?
“Oh really?” Mrs. Grey’s eyes narrowed as they flicked between the director and Elle.
Elle studied the woman right back. She possessed polite manners. Poise. And most noticeable to Elle, a distinctly proud posture.
Mrs. Grey had been raised to be a lady.
Please, don’t give me away! Elle begged the other woman silently, even as she intentionally slouched.
A second woman hovered behind Mrs. Grey, the applicant, apparently. The older woman wore a navy gown, patched in too many places to count, and had it buttoned up to her chin.
Springing from that chin, Elle noticed, were five whiskers.
Mr. Dodd would never accuse this Mrs. Dunbridge woman of being an actress.
Not because of her looks, but because she, as a matter of fact, appeared quite secretarial.
“An interview will not be necessary.” All attention turned back to Mr. Dodd. “I’m afraid the position has been filled.”
Mrs. Grey’s brows shot up. “By…?”
“I’ve hired Miss Sparrow to act as my assistant.”
“Oh, but—" Elle made another attempt to clarify her purpose for coming today.
“Of course you have.” Mrs. Grey interrupted, throwing her hands in the air even as she turned to escort the older woman out of the office. “Best of luck to you, Miss Sparrow,” she added before addressing Mrs. Dunbridge. “Why don’t you come with me. Even if Mr. Dodd cannot see the value of a well-qualified assistant, I can. And since I’m helping the duke refurnish his townhouse, I’ll be needing someone to take up the slack. I’ll take advantage of your expertise myself.” As quickly as Mrs. Grey had arrived, she turned and disappeared, closing the door with such force that papers flew off Mr. Dodd’s desk onto the floor.
What was happening?
“There’s been a dreadful mistake.” Elle dropped to her knees and began gathering the papers there. Mr. Dodd crouched over to do the same.
“Too much damn paperwork,” he mumbled.
“I—” Her mouth turned dry, and she found her gaze level with his backside, which was tight and firm, oddly inviting her to…
Squeeze it?
Slap it?
