“I don’t expect much will get accomplished,” Ethan said, “since I don’t take instruction well, and you don’t enjoy lifting a finger.”
“As it happens, I’ve already come up with a solution.”
Before Ethan could tell James and his solution where to go, the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it.”
Words, undoubtedly, that James had never uttered before. Despite his curiosity, Ethan decided not to scramble after the other like a damned puppy. He remained in his chair like he owned the place because he bloody did. When James returned, Ethan was forced to rise because of the female accompanying his brother.
She looked oddly familiar, but he couldn’t place her. Then again, she would be easy to overlook. She resembled a dormouse with ash-brown hair bound in a topknot. Large spectacles magnified her dark eyes, and her pert nose twitched with the effort to hold them up. She was a tiny thing, likely a foot shorter than he was. Whatever figure she had was concealed by drab bombazine.
They stared at one another, and recognition dawned.
For both of them, apparently.
“It’syou,” she breathed.
ChapterThree
Can my luck get any blooming worse?
Xenia wanted to shake her fist at the sky.
It washim. The bastard who’d left her soaked and standing by the side of the road. There was no mistaking his devilish good looks or irksomely virile figure, which today was outfitted in a Prussian-blue frock coat, embroidered cream waistcoat, and pair of tan trousers. What made him truly distinctive, however, was his cold and brooding expression. He’d regarded her in just this fashion when he’d taken off in his warm and cozy carriage while she’d walked miles in the pouring rain.
“Are you two, er, acquainted?”
Seeing the Earl of Manderly’s confusion, she composed herself. Yesterday, the earl had approached her when she had been inquiring about work at the Leaning House, a tea shop in Chuddums. Initially, she’d been wary of the attractive stranger…especially since he bore a passing resemblance to the princely patron of her imagination. His golden-brown hair and air of command had sent a quiver through her belly.
After speaking with the earl, however, she knew that he hadn’t been in her confessional. He was too proper and straitlaced to have a mind as dirty as her prince’s. Indeed, his offer turned out to be entirely respectable: his brother, Lord Ethan Harrington, was looking for a housekeeper and would offer generous wages for the right candidate. He’d invited her to come for an interview today. She’d been thrilled at the opportunity…at something good just falling into her lap.
I ought to have known betterwas becoming a refrain.
Seeing the earl and his brother together, Xenia saw more differences than similarities. While both had been blessed with good looks and virile physiques, the earl had an outgoing and agreeable personality. Lord Ethan, on the other hand, was grumpy and withdrawn. In all fairness, she couldn’t blame herself for not realizing that the nice earl’s brother was the bastard who’d left her in the rain. Who’d treated her like a nobody he couldn’t be bothered with.
Resentment smoldered beneath her breastbone. She told herself there was no point in making an enemy of Lord High-and-Mighty when she had enough of those already. What she needed was a job and a place to stay. Since she’d taken the precaution of disguising herself as Jane Wood, respectable widow, she might as well act the part. She suppressed the sultry rasp of her voice, speaking in tones that were as dull and prim as her pseudonym.
“I met his lordship briefly,” she said. “No introductions were made.”
“In that case. This is Jane Wood, a candidate for the housekeeper position.” The Earl of Manderly spoke to his brother, who still hadn’t uttered a word. “Mrs. Wood, this is my brother, Lord Ethan Harrington.”
To her surprise, Lord Ethan bowed. Apparently, His Uppityness had manners after all. Grudgingly, she dipped her knees in return.
“I see you survived the rain,” Lord Ethan said.
No thanks to you.
Her retribution, however, would have to be achieved on the sly.
“I take constitutionals in any weather, my lord,” she said blandly. “Exercise is not only good for one’s health but improves moral character.Never accept a ride when you can get there on your own two feet, I always say.”
“How profound,” he muttered.
“Self-reliance is so important, don’t you agree? On the list of virtues, I believe it falls only slightly under moderation as a precept. There is nothing so damaging as excess. One must always strive toward temperance and respectability…”
As Lord Ethan’s eyes glazed over, wings of victory beat in her chest.
“I applaud your good character, Mrs. Wood.” Lord Manderly came to his brother’s rescue. “After that delightful recitation, we hardly need further recommendation. But you do have references, I assume?”
