'Excuse me, my lord, but I know that three of them were not involved in any way with Foster and his plotting. Those three came to me with their concerns some time ago.'
'Even better, that means only five to dismiss. I appointed Sid and Johnny, two grooms, to be footmen so I think we can manage with only five for the moment.'
He spent another hour discussing how things would work and then returned to his rooms to smarten his appearance before he left to collect Lucille from her employment as a governess in Bath.
As he emerged from his bedchamber so did Annabel and Sofia emerge from theirs. The younger girl was wearing the latest fashions, looked like the daughter of a wealthy member of the upper classes. Sofia was wearing a simple dark blue muslin gown, a matching ribbon threaded through her hair, and as he ran his eye approvingly down her outfit his eyebrows shot up.
'Devil take it, Sofia, you cannot wear those boots with that gown. Even I am aware it will not do.'
She nodded but was not upset by his criticism. 'Sadly, my lord, they are the only footwear I possess. Would you prefer it if I walked about in bare feet? It would be quieter if the noise of my boots is what offends you.'
'What I would prefer is to see you properly dressed. The seamstress will be here at nine o'clock. Make sure that you order slippers, half-boots, and anything else that you need.'
Annabel smiled up at him. 'I know exactly what she needs, sir, and will be by her side throughout the process.'
'Excellent, I won't be joining you for breakfast, girls, as I have business to attend to. I cannot promise that there'll even be any breakfast, but one lives in hope.'
Sofia glided gracefully up to him. 'Did you dismiss everybody? Are we to make our way to the kitchen to toast our own bread?'
'Impudent miss, you know very well that I did not. Cook has temporarily taken on the role of housekeeper and is confident she can do both jobs until we can find a replacement for Bedford.'
*
Sofia spoke without thinking. 'Let me be your housekeeper, I've been doing it at home for the past four years. I know you said I was to have nothing to do with domestic matters but to be honest I hate to be idle.'
'Good God, if I don't want any member of my family working for their living what makes you think I want to employ you as my housekeeper?'
His tone was sharp and she flinched at his words.
'I apologise; I was just offering my help in order to solve a difficult situation. If your reaction to a genuine kindness is to snap one's head off, then you can be very sure that I'll make no such offer a second time and neither will any of my sisters nor Annabel.'
'You'll have to get used to my behaviour, Sofia, because I don't intend to change it.'
'I see, then I think the saying pot and kettle comes to mind, sir. You intend to remain bad-tempered and unreasonable and I intend to be impudent and disobedient.'
For a horrible second his eyes narrowed, she braced herself for the most dreadful set down. Then he chuckled. 'A gauntlet thrown down indeed, my dear, let us see who comes out the winner of this challenge.'
He was still laughing as he strode off leaving the two of them to make their way down to the breakfast parlour in the hope they'd find something palatable to eat. Then Sofia remembered where he was going that morning.
'Wait, I wish to come with you to collect my sister. She will be alarmed to have you descend on her and demand that you accompany her.' Her voice carried wonderfully along the passage and he almost tipped on his face he stopped so suddenly.
She was already in motion and all but collided with him when he turned. His expression was resigned rather than annoyed and this made her giggle.
'As you so rudely pointed out, sir, I already have my outdoor footwear on. As I intended to investigate the maze after we've broken our fast you might well have noticed that I have my bonnet in my hand.' She waved it in front of his nose to make her point.
There was a dangerous glint in his eyes. 'You cannot come with me as then you'll not be here when the seamstress arrives. The acquisition of a new wardrobe is more important than smoothing the possible hurt feelings of your sister Lucille.'
Sofia wanted to stamp on his foot but somehow withstood the urge. He was really the most irritating gentleman it had ever been her misfortune to meet.
'Very well, I cannot force you to take me.' She was about to call him sir again but decided against it. 'I must point out to you, James, that Lucille and I are very similar in temperament. If anything, she's the more outspoken of the two of us.'
His sudden bark of laughter made her jump. 'Good grief, what have I let myself in for? If Lucille is more difficult than you my peaceful existence will be in tatters.'
Then his hand was on hers. It was strong, warm even through his riding gloves.
'I should have told you that I sent a note to the house first thing this morning, your sister already knows that I'm coming and I expect her to be ready when I arrive. Don't worry, I give you my word that I'll not upset her.'
He released his hold, nodded, and in three long strides was at the side door and gone.
