“Fairfax, take Walter outside, then feed him, please. Once he is done, bring him to the dining parlor.”
“I can do it, please don’t—”
“Come along, Dimity, we need to get to the breakfast table before my brothers eat everything.” Michael pulled the lead from her fingers and handed it to Fairfax.
“Fairfax may be scared of dogs,” she hissed, trying to dig her heels into the polished tiles and failing.
“Are you scared of dogs, Fairfax?” Michael asked the butler.
“No indeed.” The butler smiled. “I was raised with large hounds. It’s wonderful to have this bonny fellow in the house. Come along now, lad, we’ll see to your needs.”
“Good lord, did you see that, Dimity? Fairfax smiled.”
“He smiles. You and your brothers just don’t see it when he does,” Dimity said, attempting to shake free of the grip he had on her arm. “Release me, please.”
“Surely you don’t want to face the world without your morning meal?” He tugged her up the stairs, then along the hall to the dining parlor.
“I have things to do.”
“Gabe told me everything, Dimity. Why not let us help you?”
“I don’t want help. I can look after myself.”
“Of that I do not doubt, but clearly things are not going to plan at the moment. Perhaps we can help you with that?” Michael said the words gently as he opened the door.
“I don’t want to see your brothers and have them all pity me,” Dimity whispered.
“My brothers are good men, and none of them would ever be foolish enough to pity you, Dimity Brown.”
He placed a hand on her spine and pushed, so she could do nothing but walk through the door.
There were three Deville brothers seated at the table. Gabe, who rose to his feet as she entered. He sat at the head. Next to him was Nathanial, or Nathan as he was known, and across from him the youngest Deville, Zachariel. He was the cheekiest, and his brothers simply called him Zach.
There was no doubting they were related, yet each had a difference. Gabe had the dark hair shot through with silver and eyes that were almost black. Michael had brown hair and blue eyes. Nathanial was dark like Gabe, and Zachariel had black hair with blue eyes. All tall, all dangerously handsome. All now stood as she approached.
“I found Dimity about to leave, so coaxed her to join us for our morning meal. Our table has been sadly missing feminine company since Abby left,” Michael said, nudging her into a seat beside Nathanial.
“Yes indeed, it’s lovely to see you again, Dimity,” Nathanial said. Zachariel gave her a friendly smile, then started eating. Food, Dimity had realized during the time she spent here, was a very serious business to these men.
“Where is Walter?” Gabe asked, forcing her to look at him. He looked big, vibrant, and far too self-assured. She suddenly wished she’d taken the time to brush her hair.
“Fairfax is seeing to his needs, then will bring him here,” Michael said cheerfully, as if it was every day that she stayed in this male bastion with her dog.
“Excellent. I want to meet him,” Zach said.
“Pour tea for Miss Brown, please, Emily.” Gabe nodded to a maid.
“I can pour it,” Dimity muttered, reaching for the pot. “As can you all.”
“Pardon?” Gabe raised a brow.
“Nothing.” Dimity smiled at Emily, one of the maids she’d become friendly with while working here. She then poured her own tea.
“Can I make you some toast, Miss Brown?”
“My name is Dimity, as you very well know, Emily. And no, I will be fine with tea, thank you. Perhaps you can replenish the pot however, as I’m sure they will require more.” She stood and handed it to the maid.
“Are you finished directing my staff?” Gabriel asked.
