Toby took the book and began to read. When her little head rested on his shoulder, his heart felt like it was too big for his chest. He often thought about his cousin, and what their life had been like. A life where Florence had her mother and her father.
I will keep her safe and happy, cousin.
“Good morning, my lord.” His butler appeared in the doorway carrying a large tray, as if it was entirely normal to see his employer,Florence, and Barnaby in his bed, dressed in nightwear.
“Good morning, Chadders.” He then looked at Florence. “What do you say to Chadders?”
“Good morning.”
His butler beamed at the child. He then laid the tray over Tobias’s legs above the slumbering Barnaby.
“How do you feel this morning, my lord?”
“Much improved, thank you.”
Taking the mug of steaming black coffee, he inhaled the scent and then gulped. Florence took a finger of toast smeared with jam and bit into it.
“A note arrived at the rear door early this morning, Lord Corbyn,” Chadders said, producing a piece of paper from his pocket and handing it to Toby. “Also, yesterday Lords Stafford and Hamilton called. When I explained you were sleeping, they said they’d return today.”
“Thank you.”
He’d told his housekeeper yesterday morning that her behavior was not acceptable, and things would need to change. She’d not looked happy about this, so he’d added that Toby could always hire a new housekeeper, to which she’d replied that would not be necessary in a tight voice. He didn’t think peace would reign immediately, and would have to keep an eye on things until it did.
While Florence ate her toast in small precise bites and looked at the pictures in the book he’d been reading, Toby opened the note.
Be warned that if you or Lady Liberty continue to meddle in what doesn’t concern you, the consequences will be dire for someone you love.
Toby folded the note and placed it under his pillow. He then took the book from his ward and began to read once more. When Chadders returned, he gave him the tray. Getting out of bed he pulled on his dressing gown.
“I will be back shortly, Florence. Don’t eat all the toast.”
She nodded, jam smeared on her chin, which would no doubt end up on his bedding, but right then he didn’t care.
Reaching his study, he wrote three notes. One to Liberty, the other two to his friends. Finding his butler once more, he handed them to him.
“I need these taken at once to the recipients, Chadders. Then I want to leave for Hawthorne tomorrow morning with Miss Florence early, as the sun rises. Could you please notify the staff and have the preparations for our departure brought forward.”
“I will see to things at once, my lord.”
“Thank you. I understand this will cause everyone a great deal more work, but it is important.”
“Of course.” His butler bowed and then left.
Retrieving Florence, he took her back to the nursery, where Miss Haigh now was. He could see the nanny was surprised to see him wearing his dressing gown, but she didn’t mention the fact.
“My Lord, forgive me, I didn’t realize Miss Florence had come to see you.”
“All is well, Miss Haigh. We just had breakfast together. We are leaving for my estate Hawthorne early tomorrow morning now. If you will ensure everything is sorted for our departure, please.”
“Of course.”
“Please do not leave the house today, Miss Haigh. This is very important.”
The woman looked confused but nodded.
After kissing Florence’s cheek, Toby went back to his rooms and changed.He had to keep them safe… all of them.He cared about people now, and not just his friends, and he would let no one hurt them.
“You can’t loll about on my bed all day, you hopeless animal,” he said to Barnaby when he retrieved the note he’d put under his pillow. The dog ignored him and closed his eyes. Seconds later, he was snoring.
