“I’m sorry,” they said together, glancing back at me for approval. I nodded and gestured for them to come to me.
“Now apologize to Mrs. Kellaway for tormenting her cook.”
“We are sorry for tormenting your cook,” Peter said quietly.
Mrs. Kellaway stepped forward, a pained look on her face. I cringed. If there was anything that could make her reconsider allowing us to stay, it was this. She met each of their gazes in turn. Several seconds passed. I nearly drowned in the silence. “You mustn’t ever do that again,” Mrs. Kellaway said in a firm voice. “It is far too dangerous.”
They both nodded.
“Do we still get food?” Charles asked. His question earned a laugh from Owen, but Mrs. Kellaway’s face was still stern. Mine was still as red as a strawberry. I didn’t dare look at Owen.
“I thought you were feeling ill,” Owen said, raising a teasing eyebrow at Charles.
Charles patted his belly. “I got better.”
Owen’s eyes glinted with amusement. “Yes, it appears you did. I will find something for you boys to eat.”
“No,” I protested. “I will do it.”
Owen’s gaze shifted to me. “Not to worry. I will find something for you as well.”
I glared at him. Was he assuming I was incapable? I had been caring for my brothers for the past five years on my own. “Thank you, but I’m not hungry.”
“Are you certain? Hunger can often have adverse effects on one’s mood, for example, making one more easily provoked.” His lips twitched upward.
Mrs. Kellaway interrupted before I could respond. “Owen.” She stared at him harshly. “Allow Miss Downing to prepare their food if that is what she wishes. She is our guest.”
“We could do it together,” he suggested, throwing me a persuasive smile.
“That sounds like a suitable compromise,” Mrs. Kellaway said.
There was no polite way to refuse, so I mumbled, “very well,” in a tone that was sure to give Owen satisfaction. I wanted to scrape the grin off his face.
Mrs. Kellaway escorted the cook from the room before waving me forward. I hesitated to leave my brothers with Owen, but they still seemed fascinated by him. I kept one eye on them as I joined Mrs. Kellaway by the door. Her voice was just a whisper. “I heard you mention something concerning about your aunt…that she might punish your brothers?”
Drat. I took a slow breath. “I told you a bit of a lie upstairs,” I confessed. “The true reason our aunt sent us here is because she was overwhelmed by my brothers’ behavior. She told me if they did not return well-behaved she would send them to an orphanage in London.” I debated telling her about my proposal to put her mind at ease, but stopped myself. I didn’t want to breathe a word of it to anyone. It felt like a deep secret, and I was still sorting out my feelings on the matter. “I…I don’t know if my aunt was serious in her threats, but I do want my brothers to improve their behavior.”
Mrs. Kellaway’s face fell before her brow contracted with anger. “How dare she make such dreadful threats to two young children! Based on my first impression of her, I confess it does not surprise me that she would be so wicked. Fortunately, Ihave plenty of experience in the matter of improving impish behavior.” Her eyes flickered to Owen. “We will sort this out. Not to worry. We will ensure that Peter and Charles meet your aunt’s requirements before you leave here.”
“They must,” I agreed. It was a relief to have an ally and confidant. “I am going to do everything I can.”
“You need not do it alone.” Mrs. Kellaway’s face lit up and she turned abruptly. “Owen, Come here!” She waved him over and turned to me with wide eyes. “I know precisely what they need. Your father was a great man and it is a shame that they didn’t have the privilege of knowing him. I think all your brothers need is a bit of guidance from a gentleman.”
I did not like where this was going.
Owen stepped up beside us. “Yes, Mother?”
“Annette and I must ask a favor of you,” Mrs. Kellaway said.
I found myself shaking my head. I didn’t want to be included in her request.
“Peter and Charles are in need of an instructor to help them become well-behaved little gentlemen while they are here. It should not be very difficult. Your example alone should be enough, but please take this matter seriously.”
I squeezed my hands into fists. I wanted to protest, but couldn’t find the words.
Owen nodded with a smile, placing one hand over his heart. “I too was once reformed. I would be glad to help.”
How could Mrs. Kellaway not see through his act? Why had I not kept this to myself? My plan to avoid Owen would be much more difficult if he was now my brothers’ instructor.
