“Yes.” Garretson cut her off. “It is for the purpose of safety,only.As none of the other chambers are occupied on that floor, I would have Miss Weston close enough to hear if something were to happen.”
Was it so he could hear her scream?
Surely, he didn’t think someone could get in here. Except, she hadn’t thought it possible for anyone to gain access to Greenhaven Cottage either. “I really do not wish to put anyone out,” Eliza offered.
Garretson ignored her and turned to the butler. “Each window and door is to be locked. Those that cannot be, or usually not during the day, will have a footman standing guard. Report directly to me if anyone sees anything unusual.”
The servants shared a concerned and questioning look.
“Of course, Lord Garretson. I will see to it right away.”
“Miss Weston’s items should be arriving shortly. Please see that they are taken upstairs.”
“I will see that everything is settled,” the housekeeper answered.
“I will now escort Miss Weston to the parlor at the back of the house, next to the library. There she shall work.”
The housekeeper frowned. “Work?”
“She is an author. She took the cottage to complete her novel and current circumstances should not prevent that from happening.”
It was then Garretson looked at her. “This way, Miss Weston.”
As the gardener who followed them started for the stairs she came to a halt. “I need the trunk where I will be working. It contains my necessary materials.”
He nodded then walked past them and toward the back of the house.
“Thank you,” she offered and then turned to the servants. “I do apologize for the sudden and unexpected inconvenience.” She felt it necessary to be overly appreciative since Garretson’s tone had been cold when he spoke to them. Was he always so sharp and orderly in his tone? They may be his servants, but they were humans too.
Garretson marched ahead and Eliza followed. They passed the library and then stepped into a pale, yellow parlor. It was not very large and boasted a settee, two chairs with blue upholstery and a small desk beside large windows that faced the west. Delicate white curtains framed the windows and doors leading to gardens.
“This was where my mother wrote her correspondence and would take tea in the afternoon if there were no guests. I hope it will suffice.”
“It is lovely,” Eliza murmured. “Thank you.”
“I shall be in the library if you need me. I am certain Mrs. Porter will collect you when your things have arrived and show you to your set of rooms. He then nodded and left her alone in the parlor.
Eliza assumed that Garretson had chosen the sleeping chamber usually assigned to the mistress of the house, or Garretson’s future wife, and that is why Mrs. Porter had been alarmed. She also did not read further into this request because he had become protective, even though it was not asked of him.
Chapter11
Having Eliza in his home,sleeping in the chamber near his, was a very bad idea. But what else was he to do?
If the man who had been sending Eliza notes had no difficulty entering her home and leaving dead flowers, Lucian had no doubt that he would grow even bolder and he did not want to think about what could happen if he ever got Eliza alone. Therefore, Lucian would keep Eliza as close as was proper, instead of in one of nearly a dozen other, empty bedchambers further away from his.
Yet, temptation would be sleeping next door, separated only by a sitting room that had been shared by his parents. It had been bad enough when that same temptation was on the neighboring estate, now she would be but a few steps away.
He must put aside his desire for her, especially since he had no intention of pursuing her. As much as he wished to taste those lips again, Lucian would not do so. Just because he found her alluring, beautiful, and a fascination did not mean they would ever suit.
Also, if Lucian did decide to pursue her, which he would not, he would go about it in an honorable manner, not write anonymous letters or sneak into her bedchamber.
Lucian’s stomach tightened as he crossed to the sideboard to pour himself a glass of brandy.
If Xavier had not just married, he’d write and ask him to return. But his brother was needed in London, as was his new wife, Olivia. However, that would not keep Lucian from writing a letter to his younger brother, who was knowledgeable in all matters of the mind, as far as one could be, that is. Perhaps he would have insight, or a suggestion of how this man could be caught.
What kind of man would write letters, watch and then leave behind evidence of his presence?
It frightened Lucian just thinking about it and very little scared him.
