Ada withheld a gasp. He didn’t realize how close to the truth he was. She spun out of his grasp. Rather than answer him, she said, “I’m through with this conversation.” She opened her door and looked at him pointedly.
Brandt stood there for a moment, shoulders squared, as if he intended to stay there and fight for what was left of the night until she saw reason, but in the end, he gathered his things and started to head out the door before he was properly dressed. He tossed his shirt over his head at the last minute and paused beside her. “You’re making a mistake.”
She looked at him evenly. “It’s my life, Mr. Clarke.”
He snorted in a mocking fashion. “Then good luck with it.” He stalked downstairs and slammed the front door on his departure.
Chapter 9
One month later…
* * *
Ada shut the lid of her last trunk and put her hands on her hips to survey the nearly empty room. Other than the furniture, she had packed up all her personal belongings. This was the last day she would see this place. She was putting it up for lease, and perhaps eventually, for sale.
Shortly after Brandt’s departure from her life, she had contacted the council and had a
meeting with them in London. She requested that she become a full-time matron at the Manor and they had agreed. They had all been impressed how she had handled the scandal that could have arisen at the Manor, had she not had the fortitude to ensure it was kept silent. She decided it was the embarrassment the gentleman might have endured should word have gotten out, that kept the gossip from spreading like wildfire. Other than a slight ripple in the pond, any speculation as to the reputation of the Manor was quickly smoothed over.
She was glad she was returning to the Manor on a permanent basis. She would be able to
help the new widows deal with their grief. She would finally feel as if she was doing something good, something that would make a difference.
And yet…
It wasn’t long ago that she’d read an announcement in the paper that told of her friend,
Maggie’s upcoming nuptials. Ada always knew that she hadn’t been the type to remain alone forever. She was happy for her, truly. She just wished that their association hadn’t been destroyed by the prank Maggie had pulled at the Manor. But perhaps it was for the best that they had drifted apart. After all, their paths no longer aligned.
Thankfully, Ada had been able to secure positions for her elderly cook and housekeeper before she’d left the city. They had left shortly before amid tears and well wishes for her new endeavors. It had been a bittersweet moment for all of them, but Ada was confident that their new positions in the household of an elderly spinster would be better for their combined situation.
All that was left now was waiting for the council’s driver to arrive. Since Ada was
moving and had several things packed, it had been decided that they would send along Lady Wyndam’s personal coach. It would have the room and the servants needed to embark on this endeavor.
When the door knocker sounded, Ada headed downstairs. When she opened the door, she
expected to see a servant in livery, but instead, standing there was a tall gentleman of aristocratic stature. He had chestnut hair with a hint of brown, and sharp, brown eyes. His gaze swept over her and she wasn’t sure if she should feel insulted or complimented.
“Mrs. Givens?” he asked in a deep baritone.
“Yes?”
“My name is Cortland Beaumont, the Duke of Argyle. I’m good friends with Mr. Brandt
Clarke.” He lifted a brow, his smile mocking more than anything. “I understand the two of you are… acquainted.”
She narrowed her eyes shrewdly. “I was something of a governess for a time and helped to curb his ward’s unsavory behavior issues.”
“Indeed.” She wasn’t sure what to make of that as he waved a hand. “Might I come inside, so we don’t have to converse on the stoop?”
“Of course,” she said. “Although I should warn you that I shan’t be able to offer you any tea or refreshments, as I’m preparing to move to a new location. In fact, my carriage should be here any time.”
“This won’t take long,” he returned smoothly, as she shut the door behind him. “I’m only here to plead on behalf of Mr. Clarke.”
Her every sense went on the alert. “What do you mean? Has something happened?”
“You might say that,” he hedged. “Since you tossed him out on his ear a few weeks ago,
