"That boy is…"
“No longer here, yes, you have mentioned. Several times, actually. The lady doth protest too much, methinks."
His breath hissed out between his teeth. "You're insufferable."
"You're cruel."
"Then we're well matched."
"For a business arrangement," Clara added firmly. "Nothing more."
“Goodness gracious, spare us that affliction!” He said with such vehemence that it hurt. "Fine. The gardens too. But you work alone. You shall not receive any assistance, and I shall not hear of any complaints should you find any encumbrance.” No complaints when you can't manage it."
“It is agreed.”
“And you are to remain entirely away from the east wing.”
"Why…"
"Those are my terms."
Clara nodded. "Agreed."
They sat there, terms and agreements completed, still wrapped in each other like lovers while negotiating like enemies. The irony wasn't lost on either of them.
"There's one more thing," Gabriel said quietly.
"What?"
"My scar. You'll have to look at it every day. It gets worse in daylight. People have literally run from me in the street. Children cry. If it is too much for you…”
"Gabriel." She used his name deliberately and felt him tense. "Your face is the least ugly thing about you at this moment.”
He made a sound that could have been a laugh or a sob. “You were ever too candid for your own advantage.”
"And you always were too convinced your worth was tied to your appearance. Your father's doing, I assume?"
“Do not continue.”
“Very well.“ Your imperfection is of no concern to me. My only regard is to secure a roof above my head and sustenance for my table. Your very countenance might be entirely effaced, and so long as my wages are forthcoming, I shall remain to tend to your library.”
"How mercenary of you."
“You taught me well, Your Grace."
They fell silent again. Outside, dawn was properly breaking, painting the frozen world in shades of pearl and gold. Inside, two people who'd once cared deeply for each other sat in bitter proximity, negotiating survival rather than affection.
"You'll need clothes," he said finally, practically. "I'll have Edmund's wife send some things."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me. It's part of your wages. It will be highly improper for my housekeeper to wander around in her undergarments. The rumors would be insufferable."
"Heaven forbid the Duke of Ashbourne suffer rumors."
"I don't suffer them. I ignore them. There's a difference."
"Of course there is."
