Gabriel tensed, but Clara remained perfectly composed. "Rumors are like weeds, my lady…they grow everywhere but rarely bear fruit worth consuming."
"Cleverly said, but that doesn't address the substance of what I've heard."
"Which is?"
“That you arrived upon my nephew's doorstep in a state of utter destitution and distraction, and, by some means or another, prevailed upon him to offer you sanctuary.”
"I appeared seeking employment, found His Grace in need of domestic assistance, and we reached a mutually beneficial arrangement.”
"And yet here you are, transformed from desperate refugee to respectable housekeeper in barely a week. Rather miraculous, wouldn't you say?"
Clara continued. “Would you care to inspect the household accounts? I've brought them up to date, and I believe you'll find them illuminating."
Lady Agatha looked slightly taken aback. "You've managed the accounts?"
"Among other things. His Grace has been most patient while I've implemented necessary improvements to the estate's domestic operations."
"Gabriel doesn't have a patient bone in his body."
"Perhaps he's been inspired to develop patience by the obvious benefits of allowing competent people to perform their duties without interference," Clara suggested mildly.
Edmund made a sound that might have been a laugh converted into a cough. Gabriel wanted to kiss Clara right there in front of everyone.
"Speaking of duties," Clara continued, "I should check on preparations for luncheon. If you'll excuse me, my lady, Miss Ashworth."
She left with another perfect curtsey, and Gabriel forced himself not to watch her go this time, though the effort nearly killed him.
"She's very... articulate for a housekeeper," Lady Agatha observed suspiciously.
"I don't employ inarticulate people," Gabriel replied. “I do not tolerate simpletons and I have enough problems without adding intellectual deficiency to the list."
"Don't be crude, Gabriel. It's unbecoming."
"Everything about me is unbecoming according to your standards, so I might as well lean into the disappointment."
Miss Ashworth, who had been silent throughout this exchange, suddenly spoke up. "I believe our housekeeper seems wonderful, Your Grace. She clearly cares about the estate and your wellbeing."
Everyone turned to stare at her. She immediately turned pink but continued bravely. "That is to say, it's obvious she's worked very hard to improve things here, and that speaks well of both her dedication and your judgment in hiring her."
Gabriel regarded the girl with new interest. "That's very perceptive of you, Miss Ashworth. Though I suspect my aunt didn't bring you here to admire my domestic arrangements."
"I brought Penelope because she's exactly the sort of young lady you should be courting," Lady Agatha said bluntly. "Accomplished, well-bred, appropriately aged, and possessing a fortune that could restore this estate to its former glory."
"The estate doesn't need restoring. It needs to be left alone to crumble peacefully without matrimonial interference."
"Don't be ridiculous. You need an heir, and Penelope needs a husband. It's a perfectly logical arrangement."
"I'm sure Miss Ashworth has her own opinions about being bartered like livestock, don't you, Miss Ashworth?"
Penelope looked between them like a deer caught between two predators. "I... my father thinks very highly of Your Grace."
"Your father thinks highly of my title and the potential connection it represents. He's probably never actually met me, or he'd think differently."
"Gabriel," Lady Agatha warned.
“Am I supposed to pretend interest in this child to satisfy your dynastic ambitions?"
"I'm eighteen," Penelope said quietly. "Not a child."
