"Less miserable. It's suspicious."
"Perhaps His Grace is simply responding well to having his environment improved. Order can be very soothing for those dealing with... difficulties."
"Difficulties. You mean his scars? His war experience? His complete withdrawal from society?"
"I mean whatever challenges His Grace faces are his own business, and I'm simply here to ensure his household runs smoothly while he addresses them in his own time and manner."
Lady Agatha leaned back, studying Clara with uncomfortable intensity. "You're very protective of him."
"I'm protective of my employer's privacy, as any good servant should be."
"You're not just any servant though, are you? You're educated, well-spoken, clearly from a good family despite your current circumstances."
"My circumstances are my own, my lady."
"Your circumstances led you to my nephew's door in a snowstorm, which makes them my business."
"With respect, my lady, they really don't. I'm an employee performing my duties satisfactorily. My past is irrelevant to my present performance."
"Is it? Because I've done some research, Miss Whitfield. Your father was the local physician here. You grew up not far from this estate. You knew Gabriel as a child."
Clara's heart raced, but she kept her expression calm. "Many people knew His Grace as a child. It's a small county."
"But not many people used to meet him in secret gardens to graft roses."
The blood drained from Clara's face. "How did you…"
"I had a conversation with Mrs. Potter this morning. Lovely woman, very informative. She remembers you quite well."
"Mrs. Potter has an excellent memory."
"She also has excellent observational skills. She seems to believe you're good for Gabriel."
"Mrs. Potter is very kind."
"Mrs. Potter is very protective of Gabriel, has been since his mother died. If she approves of you that carries weight."
"I wasn't aware I needed approval beyond His Grace's satisfaction with my work."
"Everything in Gabriel's life requires my approval until I'm convinced he's competent to manage his own affairs."
"And what would convince you of that?"
Lady Agatha smiled, and it was terrifying. "Matrimony to someone suitable would be a start."
"Miss Ashworth seems lovely."
"Miss Ashworth is a child who'd be eaten alive by Gabriel's moods and isolation. She's here as a test, nothing more."
"A test of what?"
"Whether Gabriel can interact with eligible young ladies without sending them into fits of tears or terror."
"He seems to be doing well with her."
"He's being polite to her. There's a difference between politeness and interest."
"Perhaps politeness is enough for now?"
