Except, she would be a paid servant, not a member of the local society. Her status would definitely change.
Oh, Clarissa, you have too much pride. She could hear Reverend Taylor whisper those words in her ear. He’d said them several times during her childhood. He’d known how hard life was for an orphan. After all, he’d been one.
Lord Marsden returned to the table. He looked very grave and formal. She expected him to repudiate her. Instead, he said, “You are correct, Miss Taylor. Ihavebeen rude. Please accept my apologies.”
She blinked. He was apologizing? She hadn’t known Lord Marsden was capable of an apology.
And she knew how she should respond. “I have too sharp a tongue myself, my lord.”
He didn’t argue.
She shifted the peacefully sleeping child in her arms. All that rancor going on around her and Dora had been blissfully unaware.
“I will accept the position of nurse.” It almost physically hurt to be so humble with him. So,Clarissa buoyed her spirits by saying, “Let’s discuss my wages.”
He rocked back as if he hadn’t expected capitulation.
Or had he changed his mind? Aristocrats were known for being remarkably touchy.
Then, his gaze fell on his daughter snuggled against Clarissa’s arm. He made a low sound, one Clarissa recognized as her own conflict with the situation.
Almost reluctantly, the word “Done” was drawn out of him. “Except I don’t discuss money. My man Lowton in London will handle the matter.”
Clarissa didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath until that moment. She hadn’t even had to tell him about the terrible incident with Mrs. Emsdale and that reminded her of something. “I will expect good references for my service,” she said. “No matter how long I am with you.”
He shrugged as if it wasn’t an issue.
Then, because Mrs. Emsdale had taught her a valuable lesson, she said, “I require twenty guineas a year, my lord.”
“Twentyguineas?” He shook his head. “Do you believe I am made of money? I don’t need Lowton to tell me that is a ridiculous price.”
Clarissa had known it was a brave ask. Mrs. Emsdale had been paying her two guineas a quarter to act interested in the face of stultifying boredom. It had not been easy. Little Dora would be a joy after being in that woman’s service.
Still, Lord Marsden needed her.
“As a matter of fact, you have more than enough money.” The words popped out of her mouth before she considered their wisdom and he pounced on them.
“See?Thatis what I’m talking about. So high-handed, so self-righteous—”
“So very good at caring for your child,” she finished for him. “And how can one set a price on that?”
He stopped, eyed her, then drolly echoed, “How can one?”
She added, her voice sweet, “In truth, I would care for Dora or any child this needy for free. The twenty guineas is the price I ask for putting up with you.”
It was a cheeky thing to say. But then, she’d always spoken her mind with him.
To her relief, he gave a sharp, almost angry bark of laughter. “Touché, Miss Taylor. In turn, it will be worth twenty guineas to keep you away from the matrons. Thinking the matter over, this might be the best thing that has ever happened to you. Therefore, you are hired—because I really don’t have another choice, do I?”
She didn’t reply. He knew the answer. Still, she had one more matter to settle. “My lord, I will require my first quarter’s wages paid in advance.”
“You must take the matter up with Lowton. I don’t care. Like you said, I have plenty of money. But you will have to discuss it with him. And, as long as you take care of my daughter, I’ll pay whatever you wish,whenever you wish.However, I expect you to not let your feelings toward me bleed over onto her. Am I clear?”
“I would never do such a thing.” She was insulted by the suggestion.
“Of course not. You aren’t like the rest of us mere mortals, are you, Miss Taylor?”
“Oh, I’m mortal, my lord. I make mistakes. I just don’t whine about it.”
