“I like him. He’s fallen on hard times and is too thin. But he is keen to work. I hope to convince Robert.”
Debnam’s gaze roamed her face. “So, you leave tomorrow?”
“Yes, Robert believes he is well enough. He is determined.”
He nodded. “Would you ride with me this afternoon?”
A swift rush of pleasure sent tingles racing down her spine. “Of course. I would enjoy one more ride on Honey.”
“Two o’clock.” Debnam nodded to her and rode on. Laura stared after him. He seemed intent on them being alone. And while she knew whatever happened between them wouldn’t change anything, she wanted to be with him very much.
Laura was pleased to find Robert had left his bed. He sat in a chair reading a periodical on estate management, a subject which surprised her. If only it could be a sign of better things to come.
“Where have you been this morning?” he asked.
“I went for a walk.”
“Why you enjoy roaming for miles in the summer heat is a mystery to me.”
She sat in the chair beside him, carefully forming her words in her head. “Robert, I have something important to ask you.”
He raised his eyebrows, then tossed the magazine onto a table. “That sounds serious. What is it?”
“You know how hard it is for me to manage at home with so few servants.”
He nodded. Was that shame which flittered across his face?
“Robert, I want to employ a gentleman I met this morning.”
He stared at her. “Another footman? I admit we have needed a housekeeper since Mrs. Finch left. But I don’t see the necessity of…”
“Mr. Wagstaff was once butler to Lord Gaylord,” she said hurriedly. “He is looking for work. He would make an excellent addition to our household.”
Robert shook his head. “We have no need of a butler.”
“Mr. Wagstaff is prepared to do any kind of work. He could help you sort your books. You’ve wanted to restore order to the library for ages. It’s difficult to find servants who can manage that kind of work.”
Robert scratched his cheek, looking pensive. “I suppose that’s true.”
“Shall I tell him?” Laura asked, encouraged. “Mr. Wagstaff waits for me at the gates. He can accompany us to Longworth tomorrow in the coach. I am confident he will make a perfect factotum. You will be impressed, Robert. He is such a well-mannered gentleman.”
Robert shook his head. “Although financially, we’re out of the woods at the moment, I have plans. There is work to be done to the house, the woodlands, and the home farm, not to mention the tenants. I will engage an estate manager. So it’s doubtful we can stretch to—”
“Have you visited London since I’ve been away, Robert?”
He scowled at her. “No. If you think I’ve returned to the card tables again, you’re wrong.” His eyes pleaded forgiveness. “It’s my intention to improve the estate. I won’t place it in jeopardy again.”
“I’m sure you will succeed if you set your mind to it.” While she still didn’t trust him, she couldn’t help but be caught by his enthusiasm. “Please, Robert. You owe me this.”
He shrugged, his gaze darting away from hers. “Very well, if you must,” he said after a moment. “But you have a history of bringing home strays, Lolly. That deer with the injured foot, and the bird with the broken wing, not to mention the cats! One had six kittens in the kitchen and nearly gave Cook the apoplexy.”
“Mrs. Amery has grown fond of the cats. She always has one on her lap when she’s sitting by the kitchen fire in the evening.”
“She complains they run away with her wool.”
“But she thinks they are exceptional ratters.”
He sighed heavily. “Dare I hope your collection of homeless creatures ends with Tibby? And that goes for the human variety as well.”
