“Who is it?” he asked, peering in that direction.
“Mrs. Thompson, my lord. I’ve brought you some tea.”
“Come in.” He stood and smoothed his palms down his waistcoat.
The housekeeper entered carrying the tea service on a tray and placed it on the small table next to him. She poured a cup and handed it to him.
“I must say, my lord, you are looking so much better this afternoon. I’m happy that the doctor removed that bandage around your head.”
“Yes. I’m happy as well.”
She glanced at the hearth. “Would you like me to toss in another log?”
“No. That won’t be necessary. However, will you tell me if Cass…um, Lady Kentwood has left?”
The woman’s eyes widened. “Left, my lord?”
“Yes. The doctor heard that she was preparing to return to her family’s place of residence.”
She shrugged. “Well, she hasn’t left yet, but she is planning on it.”
“Why?” he asked in a strained voice.
The housekeeper shook her head. “You don’t know?”
His patience was wearing thin. “If I knew, I wouldn’t have asked.”
The woman’s gaze turned dark, and her lips pursed. “Lady Kentwood cannot be in the same residence with you, which I’m sure you realize. Since it is obvious that you want to take over the estate—”
“You think it’sobvious?” He shook his head. “Please enlighten me to how it is obvious?”
She twisted her hands against her large bosom. “Because you are still here. You helped yourself to the music room this morning and to the pianoforte. I suppose that is why I think it’s obvious you want to take over the estate.”
Sometimes, servants could be so obtuse. “Mrs. Thompson, I’m sure you are aware that there was a fierce rainstorm these past few days, not to mention I have a head injury, correct?”
“Well, of course, my lord.”
“So, tell me, how was I supposed to leave before now?”
Her gaze ran over his attire. “Are you leaving now, then?”
She appeared elated to think he wouldn’t stay at the estate any longer. He hated to disappoint her. Well, maybehatewas not the right word.
“I do not plan on staying much longer. However, I need to speak to your mistress.”
“Oh no, my lord. Lady Kentwood instructed me that she is not receiving visitors.”
Inhaling deeply, he tried to control his frustration. “Mrs. Thompson, I believe you have misunderstood. I am not requesting. I’m demanding to see her.” He released his breath. “Please inform Lady Kentwood that she can meet with me at her earliest convenience—as long as it is in the next thirty minutes.”
The housekeeper lifted a chin stubbornly. “Of course, my lord.”
The woman wasn’t secret about her dislike for him. As she huffed out of the room, Collin fisted his hands. What was wrong with these insubordinate servants? Didn’t they know their place in a household? Hadn’t Lloyd taught them…
His thoughts stopped. They hadn’t been Lloyd’s servants for a year now, and Cassandra’s family hadn’t enough money to keep servants for several years.
He groaned. She wouldn’t know how to train the staff to do her bidding, or to respect her. Before his memory had returned, he had listened to some of the servants outside the bedroom, and from their tone of voice, they didn’t think of Cassandra as the lady of the house. Instead, they acted as though she was just like them because of how she was raised.
He flexed his hands. He would stay for a few more days, if only to get these servants doing what they were being paid to do. Either that, or they would be finding other employment soon. Cassandra should not be treated in such a way ever again, and he would see to it personally.
