His hand gripped her neck possessively. “And that will suffice, you think, to lure her here?”
“She is proud of her heritage sir, as are we all. Just because people are poor in wealth does not mean they are poor in spirit.”
“Yes,” he spoke softly, “I’m beginning to see that, Charles.” His hand massaged her neck more. “I will pay her a visit tomorrow, at midday, in hope she’s a dish to share. And I will tell her you ask for starter. She will know your name, yes?”
“Yes, my lord, only I would beg you, please?—”
“I will tell her you are employed here as chambermaid, Charles.”
“Chambermaid?” She lifted her head in shock.
“Yes.” He frowned. “And a perfectly respectable position, I’m sure. I am aware you wish no one to know you are my mistress.”
“Lord Wellesley,” she began, feeling utterly flustered, “I am not being disrespectful when I tell you she will not . . . She will not believe you if you say I’ve consented to be but chambermaid here. She will think?—”
“Why the devil would anyonenotbelieve something I say?” His voice had risen in pitch, making Charles again fear him.
“My lord, I beg you understand it is not yourwordthat will be disbelieved, sir, it is themeaningof such words as will be misconstrued.”
“Just how damned educated are you, woman?” His brow darkened.
Charles swallowed. “She knows me to be educated, my lord, knows me as my father’s daughter, and knows that he would never agree to such a position.”
“And just who exactly is your father, that he would forbid his daughter such honorable position in service?”
“It matters not who he is, my lord, it matters only Mrs. Jenkins’sperception.” She took another breath. “I do not mean to offend, sir, as there is no offense in being a chambermaid, no offense to any position, in fact, be the work done well and with integrity.”
“Save the position of mistress.” His eyes flashed.
“That is . . . That is a different sort of position, Lord Wellesley. I am speaking of skilled trades, of?—”
“You do not think a mistress skilled to ply her trade in pleasure to her master?” His lips twitched.
“I cannot claim to understand those skills, sir.” Charles met his gaze with resolve. “But in Cumberland, people know their place. My family fell on hard times, my lord, else I should be otherwise engaged.”
“I see.” He was clearly amused. “So chambermaid is beneath your neighbor’s esteem of you and mistress out of the question, hmm.” He was quiet a moment. “If you wish Mrs. Jenkins tobe my cook and bake my bread, then what position here do you propose for yourself, miss? As I am decidedly too old to need a governess.” He grinned at his own joke.
Charles decided it was now or never to present her plan. “Housekeeper, my lord.” She steadied herself. “Let me oversee your household, help you hire and manage your staff. I know whom to avoid, know where to gain provisions and supplies. I can manage a budget and run house accounts.” She began to fear the look she watched spread across his face. “I’d remain properly dressed in uniform by day sir, a respectable position to any, including my father, yet at night remain your mistress, fulfilling those duties required to pay down my debt.”
Charles awaited his lordship’s response, nervous as a colt and heart racing with hope.
***
Wells stroked her cheek, absently almost smiling. “Oh you are clever, aren’t you.” His smile deepened. “Clever enough to make the best of any situation, I see.” He leaned in to kiss her, savoring her mouth, pulling at her lips a little with his teeth, and leaving her a little breathless once he’d finished. Then he leaned back in his chair, aroused by the taste of her and the thought of her: proper by day and wanton by night. He liked that thought.
“Very well, Miss Merrinan, I shall consider you for housekeeper—on a trial basis, mind—for I see the merit in your proposal, as it behooves me to fill two positions for the price of one.”
“Price of one, sir? But that is?—!”
“Hush.” He placed a finger to her lips. “I am not so foolish as to let you earn towards your fine in double the time, oh no.” He shook his head, eyes twinkling. “Your thieving is paid with yourbody only, my dear, and as you have yet to give me what I want that debt remains in full.”
“But—!”
“Shh.” He stopped her with another satisfying kiss. “However, I will pay an honest wage for housekeeper, so you may set those funds aside, funds no doubt your family sorely needs.” His eyes flashed a warning. “I am fair, Charles, but no fool. Your family shall still be looked after this winter provided you serve me well as mistress. And as your employer, by right I may interrupt your household duties at any time and place to demand gratification of my body, understood?”
She swallowed. “Yes, my lord.”
“And . . . ?” he prompted.
