She harrumphed. “I beg your pardon, my lord, for simply doing my job.” She got up to leave. “I take it you approve the cost of hiring four additional staff?”
He waved her away, closing his eyes. “Yes, yes.”
“And I may hire whom I like without receiving your approval first?”
“Yes, of course. You’re housekeeper here, aren’t you?” He was in no mood to discuss matters further.
“Very good, Lord Wellesley, enjoy your bath.” She closed the door with a pronounced slam as he filled his lungs and sank back under, the water drowning out her angry footsteps receding down the hall.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Wells awoke early, sore but refreshed, and eager to return to the stone. It had felt bloody good to work his body yesterday, and he meant to do more. Just as he’d worked alongside his crew at sea, he’d work here, too, on the Abbey. He was able-bodied enough, and hell and devil if it wasn’t better to tire oneself with physical labor and in so doing, tire one’s infernal mind. Besides, Adams’s men had warmed to him some by day’s end; they’d see today he meant to pull his weight. His pitching in would also see the job finished that much faster.
He’d grabbed a slice of cold meat pie from yesterday’s dinner before heading out, passing Jenkins in the hall, who told him he should come back in an hour for proper breakfast formy, but don’t his lordship rise early!He’d merely winked at her, mouth full, to indicate he would. Wells thanked his lucky stars Charles had found him such a fine cook—and good riddance to Tom’s sodding stews.
Only then he thought of his housekeeper, wondering how she’d slept on her hard little bed last night, in that drafty closet room of hers. Cold, no doubt, without hearth for heat. He felt a twinge of guilt before he quashed it, imagining she’d learn to curb her tongue now that she knewhisbed at least was warm.In fact, he would insist she come to him with an apology that included a good fuck, which he’d deny her out of hand, making her regret her words to him that much more. She must learn her words bore consequences not even her body could repair—and just see how long she held out. He gave her another day at most before she came begging him to bed her, for his mistress was a hoyden, through and through.
“Milord,” exclaimed Adams in surprise. “Joinin’ us again, sir?”
“I am,” said Wells. “The sooner we finish the better, and if that means I put my back into it, so be it.”
Adams looked him over. “Glad t’ have you. ’T’ain’t often a workin’ man finds a blueblood willin’ t’ break a sweat.”
“I spent some years at sea,” Wells offered, “and I can tell you she cares not a whit what blood you’re made of. She’ll swallow a man on a whim only to spit his bones to shore.”
“That where your London fellas come from?”
“Indeed,” said Wells, smiling. “A rough but loyal crew. I swore I’d give them work in the off season, but they’ll set sail again come spring with a new captain; my days at sea are over.”
“Glad t’ hear it, sir.” Adams grinned at him. “For you ain’t half bad here on land.” He tipped his hat to Wells before hollering to his men, “Lord Wellesley’s back, lads, so make sure he gives as good as he gets!”
A few stoneworkers looked up to nod at Wells, who’d already rolled up his sleeves, preparing to prove his worth again today, even if a certain housekeeper didn’t see it in him.
Charles had a few girls in mind for laundry and housemaid but had needed to confer with Jenkins as to scullery and kitchenhelp. With names in hand she next sought Cuthbert, only to be told he was working the south wall. So out she went, greeting Mr. Adams for the second day in a row.
“Mornin’, Miss Merrinan,” he called down to her. “Fancy seein’ you again, lass.”
“Yes, Mr. Adams, duty calls.” She made a face. “Is Mr. Cuthbert here? I need a word with him, if I may.”
“You may, and he is.” Adams hollered over his shoulder, “Cuthbert! You’re wanted!”
The steward looked up from his work, even as Lord Wells did too, his eyes meeting Charles’s for no more than a second before he turned his back to her.
She felt her cheeks pink and hoped Adams hadn’t noticed.
Cuthbert climbed down. “What’s it now?” he grumbled.
“I need to go into town.”
He merely glared at her.
She glared back. “Will you take me?”
“No.” He scowled. “I’m in the middle o’ somethin’.”
Her own frown deepened. “Then I shall go myself,” Charles announced, spinning on her heel to march off towards the stables, thinking she’d show the steward she’d manage just fine without him.
“Now wait just a—!” he yelled after her, his footsteps fast following.
