“Small and plain? Yes. There is only one bed. I have a pallet on the floor. I was grateful it was only for one night,” she said.
He muttered what she suspected was a curse. “We can do better.”
Of that she had no doubt. Hope flickered.
*
The housekeeper’s displeasurefelt palpable. Mia refused to let it bully her. Selina needed help quickly. “I will require willow bark tea, soft cloths for wiping her, and—”
“I know the treatment for fevers, Miss Selwyn,” Mrs. Morrit said, ice dripping from her words. “I will send for Dr. Gratis again.”
“Must you?” Mia asked. “I’m not sure what he can add beyond bleeding her, and in my experience, it makes matters worse.”
“You have nursing experience, Miss Selwyn?” Kendrick asked. He stood at the door as if reluctant to enter. On the other hand, the little room was already crowded.
“I nursed my parents until they died,” she said. Glancing at Mrs. Morrit, she added, “They were bled.”
“Very well. Mr. Kendrick is a witness that the decision is on you.” The housekeeper swung back to the door.
Kendrick stood in the way of her exit. “It appears Miss Selwyn’s cousin will need her ministrations for some time. They must be moved to a larger room. One with beds for both of them. One with better appointments.” He held the housekeeper’s eyes.
“Who are you to demand anything? I am housekeeper here, and I decide what is appropriate.” Mrs. Morrit spat her words.
Mia watched a play of some unnamed emotion on Kendrick’s face and saw the moment he appeared to come to a decision.
“Mr. Marshall has apparently not seen fit to enlighten you to my status,” he said. “My brother has given me full authority over the duchy and all his holdings, including oversight of Woodglen and those employed here. I am to act in his stead in all matters. Marshall has had ample time to verify the credentials I brought, and I intend to act on them. You will consider my decisions as if coming from the duke himself.”
“The duke is missing,” the woman said hesitantly, her eyes wide with shock.
“He has gone away for reasons of his own and left me to oversee his affairs. I have been delegated full power. Since I have thriving businesses of my own, he believes me more than capable. Kindly see to a new room for the patient and her cousin.”
“Rooms are all under holland covers. It will take time to clean. We haven’t had guests here since the old duke passed,” Mrs. Morrit temporized.
“Then get it done quickly. Since we’re dispensing with the pretense about the nature of my presence here, I will take a room in the family wing so as not to compromise the young ladies’ position in the guest wing.”
He held her eyes long moments before the housekeeper nodded. “Will that be all?” she asked through pinched lips.
His eyes narrowed in thought. “First, care for our guests. Provide Miss Selwyn everything she requested while she waits to move. Send a message to her uncle about the situation here. Then manage my move. One more thing…” He waited for Mrs. Morrit’s full attention. “It is already apparent there is much more here that needs my attention. If I’m to be here for several months, I will send for my children. Plan to prepare the nursery for them.”
The housekeeper stared at him as if he had sprouted horns, or as if she didn’t believe him capable of parenthood.
“There are three of them. Their governess will accompany them,” he said without breaking eye contact.
“As you wish. I’ll discuss the matter with Mr. Marshall.” Mrs. Morrit lifted her chin as she spoke.
“You do that,” he replied. He gazed at Mia. “Do you need anything else?”
Better food, larger room, respect…“Books,” she said. “I need something to read while I sit with Selina.”
“Make use of the library as you wish, ma’am,” he replied.
Mia glanced at the housekeeper, who’d forbidden her to leave this floor. “Thank you. Perhaps once Selina is settled, I may do that.”
Kendrick wasn’t finished. “If you prefer to take your meals with family rather than in your room, let Mrs. Morrit know,” he said.
She murmured thanks.
“If that is all, I’ll leave you in Mrs. Morrit’s undoubtedly skilled hands.”
