Patrick stiffened as he held her chair for her.“There is only one other servant.My housekeeper—who is also my cook—but I have no intention of asking thatshebe accommodated here,” he replied.
“Oh?”Armenia asked, her brows furrowing with her curiosity.A footman appeared and poured wine.
“She has rooms in my building.I’ll keep her on as the housekeeper there,” he explained, leaning to one side when another footman delivered a bowl of soup.
Armenia dipped her head.“Giovanni’s mother?”she guessed, lifting her spoon.
He nodded.“If I dismiss Signora Ricci, I fear I will lose Giovanni’s services.He says she is too old to find suitable employment.”About to take a bite of soup, he paused.“Is that...acceptable?For you?”
Her eyes widening in surprise, Armenia nodded.“It is kind of you to ask.”
“Of course, I would ask.You’re to be my wife,” he countered.
Armenia inhaled softly.“So, if I were to ask you to let her go...to give her notice, you would do that?”
Patrick lifted a shoulder and sighed.“I would, of course,” he replied.
“Then you will keep her on as housekeeper for your property,” Armenia stated.
Blinking in surprise, Patrick allowed a slow grin.“I love you,” he stated.
“I know.The sooner we finish dinner, I’ll let you prove it,” she teased.
Patrick lifted the soup bowl to his lips and drank it down in a few gulps.
