“My women will be fine and not seek out companionship, but do keep your men in line. LaCroy, St. Maur, let’s go get you both acquainted with Hamlin Hall. Duke, I will return with their letters of recommendation.”
Jemina nodded and walked out the door.
The countess followed behind.
The door closed before I could slip past the odd wheeled chair.
“Mrs. LaCroy. Wait.”
I turned, holding my baby against my bosom like a shield. “Yes, Your Grace?”
“Mrs. LaCroy, is there anything you wish to tell me?”
No confession would come from me. I shook my head.
“Fine. Is there anything you want to ask me, ma’am?”
I shook my head again. “Not a thing.”
He nodded, but his expression remained unreadable. “Then, you’ll be in charge of Mrs. St. Maur. I like a woman who doesn’t ask too many questions.”
“Then this is perfect, Your Grace. I don’t like asking.”
“I’m not sure how to take that, Mrs. LaCroy.”
“I should go join the others.”
“Why rush, when you are already familiar with Hamlin? Right, LaCroy?”
If he believed I would expose myself, he was mistaken. I hugged my son tighter. “With a baby about, this place feels very familiar. This boy needs a bath, sir. And this shirt a good scrubbing, more so with each minute we are wasting.”
“I don’t like wasting time, but a mysterious woman, a pretty one in a house of men, is concerning. I’d hoped to hire a much older, more matronly type. You and your friend are not matronly.”
Repington’s mood was hard to ascertain, a little flirty, a little mad, but I wasn’t going to play fetch, so I shrugged. “Is that all, Your Grace?”
He leaned forward. “You’re sure there’s nothing you want to tell me?”
“No, I am ready to work.”
His face, formerly plains and prisms of masculine pride and authority, softened. “Well, when I’m dressed, I’ll find you to go over the rules and expectations. Rules are necessary in my employ.”
“Yes, that’s what they say about rules. Good day, Your Grace.”
I edged closer to the door. Only a few more feet, and I’d be out of his scrutiny.
“La—Croy, I have a feeling you don’t follow rules.”
The way he said my name, hanging it on his tongue. He definitely suspected that I and the footman were one in the same. I should say something to dissuade the notion, but only a laugh escaped. Another one bubbled up inside, pressing on my chest until it exploded. It was a full giggle out loud.
“What’s funny? What has you humored, ma’am?”
I covered my mouth. “Sorry, Your Grace, but I was thinking that maybe you think you like rules, but unlike women, men get the option to break them.”
“Interesting perspective, sir. I mean, ma’am.”
I curtsied. “If there’s nothing else you need, I’ll be giving your ward a bath.”
“We will continue this discussion later. I’ll have my schedule of the boy’s activities ready for you this afternoon.”
