Victor’s jaw clenched. “She found the position… unsuitable,” he said.
“That is rather vague,” Lionel observed.
Victor’s expression hardened. “It is sufficient.”
Lionel’s gaze sharpened. “Are you attracted to her?” he asked suddenly.
Victor let out a short, humourless laugh. “I am not in the habit of forming attachments to my employees. Nor is she the type of woman I spend time with in such diversions.”
“That was not my question,” Lionel replied.
“And I have answered it,” Victor said coolly. “She is… unremarkable in that regard.”
Lionel crossed his arms. “You are a poor liar,” he said.
Victor’s eyes narrowed. “I do not lie,” he said.
“No,” Lionel conceded. “But you omit rather strategically.”
Victor’s patience thinned. “What I think of Miss Brown is of no consequence,” he said. “She is stubborn, impertinent, and entirely too inclined toward moral judgement.”
“And yet,” Lionel said mildly, “you intend to bring her back.”
“For Grandmother,” Victor said sharply.
Lionel held his gaze for a moment, then nodded. “Very well,” he said. “So long as you resolve the matter.”
“I shall,” Victor replied.
Lionel’s expression softened slightly. “Try not to antagonise Miss Brown further,” he added. “It would be… counterproductive.”
Victor scoffed quietly. “She requires no encouragement in that regard,” he said.
Lionel smiled faintly. “Then perhaps you should attempt something different. You have a talent for creating complications,” Lionel remarked, though his tone held more fatigue than reproach.
Victor arched a brow, folding his hands behind his back once more.
“And you have a talent for stating the obvious,” he replied. “We each contribute in our own way.”
Lionel exhaled softly, as though deciding the argument was not worth pursuing further.
Footsteps approached, and a maid passed them with a quick curtsy, her gaze lowered.
“Hannah,” Lionel called, stopping her at once. She paused, turning back attentively.
“Yes, my Lord?” she asked.
“See that the dowager is prepared for an afternoon in the garden,” Lionel said. “She would benefit from the air and sunshine.”
Victor stepped forward slightly, his tone smooth but decisive. “And ensure that tea is laid out as well,” he added. “His Lordship will be joining her, and I believe her favourite cakes would not go amiss.”
Lionel glanced at him. “I am,” he said simply.
Victor inclined his head. “Indeed,” he replied. “You saw how distressed she was; we should like the remainder of the day to be as pleasant as possible.”
Hannah nodded quickly. “At once, Your Grace,” she said, before hurrying off.
A brief silence followed, broken only by the distant echo of her retreating steps.
