“I understand,” Charlotte said gently. “It must be very difficult for her, and for you.”
His gaze sharpened slightly, and the faintest frown touched his brow. “I do not require your sympathy,” he said coolly. “Only your competence.”
Charlotte met his gaze without flinching. “Then you shall have it,” she replied evenly. “Though I find empathy often aids competence rather than hinders it.”
For a moment, something flickered in his expression, interest, perhaps, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared. “You will do your duty,” he said simply. “Nothing more is required.”
“And nothing less will be given,” Charlotte returned.
A brief silence followed, charged with something that made her heart pound.
“And what are your qualifications?” he asked.
“Well, Your Grace, I have not officially been companion to anyone before; however, I find that I am qualified to do so,” she said.
“You do?” he asked. A smirk spread across his face. “Indeed, I should like to hear how someone who has no experience, considers themselves, experienced.”
Charlotte felt her cheeks blush. There was something in the way he said,experiencethat made her feel vulnerable.
“I have three sisters and a very dramatic mother whom I take care of and have done so for many years. They require attention, companionship, and routine. I have implemented all those things and believe I could do so for your grandmother,” she said.
“I see,” he said as his gaze moved over her. Charlotte felt scrutinized by his eyes.
“And what of society, I assume you are well acquainted with the formalities,” he asked.
“Indeed, I am, Your Grace. I am the daughter of a Baron and was raised with all the dignities and rules required for such a station. You can rely on me to treat your grandmother in the most delicate way when it comes to those matters, here at home and out and about in society,” she said.
Her heart pounded so loudly she wondered if he could hear it. Was this enough to persuade him of her qualifications?
At last, he leaned back slightly. “There is one more matter,” he said. “There is a room in this manor by the staircase with a carving of a lion on it; you are not to enter under any circumstances. If you are to reside here, that must be obeyed.”
“Very well. I shall not enter it.”
“Good,” he said. He rose then, his full height even more imposing. “I shall introduce you to my grandmother, for she is the true qualification you must present. If she enjoys your company, then you have passed the interview, and if she does not, well...”
Charlotte stood at once, smoothing her skirts. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
As they left the study, he began to lead her through the manor, his pace unhurried. “The east wing is rarely used,” he said. “You will have no reason to go there.”
“I find it curious that you assume I am inclined to wander,” Charlotte replied lightly.
“I assume nothing,” he said. “I prevent possibilities.”
Charlotte allowed herself a small smile. “How very efficient of you.”
He glanced at her briefly, as though reassessing. “You are not easily intimidated,” he observed.
Actually, I am. I am intimidated now, but something tells me you admire strength.
“Should I be intimidated?” she asked.
“That depends,” he said. “On how highly you value this position.”
“I value it greatly,” she replied.
A corner of his mouth lifted, though it was not quite a smile. “Understood.”
They reached a sitting room at last, and he paused before opening the door. “Prepare yourself,” he said.
