Page 12 of A Bachelor’s Lessons in Love

Something about the set of his housekeeper’s jaw made him wonder if she’d switched allegiances. He really, truly did not know much about women, a fact that settled heavily upon his shoulders as he gestured for his housekeeper to sit at the desk while he resumed his own seat.

“I am eager for your report, Mrs. Lane.”

Her chin came up and her gaze was steadfast—brooking no opposition.

Yes. She’d joined up with the opposition. And for some reason, that made him want to smile.

* * *

After the housekeeper gave them a tour of the house, and then had a thorough conversation detailing what Felicity and Daphne required for settling in, she left them in a well-lit room which faced the front drive of the estate. With windows from floor to ceiling, and a comfortable couch before a well-lit fireplace, Felicity found herself content to remain there.

“This would be a most excellent music room,” she mused, looking at the tall shelves and empty half of the room. “A pianoforte would sit beautifully there, with the light on the keys. The shelves are perfect for holding music sheets and books. What do you think?”

Daphne bit her bottom lip as she took in the same things her aunt looked at, and nodded somewhat reluctantly. “I think so, too. The lighting is perfect.” She glanced at the door. “Mrs. Lane was kind.”

Barely keeping in a snort of amusement, Felicity agreed. “Indeed. At least someone in this house knows how to manage things.”

The housekeeper had listened, nodded, and asked intelligent questions of them when they had made their requests, giving them clear signs she intended to act on what they asked for, even advocate for some of the more inconvenient things on their long—and still incomplete—list.

“She reminds me of Mrs. Talbot at home,” Daphne murmured, the smile on her lips not at all making up for the sadness in her eyes. “I do like her.”

Felicity nodded, having felt a great deal of affection for the woman who had looked after her brother’s home. “A housekeeper with a good deal of sense is worth her weight in gold.” At least the Price estate had been able to keep on Mrs. Talbot, who would care for the shut up house that Daphne would one day inherit.

Mrs. Lane clearly knew the same truths about making herself dispensable as Felicity did. Felicity had lived the last decade that way, quietly ensuring that she provided enough value to her late brother that he never thought to ask her to leave.

The Colonel’s housekeeper would make a fine ally when it came to seeing to Daphne’s needs.

The requests they had issued that afternoon were not small ones. They had not merely asked for comforts in their rooms, but for everything Daphne would need to prepare for her opening Season. Felicity went over some items again in her mind, hoping she had left nothing of true importance out.

A music and dance instructor

A pianoforte, expertly tuned

A visit to a seamstress with a list of reputable establishments

A modiste

A milliner

A cobbler

A list of invitations they would need to secure for Daphne

A list of people she needed to meet, including the local vicar and his wife, and any nobility in the environs

Several outings in London to familiarize Daphne with the city, and city manners

Proper stationery and calling cards for social correspondence

A ladies’ maid specifically for Daphne

The Price jewels to be secured from the bank

Felicity tapped her finger on the arm of the couch as she went over each of those things, then the list of things Daphne needed for her bedchamber and in the household in general. Now they were listed out, she could see that it would cost a small fortune to set up the young woman for success and comfort.

As though reading her aunt’s thoughts, Daphne asked softly, “Do you think Colonel Halstead will comply with everything we asked for?”

She certainly hoped so. The man seemed so reasonable the evening before, up until the moment he had dismissed her. Given Daphne’s somewhat uncertain expression, Felicity decided it was best to make light of the situation. “Oh, I believe so. Colonel Halstead seems to pride himself on being capable. We will likely receive everything so he can make his point.”