Page 47 of The Earl She Once Saved

Ezra’s amusement faded. “Yes.”

The word settled between them. Before either could say more, the door opened. Mrs. Hale came in with fresh coffee. She crossed to the hearth first and bent to bank the fire. Ezra watched her. Rafe noticed. He suspected Ezra would have preferred that he did not.

“Mrs. Hale,” Ezra greeted her.

She looked over her shoulder. “Mr. Bellamy.”

“I believe we discussed Ezra.”

“You discussed it.”

Rafe looked into his cup.

Ezra persisted. “Have I committed some fresh offense?”

She threw a quick glance at him as if eager to find something to scold him for. “You are sitting in the chair I need to reach.”

Ezra looked down. “So I am.”

He reached for his cane. She waved him back.

“Stay.”

She moved around him. Ezra obeyed with suspicious speed.

“You see?” he said to Rafe. “Already I am useful. I provide obstacles.”

She gave him a look. Then, unexpectedly, she smiled. Rafe had never seen her smile at him. Ezra saw it, too, and his entire face changed.

She set the coffee on the table. “Will you need anything else?”

Ezra looked at her. “How long have you been at Edgeworth?”

She paused. “Years.”

He nodded. “A precise answer.”

“It was intended to be.”

Ezra smiled. “What brought you here?”

Rafe expected her to leave. Instead, she glanced toward the door. Perhaps something in Ezra’s manner made silence unnecessary.

“My husband.”

Ezra’s smile faded. “You are widowed.”

“Yes.”

She folded the cloth she carried.

“I came here as a bride. He had work in the house. Footman first, then under-butler.”

“How long were you married?”

“Two years.”

Ezra’s eyes lowered. “I am sorry.”