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If his father wanted him to consider settling down, he must compromise as well. This would be the first battle. Maybe not the first. Last night’s skirmish fit that description. For what Chester was about to propose, he might need full body armor when he next faced his sire.

He took her hand again, turning it over so her palm faced upward. She had a small, healing blister on the middle finger of her right hand.

She didn’t object, just regarded him curiously.

“Eden, I have need of a secretary. The position is yours if you want it. You’d have a suite of rooms at Perygrim and a house or apartment in London. Your mother may, of course, live with you, as well as a nurse to help care for her.”

Eden regarded him as if he’d sprouted another head. A very grotesque head.

“My lord, forgive my frankness, but I do not know of a single female secretary. What you’re suggesting is scandalous. It’s impossible.”

“Well, it’s time that was changed. Females are every bit as capable as males, and you’ve proven you have a good head for business. Why, someday I suspect you’ll see women doing many of the things only men are permitted to do. You can read and write and, I assume, calculate sums. What do you say? At least consider it.”

A slow smile bent her bowed lips. “Very well. I’ll consider it, but later. I’ve had a trying last four and twenty hours, and in truth, I’m feeling a bit done in.”

At least she hadn’t refused outright.

“Fine. I’ll call in a day or two and you can give me your answer.” Was tomorrow too soon? “I can also arrange to have Perygrim’s staff assist you with your move.”

“That’s very generous of you.” A mischievous twinkle appeared in her eyes. “I don’t suppose you have any need for a flock of chickens or bee hives?”

Crossing his ankle over his knee, Chester laid his arm across the back of the bench. Eden’s hair was right there; all he had to do was move his fingers an inch.

“I don’t see why not. We’ve land enough for certain. And we haven’t either chickens or bees.”

“What about my pets? Acorn didn’t make the best impression a bit ago. I’m quite sure her crust of bread is somewhere inside your shirt.”

“They’ll come with you, naturally.” He patted his waist, offering a wry grin. “As for her snack, it’s right here.

She chuckled then, genuinely amused, and he couldn’t prevent the upward tug of his lips.

“I cannot see his grace accepting a squirrel racing about the mansion. Acorn hides her treats everywhere. In the draperies, behind pillows and cushions, atop shelves. And she’s not always discrete when she tends to her baser needs.”

Ah, he hadn’t considered that particular.

“I’m sure we can work something out. I did mention you’ll have an entire suite of rooms to yourself, didn’t I?” He put his finger to his chin. “Probably ought to give you access to the carriage, and I suppose a modest wardrobe befitting your position is also in order.”

“I haven’t accepted the position.” She brushed at her gown before meeting his eyes. “You do realize how impetuous you’re being? I wouldn’t have taken you for the rash sort.”

“I’m not, generally.” Ever, really. Except with her. “But only this morning I became aware of the need for a new secretary.” Best see to giving Dockery his congé at once. “And it was pure happenstance that I was here when your brother put you out.”

Rubbing Mr. Wiggles’s head, she gave him a tired half-smile. “What if I decline, which is the practical and proper thing to do?”

Chester stood. He really needed to be off. If he cut through the oak copse and skirted the lake, he could be home in half an hour.

“Well then, my dear Miss Eglantina Eden Haverden, I shall make the offer so appealing you simply cannot refuse. I shall brook no refusal.”