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Sheturned back. “Yes?”

“Leave your goose at home.” He gave SirWaddlesby a pointed look. “I don’t want goose excrement on my new floors.”

“Oh, he’s trained. He only goes outside.”

Doubtdrew his lordship’s firm mouth downward.

“Nevertheless, this is an establishment for humans—not glove-stealing, impertinent geese.” LordDarius hadn’t forgiven SirWaddlesby’s bad manners, it seemed.

Asif sensing he was being discussed in unflattering terms, SirWaddlesby raised his head and let out a displeased honk.

“Of course, my lord,” Araminta quickly agreed. “He’ll remain at home.”

Hopefully.

Onceoutside, she couldn’t prevent her triumphant smile. It quickly faded as LordDarius’s harshly uttered words carried out the open door to her.

“Why did you do that, Cassius? Of all the bloody hair-brained ideas. I have enough to do to prepare for the grand opening. Now you’ve saddled me with a provincial chit’s idealistic dreams for bettering mankind.”

Disappointmentsluiced Araminta, stealing her previous joy.

LordDarius toppled off the pedestal she’d placed him on.

She’dnot make that mistake again.