Page 129 of Affair

Baxter groaned. “Bloody hell.” If he were the sort who actually believed in destiny, he thought, he would have been tempted to think that he was the victim of a very malign fate today. Was he never to have any peace in his own laboratory?

“Hello, Mother,” Hamilton said. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to call on Baxter.”

Rosalind nodded toward Maryann with a minimum of civility. “Lady Esherton.”

Maryann’s expression congealed. “Lady Trengloss. I did not realize you were here.” She turned her back on Rosalind and looked at her son. “I trust you were supplying Baxter with a list of the characteristics that are most desirable in a good servant. He certainly requires a new butler. The one who opened the door for me just now did not even bother to announce me. Merely waved me down the hall to this door.”

“Actually, we were describing Baxter’s many outstanding qualities,” Hamilton said. “We have concluded that he has every characteristic required to recommend him to Miss Arkendale.”

“Indeed,” Maryann said vaguely. “I’m sure they will do very well together. Baxter, I wished to speak with you in private.”

“I’m not giving private interviews today, Maryann.” Baxter tightened his grip on the feather duster. “As you can see, I’m occupied with other matters at the moment.”

Maryann frowned. “Whatever are you doing with that duster? Don’t you have any maids about the house?”

“No, but it does not signify. I never allow anyone to set my laboratory to rights except myself. Maids have a way of dropping bottles of chemicals and breaking instruments.” He planted his hands on his hips. “I would like to request that all of you take your leave.”

Maryann bridled. “Really there’s no need to be rude, Baxter.”

“Rudeness is part of his unique style,” Hamilton murmured.

Maryann ignored him. She drew herself up with great dignity. “I came to express my appreciation for your actions on Hamilton’s behalf.”

Hamilton rolled his eyes toward the ceiling.

“There is no need to thank me,” Baxter said gruffly. “Hamilton helped save himself and everyone else. He proved to be very cool in a crisis and if I am ever again in such unpleasant circumstances, I cannot think of any other man I would sooner have at my back.”

Hamilton flushed a dark red. His eyes lit with an awkward gratitude. “Any time, Baxter.”

“Having said that”—Baxter raised his duster as though it were a magic wand he could use to rid the laboratory of unwanted guests—“will you all please consider me thanked and take yourselves off? I have things to do here.”

Before anyone could respond, a swirl of bright yellow muslin caught Baxter’s eye. He turned to see Charlotte in the doorway. Ariel stood behind her.

“Miss Ariel,” Hamilton exclaimed. “And Miss Charlotte.” He inclined his head in a graceful greeting and then went forward to take the women’s hands. “Allow me to tell you that you are both in fine looks today.”

Baxter watched Hamilton bend gallantly over each gloved hand. He should do the same, he told himself. There were, indeed, a few things he could learn from his younger half brother. But for some reason he seemed to be rooted to the floor at the moment.

He felt his very soul expand at the sight of Charlotte. She looked so breathtakingly vivid. The laboratory grew sunnier with the addition of her presence. No, not just the laboratory, he thought. His whole bloody life had brightened because of her. A future without her would be bleak beyond description.

She was his Philosopher’s Stone. God help him if he lost her.

“Charlotte,” he said softly. Hamilton slanted him a speaking glance. Baxter cleared his throat. “Miss Ariel. Good day to you, ladies.”

“Good day to you.” Charlotte smiled at everyone but her eyes went first to Baxter. “I see we have a crowd.”

“They are all just about to take their leave,” Baxter assured her brusquely. “I did not realize that you had arrived, Charlotte. Where the devil is Lambert? I shall have him bring in some tea or something.”

“He appears to have stationed himself at the front door on a somewhat permanent basis,” Charlotte said.

Ariel laughed. “He claimed that what with all the comings and goings this morning, he could not possibly be expected to get anything else accomplished.”

Hamilton grinned. “We are all attempting to thank Baxter but he insists upon showing us the door.”

“I’ve got things to do,” Baxter growled.

They all ignored him.

---