Page 45 of The Paid Companion

“You packed?” he asked.

“Yes, of course.” She cleared her throat. “I did not think that you would be needing my services after you discovered that Ibbitts was aware that I am merely an employee and not your real fiancée.”

Margaret looked at him. “When Elenora confronted him, Ibbitts revealed that he knew all about your scheme. He actually tried to blackmail her, if you can believe it.”

Arthur sat back in his chair, thinking about what had just happened. “Ibbitts tried to extort money from you in exchange for keeping silent about your position here?”

“Yes.” She brushed that aside. “But that was nothing compared to the vile manner in which he treated Sally and Ned. I can take care of myself. Those two are far more vulnerable.”

Arthur wondered if she knew how rare her sense of responsibility was among those who moved in Polite Circles. In that world chambermaids were routinely let go when a male member of the household got them pregnant, and an aging housekeeper might be dismissed without a pension when she was no longer able to carry out her duties.

Elenora shook her head. “I did warn you, sir, that it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to keep secrets from your staff.”

“I would take it as a kindness if you would refrain from pointing out the error of my ways,” he said mildly.

She flushed. “My apologies, sir.”

He sighed. “Never mind, you were right.”

Her brows drew together in a troubled expression. “I really do not see how I can remain in my present position now that someone as untrustworthy as Ibbitts is aware of the truth.”

“I see no reason to alter course,” he said. “The scheme appears to be working as I intended. Society is riveted on you, leaving me free—” He paused, reminding himself that Margaret was still in the room. “Free to conduct my business.”

“But if Ibbitts succeeds in starting gossip concerning my true position in this household, your scheme will no longer be viable.”

Her insistence on trying to remove herself from the role he had employed her to act struck an unexpected spark against the flint of his self-control.

“What I see,” he said, pronouncing each word with deliberate emphasis, “is that you are the only hope I’ve got of carrying out this plan. Furthermore, given the rather handsome wages I am paying you, I think I have every right to expect a most convincing performance. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Margaret blinked in astonishment at his sharp words.

Elenora merely inclined her head with excruciating formality, letting him know that she was annoyed but not intimidated.

“Of course, my lord,” she said dryly. “I will endeavor to give satisfaction.”

“Thank you.” What the devil had made him snap at her like that? He never allowed himself to lose his temper.

Margaret hastened to smooth over the unpleasantness. “Really, Elenora, you must not be concerned about what Ibbitts might say. Who in Society would take the word of a butler dismissed without references over that of the Earl of St. Merryn?”

“I know, but he is aware that the story we have put about as a jest is, indeed, the truth.”

“Even if Ibbitts were to gossip about you, he can do no harm. He will only be seen to be repeating the tale,” Margaret assured her.

“She is correct,” Arthur said. “Calm youself, Elenora. Ibbitts need not cause us any concern.”

“I suppose you are right,” Elenora said. But she did not look satisfied.

Margaret sighed. “Well, that’s settled, then. You’re staying, Elenora.”

Elenora frowned. “That reminds me, we seem to find ourselves somewhat short of staff.”

Yet another problem to be resolved before he could proceed with his investigation, Arthur thought wearily. He picked up a pen and reached for a sheet of paper. “I will send a message around to an agency.”

“There is no need to waste your time dealing with a series of candidates sent out by an agency,” Elenora said crisply. “Sally has two sisters in need of employment. One of them is evidently an excellent cook. The other will be happy to take on the duties of a chambermaid. I think Sally will do well as our new housekeeper. Also, Ned has an uncle and a cousin who are skilled gardeners. As it happens, their last employer just sold his townhouse and let his entire staff go, so they are looking for positions. I suggest we hire the lot.”

Margaret clapped her hands. “Good heavens, Elenora, you are amazing. It sounds as though you have the problem of staffing completely in hand.”

Arthur was so greatly relieved to be rid of the burden of finding new servants that he could have swept Elenora up into his arms and kissed her.

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