Page 18 of Undercover with the Heiress
There would be no more drinking while Rosanna Hempel lived in his house.
Chapter Eight
In her parents’ household, Rosanna would not be allowed to have magazines, brochures, and booklets spread out before her at the breakfast table.
But this was not her parents’ household.
It was hers.
‘What do you think of this pattern, Spencer? Do you think it would suit my rooms?’ Rosanna slid the catalogue towards the cat that perched on the upholstery of one of the sensible wooden chairs which surrounded the small circular table.
Spencer leant forwards, flicked an ear, and narrowed his eyes.
‘I agree completely.’ Rosanna pulled the magazine back before herself. ‘It’s gorgeous.’
Rosanna flipped to the next page of the catalogue, then studied the walls. This room could handle flocking, but gilt would catch the morning sun. Although a nice wood block, heavy in greens and blues, might make the space feel a little less sparse and more welcoming.
Felix stepped into the dining room. He held a plate of neatly piled toast in one hand, and, behind it, a small dish covered with pots of jam. Two steps before the table, he staggered to a halt.
‘Hello,’ he said, not looking at Rosanna, but over her shoulder. ‘Who are you?’
‘I’m Letitia,’ said Letitia. ‘I work here.’
Felix gave a slightly bemused titter, then knocked his free hand against his chin, as if admonishing himself.
‘Letitia is our new house mistress,’ Rosanna said, not looking up as she flipped a page. ‘She will be managing the day-to-day activity of the house along with acting as my lady’s maid. She will help the cook Jean with menus and trips to the market and ensure that Lovelace is ready for my morning ride. She will also consult with Hugh.’
Felix jerked as he looked from Letitia to her. ‘Hugh?’
‘A household needs a butler,’ Rosanna replied.
‘But a butler is head of the household,’ Felix said.
‘Would you rather be butler?’ Rosanna asked.
‘I cannot imagine Mr Babbage allowing a stranger to tend to his dress each day—’
‘Valet it is. All the staff would appreciate your assistance in learning the layout of the house, where dry goods and food are stored, coal for the fires, and other daily conveniences.’
‘Conveniences?’
Rosanna huffed and rolled her eyes. ‘Are you a parrot? Please show everyone around.’
Felix slid the jam onto the table, followed by the toast, warily eyeing the plate piled high with croissants as he did so. ‘I… I can show you the lower levels? And the kitchen? Would that be helpful?’
‘I’d love to see them,’ Letitia replied. ‘I’ve never been in a house with so many stairs before.’
Felix tittered again, and the two of them set off. At the door, they pulled up sharply. ‘Morning, sir,’ Felix said, his voice suddenly deep and brusque.
‘Morning.’ Phineas stepped back, his stoic expression disappearing into the shadows of the hallway so that only the shape of him remained. Felix and Letitia scuttled from view before the man whose ring clasped her future re-emerged. He held a copy ofThe Timesand folded it in half while he turned to observe Felix and Letitia’s departure. ‘Who the devil was that?’
‘Letitia. Our house mistress and my lady’s maid.’
‘Our… Excuse me?’
Rosanna flicked another page, leaning in to examine it more closely. Johannes was right, William Morris designedsuchdelightful wallpaper. This one of jewelled birds and bright pink flowers would be perfect in her bedroom. ‘This is no longer the house of a bachelor. This is a married man’s home, which means it is a marriedwoman’shome. Felix cannot help me dress each day or see to Lovelace.’ Rosanna couldn’t help but beam at what she’d accomplished on her own in such a short time. ‘We have a full staff. Viscountess Dalton recommended everyone.’
‘Viscountess Dalton?’ Phineas groaned. ‘Everyone in her employ is a failed actor or performer of some type. Number 4 is in a state of constant chaos.’
