Page 41 of Dare to Love a Duke
“Ah.” Tom’s lips curved. “I was the elder, and the heir. It was my job to look out for my sister. She pestered me as little sisters do—always running after me and demanding I allow her to join in whatever I was about—but she was reluctant to smash her fist into my face. So I joined a pugilism academy to ensure I underwent the experience.”
She donned a sorrowful expression. “You have endured a life of deprivation.”
“Indeed, madam, I am much to be pitied.” The corners of his eyes crinkled.
Intimacy wove between them. Part of her wanted to shrink back and remain protected, but he drew her ever forward, into his natural warmth.
“There must be more,” he added.
Through her lashes, she gazed askance at him, her heart thumping. She couldn’t stop herself from saying breathlessly, “There is always more.”
Someone cleared their throat. Lucia spun around to see Kitty standing nearby, wearing a pained expression.
A flush rose to Lucia’s cheeks. She needed to remain businesslike and detached with Tom, and here she was, flirting outrageously.
“Apologies for interrupting.” Kitty edged closer. “There’s a predicament in the kitchen that requires your attendance.”
“I’ll be there presently,” she said briskly. Straightening, she followed Kitty down the corridor. To her surprise, Tom was close at her heels.
“I mean to see everything,” he said when she threw him an inquisitive look.
In short order, they were belowstairs where the relative quiet above seemed a remote memory. Staff members rushed back and forth with trays, some empty, some bearing assortments of cakes and sweetmeats. The kitchen itself swarmed with activity as Jenny the cook and her assistants stirred pots, tended fires, and topped confections with candied nuts and flowers.
“Kitty spoke of a quandary,” she said to Jenny.
The cook threw up her hands in exasperation. “I was counting on a second cone of sugar, but Sue went into the larder and came back with this.” She held up a brownish lump the size of a child’s fist. “Mice.”
“Why did no one see this sooner?” Lucia heard the edge in her voice. “We could have provisioned accordingly.”
Sue hung her head. “Begging your pardon, madam. It were my fault when Cook told me to check the sugar this morn, and I was stupid and told her without looking that we was fine.” A tear rolled down the girl’s cheek and dropped to the floor.
Some of Lucia’s anger dropped away. “Go back into the larder and see how much honey we’ve got. Bring out whatever you can find.”
Sue dashed off, then returned a moment later carrying a large crock.
“I brought it, madam.” She approached Lucia, who directed her to the cook.
“Jenny, is there enough to serve as substitute for tonight?”
The cook lifted the crock’s lid and inspected its contents. “Should be.”
“Tomorrow, Sue,” Lucia gravely said to the girl, “we shall have a discussion, you and I.”
Sue blanched. “Going to sack me?”
“Your position’s secure,” Lucia said, her tone even, “but that doesn’t mean you’re forgiven.”
“Aye, madam.”
“Now back to work,” Lucia reminded her.
The girl curtsied before hurrying to her station and picking up a knife to chop walnuts.
Seeing that there was nothing that required her further attention, Lucia motioned to Tom to follow her. Together, they climbed a back staircase.
As she held the railing, his hand stayed hers. Sparks shot up her arm and spread through her. She turned. She stood on a higher step and had the rare vantage of looking down on him. A shaft of light fell across his eyes, and the intensity of his gaze went all the way to her marrow.
“Most employers would’ve dismissed her,” he said lowly.
