Page 13 of The Baron Takes a Bet
Her eyes squinted.
“There’s no need for such informalities.”
“It won’t scandalize me, I assure you,” he said. “And since you and your siblings will be staying at Kingston House for the foreseeable future—”
“Excuse me?” she said, walking around the small dining room table. “We are not moving to Kingston House.”
“Oh yes, you are.”
“No, we are not.”
“How long has that thing been on this house? Six months? It’s a wonder you haven’t frozen to death.”
“We’ve fared very well, thank you very much, and it is not so cold—”
“Where are your servants?” he asked, his temper rising once more, looking around. While tidy at first glance, the house showed clear signs that it was overdue for the kind of deep, thorough cleaning he wouldn’t think Holly and her sister could manage on their own. “Where are your footmen? Or maids?” He turned back to face her, and Holly’s cheeks turned pink as her mouth set in a hard line. “Tell me you have at least a cook?”
“It is not your concern.”
Gavin remained still, trying hard to reel in his temper. It didn’t make sense that her stubborn refusal should annoy him so much, but he couldn’t stop himself. His concern for her shouldn’t be so great after only meeting once before, but he felt deeply that he was responsible for her. And whether it was because of his uncle’s lack of faith in him or because they were technically married, he knew with absolute certainty that her concerns were now his. This woman was reliant on him, whether she wanted to be or not, and he would not fail her.
Aside from his aunt, no one had ever relied on Gavin, and though he had always been sure that it would be burdensome, he found that instead, he felt necessary. Almost needed. It was somewhat unnerving, but also satisfying.
What an odd sensation to be depended on. But he pushed the thought from his mind, deciding to decipher it at a later time. For now, he needed to focus on the matter at hand, which was convincing her that she couldn’t possibly remain in this house a day longer. He leveled her a stern stare.
“You’re not staying here.”
“I said it is of no concern of yours, and might I remind you—”
“Oh, please, Holly,” the timid voice of Katrina came from the doorway. Both Gavin and Holly turned to face her. “It would be very nice not having to wake every hour to make sure the fires are still lit.”
How had Holly and her sister maintained this large house without any assistance? He faced Holly once more and the shame that crossed her face made him uncomfortable, but his anger at the situation suddenly subsided. He could bully her into coming to Kingston House, but there was something sensitive in her eyes, something akin to embarrassment. Gavin didn’t want to add insult to injury and he resolved to handle her and the situation with a more delicate touch.
“Katrina—” Holly started, but Gavin cut in.
“Please tell me this much,” he said, his tone gentler than it had been. Holly watched him, startled by his sudden plea. “Was Uncle John aware of this tree situation?”
Her mouth moved, seemingly unsure how to answer, and it surprised Gavin how interesting he found it. He waited for her to answer.
“Not exactly,” she said slowly. “He knew a branch had come through one of the upstairs windows. But I didn’t want to worry him.”
“He never came to visit?”
“John took ill around the same time as the tree fell and was bedridden from that point on. His health began to deteriorate rapidly over the winter. He never left Kingston House again.”
“Hmm, I see. And would he have been worried had he known the truth?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Then as a favor, to honor his memory, can’t you let me house you and your siblings, until it is repaired?”
Her face scrunched up suddenly as if she were trying to stop herself from crying.
“We aren’t feeble, incapable people. It’s just that bad luck seems to catch us at every turn.”
He nodded, knowing it was rarely easy for people to ask for help. Still, shehadn’tasked. In fact, she had refused all his offers. He admired resilience, but this felt like it was edging into stubbornness, particularly since the house seemed in such poor condition as to put her health and safety at risk.
“I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to prove my uncle wrong,” he said, taking a single step forward. Their eyes met. “He didn’t think I was capable of honoring his wishes. If I could be allowed to demonstrate my true character while also seeing to the comfort of his closest friend, I would like to do so. Please. I would view it as a personal favor.”
