Page 3 of A Lady's Curves
The sun catches a glisten of emotion in Louisa’s eyes. Her expression eases, but she keeps her attention on me.
A long moment passes when Mae studies me. It’s a bit like being the fish in the bowl. She stares until most people would be uncomfortable, but I smile and wait.
With a nod, Mae says, “Fine. You may have your niece for the one season, Oscar, but only because I think Miss Wittman will be good for her. Perhaps she’ll be good for you as well. This entire mess may be just the thing to force you out of your studies and into life. You have responsibilities to your title.”
“I’m aware.” He looks like a man who wants to leave the room, but knows how rude that would be, and that he’d lose the battle he’s nearly won.
“Louisa, come and hug me so I can get out of this dusty attic of a house.”
Mother and daughter hug, and Mae says a curt goodbye before striding out. The last thing we hear is an exasperated, “No butler,” before the front door opens and closes.
Oscar laughs and the sound is magical, as if the world has been waiting years for it. “One thing is certain, Miss Wittman, you are not easily intimidated. My sister is a champion at making people feel uncomfortable, but you faced her like a Valkyrie.”
Hard as it is to keep from smiling, I bite my lip and stare at him. Why must he be so attractive and large? “Lady Creeves is protecting her child from you, my lord.”
Louisa giggles.
“I don’t know why. It seems to me everyone wins in our plan.” He returns to his frown, which seems to be his resting state. A shame, as his smile is most appealing.
Running my fingers along the back of the settee, I clear a line in the dust. “Why is the house so dusty, where are your butler and housekeeper? I assume the maid who answered the door when I knocked holds neither of those roles.”
“I think that was the scullery maid, Susie.” He rubs the back of his neck and flops into a chair near the fireplace. Dust swirls around him and he sneezes.
I retreat to the piano bench and sit with Louisa, who has returned to that corner. Perhaps because it’s not quite as filthy. “Will you answer my questions, my lord?”
He seems to find a spot on the rug more interesting than the people in the room with him, but he finally lifts his head and meets my gaze. “I think they may have left with Mr. Bellston.Neither had been in my employ for very long. I pensioned the old butler and maid less than a year ago.”
Things are coming into focus. “And Mr. Bellston hired their replacements?”
“He did.” He returns his gaze to the floor.
“Very well.” With a sigh that I fail to stifle, I rise and pull the cord for service.
Chapter Two
Oscar
Iknew I was making a mistake before signing the contract with the Everton Domestic Society. One look at Ann Wittman’s soulful gray eyes, full bosom, and luscious curves, and I should have walked, no run, out and never looked back.
The issue is that I need her help. That was the only reason I stayed and agreed to have her in my home. It wouldn’t do to have the entire ton know that I was duped. They already think I’m an oddity who only loves the wilds of Scotland and the natural world.
In one day in residence, Ann had my study, the parlor, and three of the bedrooms thoroughly cleaned.
The maids are hard at work cleaning the rest of the house at Ann’s command.
As if my thoughts conjured her, she knocks on the open door to my study. “May I enter, my lord?”
Heart pounding, I stand. “Of course,Miss Wittman.” I gesture to the chair, round my desk, and join her in the seating area. The room is so much cleaner, it’s hardly recognizable.
“About the butler and housekeeper, do you know where they are?” She never takes her gaze from mine. “Oh, and are they in good health?”
“I told you, they went with Mr. Bellston. I think they’re in Surry.” Even that’s only a guess.
Her smile muddles my senses. Smart and lovely, when she smiles, she’s like the dawn of a new day. If I’m not careful, she’ll turn me into a poet.
“I meant the former housekeeper and butler, whom you pensioned. Do you know where they are? Perhaps they’d be willing to return temporarily or for a longer term if they are up to it.”
“I hadn’t thought of that.” Such a simple solution to what seemed insurmountable. She’s smarter than I thought, smarter than me, for certain. Why does everything about this Everton lady intrigue me?
