Page 16 of A Lady's Christmas
Tears are fighting to get out. She backs toward the door. “It doesn’t mean anything. You found a woman alone in the library. I behaved like a wanton. These things happen all the time and no one needs to know about it.” Her voice cracks on the last few words.
Standing, he steps toward her. “Don’t leave.”
Gwen opens the door. “Good night. I’ll be leaving Crestworth after the ball. Don’t trouble yourself about me, Your Grace. I have a solid plan for my future.” She rushes out the door. Blinding tears fill her eyes as she finds her way to her own room where she bolts the door and throws herself into the bed.
What a fool she’d been to think he had feelings for her. No. She never really believed that. He wants to keep her around due to some sense of duty. She’s a grown woman and can take care of herself. Tonight was a strange set of circumstances that will never happen again.
She cries harder into her pillow.
* * *
Unable to look Theo in the eyes, Gwen keeps her focus on Mr. Robert Geldman. “You will find all the books in order.” She shows the candidate for steward how she noted each farm.
“I see, Miss Carter. This is very efficient.” Mr. Geldman is in his early thirties with straight dark hair and brown eyes. Tall and thin, he has a pleasing manner and shows no sign that he’s put off by a woman showing him the accounts.
“I have kept separate accounts for each of the estates, but the assets are listed in this volume.” She opens the book and points to the lines. “You’ll see here that those assets associated with Crestworth are marked with a C and Treadmore with a T. Everything is coded this way and at the front of the book is a legend to reference if you’re unsure.”
Theo says nothing. He sits behind the desk, toying with the edge of one of the books but making eye contact with no one. His shoulders are hunched and his expression unreadable.
Gwen looks away.
Clearing his throat, Mr. Geldman turns to Theo. “Would you mind if I studied these for a few minutes, Your Grace? I may have questions for you or Miss Carter.”
Standing, Theo says, “By all means. I’m sure I will be of little use to you, but as you’ve seen, Miss Carter is an expert on the matter.” His gaze lands on Gwen for a long second.
She’d swear she saw pain in his stark blue eyes, but she must be mistaken.
“I’ll give you all the time you need. Let Lamb know when you need me.” He strides from the study with a nod to Mr. Geldman.
Staring after him, Mr. Geldman cocks his head. “Did I say something that offended him, miss?”
Gwen shakes her head. “No. I think he quite likes you, sir.”
“Really?” He turns to her. “May I ask why you don’t take this job through The Everton Domestic Society? You certainly know your way around accounting.”
With a sigh, Gwen flops into one of the chairs in front of the desk. “It would be like moving backward, if you take my meaning, Mr. Geldman. I need to start a new life. Besides, I don’t know if Mrs. Chervil will wish to chaperone indefinitely.”
“I would very much like this position, so I won’t argue your points, though there is quite a bit to refute.” His grin reveals straight white teeth and kind eyes.
“I think I shall be sorry you and I don’t have time to become good friends.”
They spend the next hour going over each ledger one by one until Mr. Geldman is well acquainted with her system and thoroughly impressed by her keen mind.
Gwen finds Theo sitting in the freezing garden surrounded by snow. She steels herself against her softer feelings for him and his undeniable good looks. His broad shoulders stiffen as she approaches.
“What is your opinion, Gwendolyn?” None of the warmth from the other night exists in the way he says her name.
She stands several feet away, gripping her coat closed. “Mr. Robert Geldman has a sharp mind and his mathematical skills are far beyond mine. He’s well-educated and very pleasant. If I were you, I would hire him.”
He nods. “Is everything in order for the Christmas Ball?”
Her throat clogs. He isn’t quite as cold with her as in the days before his uncle died, but all the warmth and friendship are gone. Her throat closes, but she squeaks out, “Yes.”
Jerking his head to look at her, he narrows his eyes. “Are you upset because of what happened the other night or is it something else?”
“I’m not upset.” But her tight voice betrays the lie.
Those full beautiful lips twitch and he almost smiles. “You’re a terrible liar, Gwendolyn.”
