Page 31 of Grave Expectations
"In my previous post, in the course of five years, I hired four maids, all of whom proved excellent workers. Would you like a list of my other duties?"
"Yes, please."
She proceeded to rattle off everything she did at her last placement, with a gleam of pride shining in her otherwise lackluster eyes.
"It will be a lot of hard work at first," I said, "getting yourself—as well as maids—settled. We've been short staffed for some time, and there's much to be done."
"I'm not afraid of hard work. It will help keep my mind off…recent events." She gave me wobbly smile.
Poor thing. The death of her husband must have been a blow. "Mrs. Webb, my fiancé and I will be very pleased if you can begin immediately."
"Fiancé?"
"Mr. Fitzroy. You'll meet him tomorrow, if you can start then." And if I could keep Lincoln in the house long enough.
"Miss Holloway, I…I'm a little nonplussed. I didn't know there was a gentleman living here. I assumed you were all alone. His name wasn't listed on the advertisement."
"Since you will report to me, we decided only my name was necessary. Is our situation here at Lichfield a problem for you?" If she turned out to be a prude then I would be sorely disappointed. She seemed suitable in every other way.
"No, but I must insist that propriety be observed. For the sake of the young maids, you understand."
"Let me assure you that propriety is very much on Mr. Fitzroy's mind." Too much, damn him. I was growing quite frustrated with merely kissing.
"Then I shall see you tomorrow. Is eight o'clock too early?"
"Not at all."
Doyle saw her out then offered to bring me tea.
"Serve it in the kitchen," I said.
His brows almost flew off his forehead. "The kitchen, miss?"
It was at that moment I realized our quiet, unconventional household was about to change, and I wasn't sure I would like everything about the new arrangement. "I need to speak to Cook about meals…and such." I needed to do no such thing. Cook decided what we ate and was given a weekly allowance with which to purchase whatever he needed. I'd never had cause to interfere. "Perhaps send him in here instead. With the tea."
I waited until Cook arrived, followed by Doyle carrying a tray. There was only one teacup on it. Cook watched Doyle pour the tea, his arms crossed, foot tapping on the carpet.
"Thank you," I said, accepting the cup from Doyle. "Now please bring another for Cook."
Doyle's eyes widened in horror. "Miss! That would be quite inappropriate."
"I say what is and is not appropriate here, not you. If you dislike the way I manage the household, you're free to leave."
Doyle's jowls shook. His eyes widened even more. I expected him to storm out and gather his things, but after a moment, the jowls settled and his eyelids lowered. "Of course, miss. I'll fetch another cup immediately."
"You summoned me, miss?" Cook asked once we were alone.
"Miss? It's still Charlie to you, Cook."
He held my gaze for a long time then sighed and sat without being asked. "I'll have to stop sometime."
"Perhaps, but not yet. We've been through too much together to become suddenly formal with one another."
"Aye, that be true. So, you want to discuss the menus, now Lichfield be getting all formal?"
"Not at all. I simply wanted to enjoy my tea with a friendly face. Doyle didn't like me going to the kitchen, so I decided to bring you out of it instead. You don't have something on the stove, do you?"
He grinned. "I only be cleaning up. Ain't no one to do it no more."
