Page 47 of Their Brazen Countess
The man cleared his throat as color rose in his cheeks. “I believe Lord Downs oversaw the changeover of staff.”
Jo choked, “Thechangeoverof staff?”
“Yes, my lady.” Jasper had the good grace to look uncomfortable as he affirmed the information.
“Where is Lord Downs at the moment?” Jo asked, anger making her voice shake.
“I believe he is in the study, my lady.”
With a growl of fury, Jo stormed out of the kitchen and up the back stairs to the nursery. There she found yet another servant she did not recognize.
“Matthew, I want you to stay here with this,” she looked up at the unsmiling woman, “this nice lady. I’ll be back shortly to check on you.” Jo motioned for the other woman to follow her into the hallway. After shutting the door to the nursery, she looked at the woman. “I do not know who you are, but I am leaving my son here for now. I expect you to ensure he stays safe until I return.”
“Yes, my lady.” The woman nodded somberly.
As assured as she could be that her son was safe, Jo went in search of her brother-in-law finding him, as promised, in the study.
She stormed in without knocking, letting the door bang loudly against the wall. “Where the bloody hell are my servants?”
Lord Downs looked up with derision on his face. “I told you, Lady Whitestone, I control the finances now. I have replaced your overpaid staff with individuals who come at more reasonable rates and who understand who is in charge around here.”
She blanched. She had thought his blustering was just that: blustering. That he would have the audacity to dismiss her staff and replace them with his own hires was outrageous. “Bernard, do not think for one moment that this is the end of this matter. This will not stand.”
“The decision has been made.” Lord Downs stared back at her, an impassive expression on his face.
“We shall see,” Jo seethed and spun around to leave.
Determined to take immediate action, she stalked into the dining room and into the butler’s pantry. “Mr. Jasper, I am afraid your services are no longer required. Please see Lord Downs, he will provide you with a reference and three months’ wages.”
“I see, my lady.” The man looked mildly concerned but resolute. He nodded and went in search of Bernard.
Feeling at least a little better, Jo headed upstairs. It was growing late, and she needed to check on Matthew. After seeing that he was tucked in bed, she went to her own bedchamber and met the new woman who had been hired to be her lady’s maid. She seemed nice enough, but Jo remained skeptical of all the servants hired by Bernard, and the unpleasant man himself.
The next morning Jo made her way down to breakfast and found two unwanted individuals. Bernard sat at her table drinking tea as Jasper filled a plate for him from the sideboard.
Gritting her teeth, Jo took a seat. “Coffee, please.”
Jasper cleared his throat as he set a plate in front of Bernard.
“We are no longer stocking coffee. It is a vulgar drink and inordinately expensive.” Bernard sniffed then slurped tea from his cup.
Grinding her teeth now, Jo bit her tongue. “Tea then, Jasper.”
“Very good, my lady.” He bowed and poured her a cup of tea and set it before her. “Breakfast, my lady?”
“I find I’m a bit off this morning. I shall skip the morning meal.” Her stomach roiled as she sipped the tea and nearly spat it out. “I’m sorry, what in the world is this? I’ve never tasted such vile stuff.”
Bernard peered at her. “We are cutting costs around here. The tea you prefer is far too costly. I’ve ensured we are stocking a more cost effective blend. That will be all, Jasper.”
Jasper nodded and retreated from the room. Jo sat there, stunned at how quickly and easily Bernard had taken over her household. The embers of fury sparked to life deep within her breast, but her morning’s fight was not over.
“Josephine, I would appreciate it if you ceased attempting to fire my employees.” Bernard said as he set his knife down and looked at her.
“And I would appreciate it if you vacated my home with said employees,” she smiled delicately.
“This is a family home. It does not belong to you. It belongs to my family. The one you married into, as a convenience to my brother.”
“Regardless, my son is the one who bears the title now. It is our home.” Jo pushed her tea aside. “I believe I shall check on my son, the actual head of this family. Don’t hesitate to see yourself out.”
