Page 55 of Their Brazen Countess
“I’m breaking you in half,” Arthur chided good-naturedly.
As he collapsed back onto the rug in a sprawl, Jo sat forward in her chair. “That was incredible. Thank you for letting me watch.”
“You are welcome. It was incredibly erotic.” Arthur stared at her solemnly.
“Though your cheeks might be permanently pink after today,” Linc chimed in as he sat up.
She laughed, but did not deny it. She glanced around at her discarded clothing. “I should probably get home. Matthew needs to eat dinner and get to bed soon.” Jo slipped her wrinkled chemise over her head. “And I have a staff to dismiss.”
Arthur got to his feet and helped her dress. “We should go with you.”
“Bernard will not be there, and I need to do this part on my own. I need them to understand who is in control.”
Together, he and Linc helped her dress until she was fussing with her hair while they donned their own clothes again. With everyone dressed once more, they sent her on her way, though not without some trepidation.
Linc looked at him, a crease between his brows. “You follow her home and be sure that bastard isn’t there. I’ll take care of sending word to everyone to meet here tomorrow.”
“Excellent notion,” Arthur nodded.
After all, Jo was quite mistaken if she thought they were leaving her to finish this fight alone.
Chapter Twenty-Six
The Next Morning
Joawoketofindher lady’s maid had returned. Upon her arrival home the previous afternoon, she had informed Jasper that not only were his services no longer needed, but that those of the rest of the staff that came with him were also not required. She had then sent messages around to her old staff, asking that they return first thing in the morning if they were available.
And here was her familiar lady’s maid, bustling about her room as though the last few days had not occurred. “Good morning, my lady. Shall I ring for your breakfast?”
“No, thank you, Olivia. I believe I shall take breakfast downstairs. Has everyone else returned as well?” Jo didn’t bother to hide her happiness.
“Of course, my lady. We are all very pleased to be back in your service.” Olivia smiled. “How about your spring green day gown?”
“That sounds lovely.” Jo stretched and crawled out of bed. Half an hour later, she walked into the dining room and found the welcome sight of Bell awaiting her. “Good morning, Mr. Bell.”
“Good morning, my lady. Lovely to see you today.” The man actually flashed a small grin at her. “Mrs. Stevens is upstairs with the young Master, and Mrs. Adams is happily ensconced in the kitchen. As for the rest of the staff, a few had already found new placements, so we shall look to replace them as quickly as possible, but almost everyone was happy to return to their positions.”
“Thank you, Bell. You are nothing if not efficient. I would be lost—I was lost—without you.” Feeling all was right in her world, Jo settled into her breakfast.
By mid-morning, she had moved to her study to review the house accounts and sort out the rest of the mess Bernard had made of her home. She had just closed the ledger when the door to her study flew open.
“You meddling little bitch!” Bernard stormed into the room with Bell hot on his heels.
“My lady, I apologize. He stormed right past me—”
“It’s fine, Bell. Perhaps ask Jeffrey and Richard to make themselves available to escort Lord Downs out once he’s said his piece?”
“Very good, my lady.” Bell shot a wary glance at the intruder, but obeyed and exited the room.
“Now, what can I do for you, Lord Downs?” Jo turned her attention to him, striving for a calm she did not feel.
“You and those rakes you acquaint yourself with went to Mr. Whitaker and undid all of my hard work!” Bernard was practically seething.
“Of course I did. It was not your work to do. In fact, it is not your money or your property to manage. My son is Lord Whitestone now, and as his only parent and legal guardian I am the one who’s job it is to manage his holdings until such time as he comes of age. So, yes, I absolutely undid all the mess you made of things.” Jo took a breath, pleased she’d managed to rein in her fury and keep her cool, though her hands trembled with the effort. “If that will be all, I shall see you once a quarter when we discuss your allowance. I would use the funds you currently have wisely as I shall deduct the money you diverted to your household out of the next quarter’s allowance. I suspect that will not leave you a great deal to live on.”
“Like hell you will! This is not over. Not by a longshot,” Bernard fumed as a knock sounded on the door.
“Come in.” The door opened, admitting the two rather large footmen she had requested. “Excellent. Jeffrey, Richard, I believe Lord Downs was finished. If you two will help him find his way to the front door?”
