Page 16 of The Winter Rogue
“Come in, Polly,” he called out in a droll tone.That she had knocked before entering when she never usually did such a thing was further—silent—chastisement for yesterday's kiss.
“Good morning,” Polly chirped happily as she crossed the room to the sideboard.Only then did she see Charlie's full plate and bowl.Her forehead creased between her brows.“Is everything all right?”
Charlie smiled up at the woman.“I'm afraid my eyes were bigger than my stomach this morning.”
Drew was pleased that she didn't berate Polly for the over salted food.Many a lady of the Ton would have done just that.
“Are you sure?I can head to the kitchen to make you something else,” Polly offered as she started collecting plates and clearing the table.
“No, thank you.I'm fine.”Charlie snatched the last rasher of bacon from her plate before the food disappeared.
Drew finished his own breakfast and then rose and grabbed another rasher of bacon from the sideboard.“Send Billy in to eat whenever he's ready.”He handed the bacon to Charlie as he walked out.
He strolled from the room and headed to his study.
Twenty minutes later, Polly stormed into the room.“Andrew James Wentworth, what did you do to the food this morning?”
He dropped his head as the shame he’d been feeling already, surged to the fore.“I may have tried to teach someone a lesson.”
“I tasted that poor girl's food.It was inedible!She must think I'm the worst cook in the county!”Polly’s cheeks were pink and her eyes narrowed as her gaze drilled into him.“And she is no doubt starving!”
“If you'll bring in a tray of sandwiches, I'm sure I shall see her this morning.She mentioned wanting to find a book to read.”
Polly grunted.“You should be ashamed of yourself.”
He sighed softly, heat warming his cheeks.“I am.I plan to apologize to her.”
“Good.I'll bring in the sandwiches shortly.But best you remember with this unusual snow fall, there is not an endless supply of food in this house.”Polly nodded, then left the room.
Drew had not moved from his seat two hours later when a soft knock sounded at the door.“Come in.”
Charlie stepped just inside the door.“My apologies for interrupting you, but I had thought to find that book I mentioned at breakfast.”
“Oh course, my bookshelves are your bookshelves.”He inclined his head.
Charlie wandered into the room, slowly perusing the shelves.
Drew cleared his throat.“Charlie—”
She spun to face him.“Do not call me that.”
“Very well.”He paused and closed his eyes, calling on his shallow well of patience.He owed her this.“Charlene, I owe you an apology.”
She tilted her head.“For?”
He chuckled.“For ruining your breakfast.Polly was very cross with me when she realized I had over-salted your food.”
“I knew it!”She thrust her hands on her hips.
He grinned at her.“Thank you for not taking Polly to task for my prank.”
“Of course not!I knew who was responsible.Breakfast yesterday was wonderful.”Charlene seemed surprised by his comment.
“Well, thank you, nonetheless.And as I said, I am sorry for ruining your food.In fact, I had Polly bring some sandwiches in case you appeared and were hungry.”He motioned toward the tray of sandwiches.
“Oh, that is not necessary,” she demurred, but her stomach rumbled loudly.
“Eat.You're clearly hungry.”Drew rose, picked up the tray of food, and carried it over to her.
