Page 27 of A Housekeeper for the Earl of Drinkwater
“Please, forgive the state of the place,” the earl said with genuine sheepishness, indicating a chair for her and resuming his seat at the desk.
Serena settled herself primly. “My current housekeeper, Mrs. Chantry, has been terribly ill for some time.” He paused, wincing. “I suppose I should say former housekeeper, as she has plans to retire when she recovers. And I have only just returned from the war, to find the estate and house in this parlous condition. But I plan to refurbish the house and rebuild the estate, so please, do not think it will remain like this forever.”
Serena could not help smiling as the earl rambled on apologetically. He was clearly afraid she would run away and refuse to work for him. But not only was she desperate for employment, she was also very attracted to him. And the manor itself held a special allure from which she could not turn away.
“You needn’t apologise, m-m-my lord,” she said, stuttering slightly. She opened her mouth to speak again, but nothing came out. She promptly closed her mouth, at a loss, her cheeks flushing.
She felt flustered and embarrassed, and she struggled to string a sentence together. He was having a powerful effect on her, the likes of which she had never before experienced.
He grinned, and she wondered if he thought her embarrassment amusing. She could not blame him if he did, though she mentally kicked herself.
“Do not be shy, Miss White,” he said, looking deeply into her eyes. “Just relax and tell me about yourself.”
Serena took a deep breath and stuttered her way through explaining who she was and her reasons for seeking employment. She also told him of the housekeeping she had done during her mother’s illness, so he would know she was prepared for the duties of the job.
She omitted the part about the public auction of her home and belongings, however. He could read about that in the papers with the rest of London.
When she finished, she was redder and more embarrassed than before. Yet the earl simply gave her a warm, kind smile.
“I have just one more question, Miss White,” he said.
Heavens, his smile is so charming,she thought, unable to look away from his green eyes, despite her discomfort.
“Yes?” she asked, instantly wincing when she realized her mistake. “What I mean to say is, yes, my lord?”
The earl chuckled, his voice husky and warm.
“Can you start immediately?” he asked. “I will, of course, send for your things at once, and we shall find you a comfortable chamber temporarily, until you can move into Mrs. Chantry’s apartments.”
Serena gasped in surprise. He was offering her the job, despite how badly she felt she had fumbled the interview. Jubilation replaced her shyness and embarrassment, and she had to resist the urge to leap from her chair and embrace him.
“Of course, thank you, my lord,” she said, smiling. “I can start at once.”
Lord Drinkwater stood again, once more coming to her side. She almost swooned when he touched her arm again as she, too, stood, and then he gave her another big smile.
“Wonderful,” he said. “It will be a pleasure to have you.”
She curtseyed again, stumbling from the headedness and excitement of the moment.
“Thank you, my lord,” she said, blushing again. “I shall work hard to ensure that you do not regret your decision.”
The earl laughed again, and she melted.
“I believe you mean that sincerely,” he said. “And I believe I shall not regret it for a moment.”
Serena bit her lip to keep from giggling. The earl motioned for Mr. Clarke, who approached quickly.
“Take Miss White to meet Emily, would you, Clarke? And have Emily show Miss White to her accommodations,” he said.
The butler bowed.
“This way, please, Miss White,” he said, smiling at Serena with obvious relief.
Serena gladly followed. Not only had she secured employment, but everyone so far had been very kind and friendly.
As luck would have it, Emily, who was introduced to her as the manor’s only maid, was very welcoming and friendly, as well. She was happy to show Serena to her chamber, barely waiting for Mr. Clarke to finish speaking before nodding, taking Serena’s arm and pulling her away.
Emily led her to a small, cosy room near the kitchens. Serena recalled what the earl had said about her inheriting the housekeeper’s apartments when the lady retired, and she shivered with delight.
