Page 51 of A Housekeeper for the Earl of Drinkwater
The earl shrugged.
“And it is easy to see that Mother is very pleased with you, as well,” he said. His eyes were still beautiful, but they were very intense. “You have done as many wonders for her as you have for our home.”
Serena bit her lip, smiling up at the earl.
“Your praise is too kind,” she said. “I only know that I enjoy doing everything I can to help you and your family. It is truly my pleasure, my lord.”
The earl looked at her approvingly and nodded.
“I believe you mean every word,” he said. “Which is why I have a rather big favour to ask of you. It will mean a great deal of work, but I trust in your capabilities.”
Serena nodded eagerly.
“Certainly, my lord,” she said. “I am happy to do anything to benefit you and the countess.”
Lord Drinkwater looked at her sheepishly.
“Well, it is more a favour for my lovely aunts,” he said. “Which reminds me. I would like to formally apologise to you for the way they treated you last night. I was too stunned to speak then, but I can assure you that I will not tolerate such treatment of you ever again.”
Serena smiled, though the thought made her angry all over again.
“You have no reason to apologise,” she said. “I simply wonder if they might not one day choke on all the nasty things that come from their mouths.”
She gasped, immediately regretting her words. How could she have been presumed to be so rude to members of a noble family?
To her surprise, the earl laughed, so hard that he had to put his hands on his knees.
“I was hoping they might simply float away, due to all the hot air that fills them,” he wheezed.
Serena giggled.
“You are not angry with me for speaking so boldly, my lord?” she asked.
Lord Drinkwater looked at her as though she was mad.
“Not at all, Miss White,” he said. “How could I, when I so completely agree with you?”
They shared another laugh. Then, the earl resumed walking, gently leading her along.
“What I wish to ask is for your assistance in planning a ball,” he said. “The aunts insist I host one and, in the hopes of silencing their vicious tongues, I have agreed. But I badly need advice, and I feel you are just the person to ask.”
Serena smiled. She hated the idea of doing anything to help the hateful women who had invaded the earl’s home. But it was the earl himself asking, and he was seeking her advice, over anyone else’s. And she thought it good that he was thinking of trying to meet people socially, especially after everything he had been through.
“I would be thrilled to help, my lord,” she said, excited.
Lord Drinkwater smiled again, and her heart melted.
“Wonderful,” he said. “I know I’ve thrown this at you without warning, so I do not expect you to have any ideas this minute, of course.”
Serena shrugged.
“It should not be too difficult, my lord,” she said. “And I assure you that I can help you throw a wonderful ball. As you know, I am not a cook, by any means, but with the help of Mrs. Chantry, I’m sure we can come up with a menu to impress all your guests.”Even your bitter aunts,she thought, biting her lip to keep from giggling.
“Mrs. Chantry might even know of a good cook to help out for the event,” the earl said thoughtfully. “I look forward to any ideas you can think of.”
Serena smiled at him again. Oh, how she longed to kiss him.
“I shall not let you down, my lord,” she said.
