Page 74 of A Housekeeper for the Earl of Drinkwater
“Emily had certainly been good to us, and to Mother,” he said. “You don’t think it would be too much responsibility to put on her, after everything she has already had to put up with?”
Serena shook her head, her eyes lighting up.
“I have been watching her with the new servants over the past few days,” she said. “She really took charge with teaching them all their duties. I have never seen anything quite like it. And I am sure she would be glad of the extra wages. She certainly deserves it.”
Edward beamed at his wife.
“Well, I say she has had the best teacher in the whole of England,” he said teasingly.
Serena murmured in agreement, still looking dreamy.
“Yes,” she said. “Mrs. Chantry is such an amazing woman. I will miss her terribly when she is gone.”
Edward stared at his wife, stunned again by her humility.
“No, darling,” he said, reaching out and taking her hand. “I was referring to you.”
Serena stared at him and, upon realising the compliment he had given her, blushed shyly.
“You are now my husband, and still you praise me in the most wonderful of ways.”
Edward grew serious, taking her hand and kissing it gently.
“And I always will, my love,” he said. “No one on this planet deserves it as much as you.”
Serena smiled in her sweet, innocent way at him.
“That is not true at all,” she said, taking a turn to kiss his hand. “You deserve it more than I.”
He leaned over their plates of food, putting his face inches away from hers.
“Have I told you how much I love you this evening?” he asked.
Serena shook her head.
“Not yet,” she said.
He kissed her nose, giving her a teasing smirk.
“Do not worry,” he said, winking. “I will.”
“Should I come back later to clear the table?” Emily said playfully from the doorway.
Edward looked at Serena inquisitively. His wife nodded, her eyes sparkling, and Edward turned to Emily, warmly inviting her to join them.
“Actually, Emily,” he said, smiling. “We would like to speak with you for a minute.”
***
The following day, Edward dressed, waiting downstairs for his beautiful wife. She came down shortly thereafter, looking radiant in a deep-purple dress with black lace trim and matching gloves. She was wearing a pair of his mother’s diamond earrings, and he smiled proudly at her.
“I think, perhaps, Mother likes you a little,” he joked, kissing one of her ear lobes.
Serena blushed.
“She has given me free reign of her jewellery boxes,” she said. “Really, she is the best mother-in-law I could ever ask for.”
Edward smiled proudly.
