Page 69 of A Housekeeper for the Earl of Drinkwater
“It is funny how we can sometimes be grateful to terrible people,” she said, musing.
Edward looked down at her, understanding at once.
“You mean that horrid solicitor,” he said. “That man deserves worse than the prison sentence he will be getting if you ask me. He’d better pray he never runs into me once he is released, even if I am a hundred years old. What he did to you was despicable, and I don’t believe he deserves to continue to draw breath.”
Serena shook her head, tracing his lips with her finger.
“He is a terrible man, to be sure,” she said, shuddering. “He even tried to get me to marry him.”
Edward blanched, clenching his glass so tightly in his hand, it threatened to shatter.
“I will remove the man’s head myself, if ever he sees the outside of a jail again,” he growled.
Serena gently shushed him and smiled.
“Remember, darling,” she said, sounding wise beyond her years. “If it had not been for his underhanded scheming and crooked ways, we never would have met and fallen in love.”
Edward’s mouth fell open. The idea of having never met Serena was more horrifying to him than that blaggard of a solicitor continuing to draw breath.
“I can hardly celebrate him,” he said at last. “But I will forever celebrate the day you found your way to Chimneys.”
Serena nuzzled his nose, and he marvelled at how sweet her breath was, despite the brandy on it.
“As will I, my love,” she said, kissing him again.
Chapter Twenty-eight
“Congratulations,” came two voices in unison from the open doorway of Serena’s room as she prepared to leave it for the very last time.
Serena burst out laughing and faced Mrs. Chantry and Emily, opening her arms to them just as they both rushed toward her.
“Thank you both,” she said, embracing her dear friends tightly. “Oh, I can hardly believe it.”
Mrs. Chantry kissed her cheek, smiling at her knowingly.
“Did I not tell you just this morning?” she asked.
Emily looked at them, clearly confused.
“Tell Serena what?” she asked.
Serena giggled.
“She told me that the earl . . . I mean, Edward, seemed to have taken a fancy to me,” she said, blushing.
Emily looked at her with bewilderment.
“Did you truly not know?” she asked. “Even I could see it.”
The three women laughed.
“Do you need any help moving your things, Miss White?” Mrs. Chantry asked.
Serena blinked at the sudden return to formality.
“Since when have I been Miss White?” she asked.
Emily blushed, clasping her hands in front of her.
