Page 26 of An Innocent Maid for the Duke
‘Grandmama, I would like you to meet a young lady introduced to me by a distant relative of my mother’s. Your Grace, Miss Rose Nightingale. Miss Nightingale, Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess of Westmoor.’
Rose sank into a curtsy fit for royalty, but since his grandmother was related to some of those, it was not completely out of place.
Startlement appeared in those ancient grey eyes for the merest moment, then Grandmother smiled. ‘Miss Nightingale. What a pleasure. How delightful. Are you visiting in town?’
‘Miss Nightingale is seeking employment,’ Jacob said, as he informed Rose he would during their walk to his house. ‘Her present position is unsuitable.’ It was the truth. He ignored Rose’s gasp of shock.
Rose blushed, but her gaze held anger when she shot him a glance.
‘My dear Miss Nightingale,’ Grandmama said, ‘anyone instrumental in bringing my grandson to see me is welcome in this house.’ She frowned at Jake. ‘I so rarely see him these days.’
‘Grandmama,’ Jake scolded, with an apologetic smile. ‘Miss Nightingale will think I neglect my duty.’
‘You neglect your pleasures, my boy, you are so busy fulfilling your duties. Ring the bell for tea, do. Miss Nightingale, please, be seated.’ She patted the sofa cushion on her right.
A good sign. If she had been dismayed or displeased she would have pointed to the chair at the end of the tea table. A chair known for its discomfort. No visitor stayed long seated upon that chair.
As long as Rose didn’t decide to reveal exactly where she had been employed all should be well.
He tugged at the bell pull and reclined in his usual armchair.
‘Grandmama, I believe Miss Nightingale would make you an excellent companion. I am sorry we did not give you any advance notice, but it did not occur to me until this very morning.’
His grandmother looked intrigued. ‘What sort of employment have you undertaken in the past, Miss Nightingale?’
Rose lifted that stubborn little chin and Jake had the urge to nip at it. And then to kiss her luscious lips even though he knew by the martial look in her eye she planned to foil his plan.
‘I have been working as a scullery maid.’ She sounded as if she expected to be thrown out on her ear. Extraordinary bravery.
His grandmother stiffened. His stomach dipped. It seemed he did not know her as well as he thought.
The elderly lady narrowed her gaze on Rose, but there was a gleam of amusement in those faded eyes Jake hadn’t seen for many months. ‘A scullery maid.’
Rose nodded firmly.
‘Good honest labour, Miss Nightingale, but beneath you, I think. My grandson was right to bring you to me.’
Rose’s jaw dropped. ‘But—’
The butler entered with his usual troop of footmen who glided about until the tea tray was properly presented before departing on silent feet.
‘Please, Miss Nightingale,’ Grandmama said, ‘do pour. My hands are a little shaky at times and it makes it all such a chore.’
With a startled glance directed at Jake, Rose did as directed, making an exceedingly creditable job of it, too.
‘Where did you learn such skills, Miss Nightingale?’ Grandmama asked gently.
‘I trained as a housekeeper,’ Rose said. Her expression held surprise as she set the teapot back in its place. ‘My age has precluded my obtaining such a position as yet.’
‘Trained where?’
‘The Foundling Hospital.’
‘I see.’
It was his grandmother’s turn to shoot him a look that spoke volumes, or it would have were he able to translate its meaning.
‘Do you know anything about your parents, Miss Nightingale?’ Grandmama asked.
