Page 32 of Under the Seductive Ladys Charm
“Not at all,” Graham said to put the man at ease. Randolph was not yet well settled into his role and still, at times, seemed to take offense where Graham never intended any. “I just wanted to check in with you. I have not seen much of you since the week we arrived.”
Randolph bobbed his head, clutching his hat in his hands. “Yes, Sir. I’ve been kept quite on my toes by that new housekeeper. She’s been throwing a ruckus about anything that comes to her mind.”
“You should have brought this up to me sooner and I could have stepped in,” Graham said with a frown.
Randolph looked embarrassed. “I can handle one feisty woman, but she is a bit of a hellfire. She caused a maid to quit yesterday.”
“I see.” Graham shook his head. “With my sister having a hand in her hiring, I am not that surprised. If she causes any more trouble, let me know. We may need to replace her. I am certain the household can run without her, as it did before, while we search for a suitable replacement. You might want to make that clear to her.”
“I shall make sure she receives the message, Sir.”
“Good. Now, how are we on the stable?” Graham looked at the man with interest.
Randolph seemed to relax now that talk of the troublesome housekeeper was over. “The boys are moving right along with it. I did have to replace one or two of them because they could not be counted on to show up on time.”
“Quite right,” Graham replied. “Keep me informed. Do we need to relocate any of the horses?”
“It is all taken care of, Sir.”
“Wonderful. Well, I won’t keep you.” Graham gave him a nod of his head as the man rose.
When Randolph was off to his work, Graham looked back down at the paper in front of him and sighed. What was it he had been writing? He scanned the letter.
He felt a little uneasy enquiring after Miss Browne, but he had been responsible for her getting the position. It was only right that he should make sure she was working out well. Even if he had to admit partly to himself that he found the woman attractive, she was his sister’s childhood friend.
Graham shook his head. This was not personal in that way. He had to keep focused on the fact that he was doing this to make up for his sister’s poor treatment of the girl. There, she was a girl again, was she? Even his own mind mocked him.
Graham sighed and laid the pen down. He rubbed his face and looked at the letter. He would finish it later perhaps. As silly as he felt for not being able to finish a simple letter, he could not bring himself to do it at the moment.
*
Charlotte’s employment with Mrs. Lennox was like night and day compared to the employment with Amanda. The woman was thoughtful and considerate. Charlotte was actually treated with respect and dignity.
The woman had agreed to give Charlotte lessons in society and to help her make connections within that society. Charlotte still felt like she was vaguely lying, but Mrs. Lennox had never asked Charlotte to smudge the truth. Mrs. Lennox had explained that her husband and Lord Easterly were good friends, and the woman genuinely seemed happy to help Charlotte as a favour the Earl of Atcham, even if she no longer needed a governess.
They were walking down Bond Street, and Charlotte had to admit that the break in the heat felt lovely. There was a nice breeze that ruffled Charlotte’s hat and felt splendid around her neck. She laid her parasol against her shoulder to block the afternoon sunlight.
Her heart skipped a bit as she saw Lord Stanhope coming towards them. She had to squash her first instinct, which was to duck inside a building and hide. Mrs. Lennox would certainly think that quite odd and she just merely had to pay no attention to the man.
After all, she and Lord Stanhope had not been formally introduced. He had met a fictional heiress in disguise and not Charlotte. She had nothing to fear.
Charlotte had just steeled her confidence when she saw Lord Stanhope turn towards them. He dipped forward into a bow, which Mrs. Lenox responded to with a slight curtsey. “Lord Stanhope.”
“Mrs. Lennox, what a pleasure to bump into you on this fine afternoon.” Lord Stanhope gave Mrs. Lennox a smile as if he were very comfortable with her. His eyes flicked over to Charlotte and she pressed a polite smile on her face.
Mrs. Lennox chuckled. “Where are my manners? Allow me to introduce Miss Browne to you. My dear, this is Lord Stanhope. I have known his family for many years.”
“How delightful to meet you, Miss Browne,” Lord Stanhope exuded with easy charm. “I must admit that you look somewhat familiar to me. Is there a chance we have been introduced before?”
Charlotte panicked momentarily before she stamped down the emotion. “I do not think so, Lord Stanhope, but I am very happy to make your acquaintance now.” She dropped her gaze shyly, hoping that the man would accept her words for the truth. Charlotte peeked through her lashes at him.
Lord Stanhope chuckled. “It must be the season wearing on me. Or perhaps it is merely my mind wishing that I had known you previously?”
“Lord Stanhope,” Mrs. Lennox chided the man.
Lord Stanhope gave the older woman an apologetic smile. “Forgive my forwardness, Mrs. Lennox. I did not mean to offend your sensibilities.”
“I fear more for my charge,” Mrs. Lennox said, but her voice held amusement.
