Page 26 of The Wise Daughter
“Please remember in the future, Carver, that you are to wait for permission before you stampede into my bedchamber.”
Carver released an impatient sigh. “Forgive me, Your Grace, but I am overcome with urgency to help you.”
“No need. Garner has already been.”
“That is not the sort of help I was referring to. I’m talking about your future. I would have come earlier had I not been ordered to tend to Mr. Lacy’s needs today.”
Was that resentment in Carver’s voice? His cheeks drooped. His face was flushed, and his brow was stern. Aaron knew exactly what Carver wanted to discuss, but he had another idea.
“Carver, I was ready to retire for the night, but since you’re here, could you explain to me why my mother’s music room looks like it has been abandoned?”
“Oh.” Carver smoothed his waistcoat before answering, a habit Aaron had learned meant Carver was gathering his thoughts. “I hadeverything removed when the fireplace was cleaned. I was worried about the mess and didn’t want any of the instruments or furnishings damaged.”
“So they’re still in this castle?”
“Of course. I should also warn you that I think the chimney sweep might be our thief. He was behaving very strangely when he was here.”
“Hmm. Then we should keep our eye on him. I believe there are multiple thieves, Carver.” Aaron didn’t dare explain how four men had attacked him, but he didn’t need to. Even without knowing there were at least four, he had suspected multiple thieves.
“I’m sure you’re right, Your Grace.”
“I want my mother’s music room restored exactly as it was before.”
“Yes, yes. I’ll see to all that. What I came to talk to you about was the Lacy’s. I’m shocked you haven’t dismissed them yet.”
Aaron very nearly dismissed Carver without another word, but this was a conversation he had known was coming. He saw no point in delaying the inevitable. “Why would I dismiss them right after I proposed to Miss Lacy?”
Carver pinched the bridge of his nose. “You must be suffering some ailment, perhaps, or the start of a fever. What can you possibly be thinking?”
“Right now, I’m considering calling for another helping of supper. Mrs. Bloom’s roasted pheasant was inspired, and your interruption has made me want to sink my teeth into something.” Aaron flung the cloth he had used into the basin and folded his arms.
“I cannot believe you would make such a rash decision, Your Grace.”
“I know I don’t usually indulge in extra servings this late.” Aaron slapped his stomach. “But I’m as fit as ever, so I wouldn’t exactly call it a rash decision.”
Carver breathed through his nose, his nostrils flaring. “I’m glad to see you can jest about your current predicament, but we must discuss what happened last night. One look at Miss Lacy, and now you want to marry her? What do we know of her or her father? What was the cause of their supposed downfall? I owe it to your father to guide you in these important decisions. I cannot let you risk your good name for the sake of a stranger, especially when there are ladies of higher standing with more impressive reputations.”
“Thank you, Carver, but I care little for reputations.”
“You cannot mean that.”
“I assure you, I do.”
“You are the Duke of Ravenglass! Who you marry carries great significance. We must not be hasty.”
“Certainly not, which is why Miss Lacy and I shall take time over the next month to become better acquainted with one another.”
Tension rippled down Carver’s shoulders. “Fine. A month, at least. We’ll take our time. Let us wait the month before announcing the engagement, assuming we still want to move forward with the scheme. A great deal can change in a month.”
Aaron looked Carver in the eye. “You do understand thatIam making the decision, Carver, notwe?”
Carver released another controlled breath. “Of course, Your Grace. Forgive my turn of speech. I only meant to suggest that I intend to be here guiding you as always, as your father wanted. I only wish to reassure you that it is perfectly acceptable if you have a change of heart before the month is over.”
“And it’s perfectly pleasing if I don’t.” Aaron was only partially successful at holding back a smirk. “In any event, I’ve already sent the announcement to the papers. The news will be all over London soon and, by extension, the entire country if the gossips are as quick about it as I hear they are.”
“You’ve already sent… Before consulting me?” Never had Carver sounded so insulted or appalled. “In all my years, I’ve never known you to act like this, Your Grace. Are you really so starved for female companionship? I thought we had a plan for this. Have I somehow failed you or made you doubt my abilities?”
Aaron placed a consoling hand on his steward’s shoulder. Carver truly looked hurt.
