Page 73 of Not Exactly Mr. Darcy
“I wonder what’s happened?”
They closed the door and hurried up the back stairs then through to the Great Hall. They could hear raised voices from within the trustees’ office. A younger man stood waiting outside, clearly embarrassed.
Liam glanced at him and then opened the door without knocking. Inside, Liv had folded her arms as Camilla paced, her voice high pitched.
“… can’tbelieveyou’d accuse me of that.”
“Then why are they all in the bin?” Relief washed over Liv’s face as she noticed him. “I’m really sorry for disturbing you from your duties, but somebody has tried to cause trouble by trying to get rid of my notes.” Her chin pointed to Camilla. “She’s the only person who has ever complained about them.”
“Camilla?” He studied her, his own arms crossed. “Did you do that?”
She eyed him like a sulky child. “It made the place look messy.”
Behind her, Liv’s hands stretched out as she took in a breath and visibly tried to control her temper.
“Camilla, you need to leave,” he said firmly.
“What? You can’t kick me out. I’m the head trustee’s daughter.”
“And this is the office where we are trying to get work done.” At his words, Liv nodded. “Your actions are disrespectful to both Miss Bennett and me.”
“You? I’m not disrespecting you.”
“You are, because I’ve employed Miss Bennett, so when you interfere with her work, you interfere with mine. Now, I’m going to ask George to pack up your things so you can leave.”
“But I don’t want to leave.”
“I don’t want you here.”
Her face looked stricken, and he hardened his heart. Camilla had caused too much trouble as it was. He glanced at Liv. “Are you able to do your work?”
“I was about to check over Drew’s photos.” Her expression held a plea.
Was that an invitation? He’d take it as one, regardless. “I’ll ensure our guest gets packing.”
“But, but—”
“Camilla, it’s time to go. Would you like George to pack for you? I can’t guarantee what state your clothes will be in once she’s done.”
“Fine. I’ll go.” She stamped off, and he realized her heels would likely leave indents in the old floors. So much for her caring for the house.
By the time he’d enlisted George’s gleeful help and returned, it was to find Liv looking over the photos on her laptop, with Drew standing nervously behind her.
She glanced up, her smile and mouthed “thank-you” wrapping warmth around his heart.
“How’s it going in here? Any contenders?”
“Somany. Drew is really good.”
He pulled up a chair and sat near her, barely noticing the photos except they seemed good, noting instead her inhale as he leaned near then the way her arm grazed his before she jerked it away. Interesting.
“Uh, Drew, about the fountain.” She paused on a photo of Camilla lounging along the fountain edge like she was a model. “I’d really like for you to one day get a picture of the Mr. Darcy pose from the movie.”
“Sorry, what movie?”
“Oh my gosh,” Liv murmured, glancing at Liam. “I can’t believe he said that.”
“Drew, we had a production ofPride and Prejudicefilm here a number of years ago. There’s an iconic scene where the hero, Mr. Darcy, kisses the heroine in front of that fountain.”
