Page 47 of Three Weeks with a Princess
Mama had made that clear when she visited yesterday. Her lack of support had wounded Lia more than she wanted to admit. She could almost believe her mother would prefer her to become a courtesan rather than have a flourishing career on the stage.
“Perhaps she wishes for a more settled life for her daughter,” Chloe said gently. “One better suited to her nature.”
“I’m not sure of her reasoning,” Lia said, trying not to sound bitter. “In any case, while I cannot be a governess, I do have experience dealing with children. Sir Dominic, I just suggested to Aunt Chloe that she consider taking me on as a nursemaid or companion to the children in her establishment.”
“I think we can do better than that,” Dominic said, strangely echoing his wife. Lia was just as irritated the second time she heard it.
“Yes, I will not have Lia thinking she needs to go into service,” Chloe said.
“There’s nothing wrong with going into service in a good household,” Lia protested.
“I agree,” Chloe said, “and I have a great deal of respect for those who do so. But that is not what your family wishes for you. Nor, might I add, have you been raised to lead such a life. I suspect you would find it difficult.”
“I’m not afraid of hard work.”
“I’m sure you’re not, but Will Endicott would have my head if I allowed his sister to go into service,” Dominic said. “Even into our service.”
Lia flopped her hands into the air. “Then what in heaven’s name am I to do? I must take care of my grandmother.”
“Then you’ll be happy to hear we do have a plan for that. Along with the Duke and Duchess of Leverton, we’re going to introduce you into society,” Chloe said, sounding as if she were giving Lia a wonderful treat. “Given our unique positions and personal histories, we’re all very well aware of the obstacles facing you. And we know how to overcome them.”
It took Lia a few seconds to find her voice. Chloe and Dominic waited patiently, making no attempt to rush her.
“Why would you want to introduce me into society?” she finally managed.
“Why wouldn’t we?” Dominic answered with maddening calm.
Lia could think of a hundred reasons, but a knock on the front door interrupted the discussion.
“Ah, that will be Jack,” Dominic said, “arriving just in time for the tea tray.”
As if on cue, the door opened and a footman carried in a large tray. A few moments later, Smithwell, the butler, ushered Jack into the room.
Dominic rose, as did Lia, who pinned a smile on her face even though she felt almost light-headed with nerves. She wasn’t used to feeling rattled in Jack’s company and she found the sensation both irritating and alarming.
“Don’t get up, Lia,” Jack said. Taking her arm, he gently steered her back to the chaise. The warmth of his large hand through the thin fabric of her sleeve made her clumsy and she stumbled slightly.
“I’m fine really,” she said, sinking down.
“You seem rather wobbly to me.” He shot Dominic a scowl. “Should she even be out of bed? Has she seen the doctor today?”
Lia rolled her eyes. “Good Lord, you’re worse than Granny.”
His gaze shot back to her. “Someone has to take care of you; you seem incapable of doing it yourself.”
She sighed. The bear with the sore paw had obviously resurfaced. “If you’re going to be such a scold, you can leave right now.”
“I assure you, Lia is on the mend,” Chloe said. “The doctor saw her yesterday and pronounced her free of infection.”
“There, you see?” Lia said. “Now, stop fussing like a nervous bachelor and sit down, please.”
He seemed inclined to argue, but then his strong mouth curved into a rueful smile. It made her heart catch with a staccato rhythm that almost hurt.
“My apologies,” he said, “but you were quite sick, pet, and you never get sick. I was worried about you.”
“I know, and I’m sorry for that, but everything’s fine.” She patted the cushion beside her. “Why don’t you sit with me and we’ll have a nice cup of tea and a cozy chat.”
“Now you’re just humoring me like I’m some sort of half-wit.”
