Page 47 of The Viscount and the Vixen
“It’s not as though Havisham is teeming with opportunities for dalliances. Why do you think I traveled the world?”
“For the adventures.”
“Most women are an adventure.”
She began slicing her bacon. “In comparison, I’m certain I pale.”
“Looking for a compliment?”
Lifting her head, she held his gaze, shook her head. “No.”
He might have let it go if he hadn’t known about the ass she’d married. “I’ve never been more intrigued by a woman.”
“But you must have known some exotic women.”
“A few, and if we keep talking about them, perhaps I’ll remember them well enough to change my answer.”
“None were memorable?”
Not since she walked through the door.
Gilbert reentered and set the plate before Locke, then took up his position by the wall. Locke had no desire to discuss his conquests in front of the butler or to give the impression there was a need to reassure his wife. Servants weren’t supposed to have opinions but still he didn’t want the old gent’s censure. He scooped up some egg. “I’ve a need to go to the village. I realize the day is yours and I don’t mean to interfere with that, but I thought you might want to come with.”
He tried to sneak a glance at her face, to judge her reaction, then gave up the pretense of caring about the food on his plate and looked at her directly. He didn’t care for finding her surprise so rewarding.
“I’d like that very much,” she said.
He cared even less for the relief that went through him with her answer. “Good. I thought to place an advert in theVillageCryer, the local newspaper, letting it be known that we’re seeking a couple of maids of all work and some lads to haul things around until you can get in touch with the servant registry office in London in order to hire some proper footmen.”
“You’re hiring servants?”
“I can’t have my wife messing around in the muck. If you’re intent on cleaning the music room, you need someone on hand to do it. And you’ll want to hire a lady’s maid. Mrs.Barnaby shouldn’t be traipsing up and down the stairs with her creaking knees.”
The smile she bestowed upon him made his chest tighten uncomfortably. It was as though she thought he’d bestowed upon her the grandest gift in the world.
“I don’t need to send to London for proper footmen or any servants. I like the notion of hiring locally. I can teach the girls what they need to know—with Mrs.Barnaby’s help, of course.”
Smart girl, to make certain the housekeeper felt useful.
“And Gilbert could teach the lads how a footman behaves. Couldn’t you, Gilbert?” she asked.
In his entire life, Locke had never seen the butler stand so straight. He nodded. “Starting out as a footman here, myself, I welcome the opportunity to keep a couple of lads out of the mines. Lost two brothers to them. They were just boys at the time.”
Sadness touched her eyes. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“I appreciate it, m’lady, but it was nearly forty years ago now.”
“Mining is safer these days,” Locke said.
“It’s never safe when you’re going beneath the ground,” Gilbert grumbled.
“Not contradicting the man who pays your salary, are you, Gilbert?” Locke asked.
“No, m’lord.” He stared straight ahead.
“Are the mines safer?” Portia asked Locke.
“They are, and I don’t allow children to work in them.”
