Page 53 of The Viscount and the Vixen
Locksley held her gaze. “Why not?”
“It was to be a gift from your father to your mother.”
“Which he never collected, so it’s merely been sitting here for thirty years.”
She wanted to grab onto his shoulders and shake some sense into him. “Haven’t you a sentimental bone in your body?”
He sighed deeply as though reaching the end of the tether of his patience with her. “Mr.Wortham, has it been paid for?” he called out.
“Yes, m’lord.”
Locksley gave her a pointed look. “It’s impractical to have another one made when we have a perfectly good one sitting here unused.”
“And if your father should happen to see it—”
“That’s not going to happen. There is no reason for him to come into our bedchamber.”
“But should he see it being carted down the hallway to said bedchamber?”
“I doubt he remembers it, Portia. He seldom remembers what day of the week it is.”
“But it was his gift for her.”
Breath rushed out of him on a quick huff. “At least look at it. If it’s hideous we’ll have another crafted.”
Only it wasn’t hideous. It was quite simply the most beautiful piece of furniture she’d ever seen. It had six side drawers, three on each side of the large oval mirror. The mirror’s frame was a circlet of carved roses. The table’s legs were thick and curved, with whittled ribbons of flowers winding around them. “It’s gorgeous.”
“The rosewood gives it an elegant look,” Wortham said.
It was more than the wood. It was all the intricate detailing. “Do you think Lady Marsden knew that something so fine was being made for her?”
“I don’t think so, m’lady.”
“How very sad.”
“We didn’t know what to do with it since his Lordship paid for it. We’ve been keeping it polished and well cared for all these years. A shame for it not to be used.”
She glanced over at Locksley. He was studying the dressing table as though it were merely a block of wood, not something that had been created with a great deal of care. “Your father was very skilled, Mr.Wortham.”
“Aye, m’lady, he was. He would be right pleased to know that it was being appreciated and put to use.”
“I suspect my mother would as well,” Locksley said quietly.
Portia jerked her gaze to him. He merely shrugged. “From what I understand she was a very generous woman. She would hate seeing this piece wasted.”
Portia nodded. “I suppose it makes sense to take it.”
“When can you deliver it, Mr.Wortham?” Locksley asked.
“Tomorrow, m’lord.”
“Very good. I shall be sending you a payment double your usual rate for delivery and I’ll be providing a bonus for the care you’ve given this piece over the years.”
“No need for that, m’lord.”
“There might not be a need for it, but it’s definitely warranted.”
“It’s best not to argue with him,” Portia told Mr.Wortham. “Once he’s set his mind to something he can be quite stubborn.”
