Her Officer and Gentleman by Karen Hawkins

Author:Karen Hawkins [Hawkins, Karen]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
ISBN: 9780061746673
Google: S94muVG8Bq4C
Goodreads: 11041688
Published: 2005-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Running a household is rather like running a good military campaign. One should plan well, prepare well, and put all of one’s heart into every effort. It is only through these principles that you shall win every engagement.

A Compleat Guide for

Being a Most Proper Butler

by Richard Robert Reeves

“Oh no,” Beatrice muttered. “I think she’s going to sing again.”

Beth opened the program and ran her finger down the long list, wincing when she reached the center. “Miss Temple has not one, but two more songs.”

“I shall die,” Beatrice groaned. She glanced to her side where Harry sat, legs crossed at the ankle, arms folded across his chest, chin sunk into his cravat as he slept peacefully, his spectacles perched rather precariously on his nose.

She lifted her elbow as if to jab him in the ribs, but stopped just short of it. She sighed and turned to Beth. “I can’t do it. He looks so peaceful.”

“He did come with us though he didn’t wish to,” Beth pointed out. “I think he deserves a nap.”

“We all do,” Beatrice said with some asperity. “Unfortunately not all of us are blessed with the constitution that allows one to sleep through such hideous caterwauling.”

Beth bit her lip. “Miss Temple isn’t that horrid. She’s only a little off-key and then only during the high notes.”

“That last song was made up entirely of high notes and I have the goose bumps to prove it! If I have to listen to any more hideous noise, I shall die. Beth, we made an error coming here!” Beatrice twisted in her chair. “People are leaving in droves. Can’t we just—”

“No. I am not attending the Crossforth Ball. It is fine with me if you and Harry wish to attend it, for I would be perfectly happy just to go home.” An evening of unalleviated peace and quiet seemed just the thing. Not that she’d get much quiet, for London never really went to sleep. She sighed a bit, missing Massingale House and Grandfather in equal amounts.

The last letter she’d received from Grandfather had been as terse as Charlotte’s letter had been long. Beth could tell that Grandfather’s temper was wearing thin and Charlotte was taking the brunt of it. It was a pity they didn’t get along. Thank goodness Lord Bennington was there to take Charlotte out a bit; it would do her a world of good. “I believe I’ll go home now and write Grandfather. I haven’t sent him a letter in a while.”

“You sent him one two days ago. I watched you post it.” Beatrice grimaced as Miss Temple smoothed her gown, preparing herself for another round. “We will stay. Besides, if we were to leave, I’d have to wake Harry, and he gets grouchy if he doesn’t get at least an hour’s nap.”

They suffered through two more musical endeavors by the enthusiastic Miss Temple. Her final note—quavering and shatteringly off-key—pealed through the room, bouncing off the glassware and shimmering like a bloody haze through the minds of the audience.

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