Miss Dauntless: Mischief in Mayfair--Book Five by Grace Burrowes

Author:Grace Burrowes [Burrowes, Grace]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Grace Burrowes Publishing
Published: 2022-11-02T00:00:00+00:00

“If we might adjourn to the library?” Tremont asked. The entire table went silent, and a few knowing winks were passed up and down the ranks. He went on as if he were blind to the smiles and smirks. “The fires are lit in there, and the night grows chilly. We’ll want Mrs. Winklebleck and the rest of the staff to join us.”

Tucker stood. “The library it is. I’ll fetch the womenfolk. C’mon, lad.” He held out a hand to Tommie, who scampered out the door with him.

The men doubtless expected an announcement of forthcoming nuptials, but Tremont hadn’t Matilda’s leave to share that good news. The discussion with Tommie had yet to be handled, a special license to be procured, and some sewing to be done.

And more ledgers to review. A simple, happy list. Tremont offered Matilda his arm, and they followed the men down the corridor.

“I do believe Cook’s menus have improved,” Tremont said. “I know table manners are held in much higher regard than they were several weeks ago.”

“‘Please pass the salt’ isn’t complicated,” Matilda replied. “I’m also making progress with those who can’t read. Your men are quick-witted and determined—like you.”

Never in his entire existence had Tremont considered himself quick-witted, though the determination part rang true enough.

“When I’m in Shropshire, I miss them,” Tremont said as they waited for the queue to file into the library. “When I’m in London…”

“You don’t miss Shropshire?”

“Not as I once did. It’s home, and I will delight in showing it to you, but Mama has the place quite in hand. I feel more useful here in London, haranguing Parliament, wheedling the parsons to spruce up their churchyards, and teaching Tommie to skip rocks. I will be content to dwell wherever you please to make our home, but London does have its attractions.”

Matilda gave his hand a surreptitious squeeze.

The rest of the company had shuffled into the library. Tremont remained in the corridor with his intended.

“I did not say this before…” Matilda still had him by the hand, and she had lowered her voice.

“Matilda?” Tremont steeled himself for any announcement—conditions of the betrothal, a change of heart, a request for more time. Matilda had been gracious but distracted all through supper, and Tremont hoped it was his lovemaking on her mind.

She was doubtless fretting over that damned key and that narrow house on the tired lane.

“I am all ears,” he said, taking her free hand. “Though in about one minute, the staff will thunder up the steps, and we will have no privacy whatsoever.”

Matilda leaned near. “I love you.”

Tremont waited, for the but… For the nonetheless… For the however. Delivering good news or compliments first was a rhetorical strategy for ensuring the hearer was paying attention to the subsequent bad news. Good news first also ensured the hearer regarded the speaker benignly when the inevitable reservations or criticisms came along. No fellow tasked with managing subordinates ignored the tactic of delivering the good news first.

“And…?”

“And I cannot wait to be your wife.

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