The Highborn Housekeeper (Saved From Disgrace Book 3) by Sarah Mallory

Author:Sarah Mallory [Mallory, Sarah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Regency & Victorian Romance, London Society, England & Britain, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Hearts Desire, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Sensual Story Theme, Saved From Disgrace Series
Publisher: Harlequin Historical; Original Edition
Published: 2019-07-01T04:00:00+00:00

* * *

When Nancy went down to breakfast the following morning, it appeared that her plan had worked. She found the Earl deep in conversation with his fiancée. They broke off when she came in, but she had barely taken her place at the table when the Earl addressed her.

‘I was discussing with Susan how best you can make yourself useful.’

He sounded much more cheerful this morning and was clearly reconciled to her remaining at Masserton, at least for the present.

‘Of course, Father. If there is anything I can do...’

‘Well, as a matter of fact there is.’ Lady Craster spread butter on a hot muffin with small, precise strokes of the knife. ‘You may help me with the final arrangements for the ball next week. Goodness knows I do not want one, but your father insists we invite everyone in the neighbourhood with any claim to gentility.’

‘Aye, I do. If I’m taking a wife, then they all need to know of it. You’ve been here for over three months now and scarce know anyone.’

‘But, my dear Hugh, you know I came here to be with you, not to be gadding about visiting all and sundry. And I have been very busy, all the decorating, I have not wanted to invite anyone to call...’

‘That’s as may be,’ muttered the Earl. ‘But I don’t care to be on a bad footing with any of my neighbours.’

Susan tried, but not very hard, to hide a sigh. ‘Apart from the odd baron, a couple of knights and a few baronets, there will be no one of higher rank than your father, which is a great pity, but there you are.’

The Earl waved his fork at her. ‘I told you we might invite the militia, if you wanted to fill your rooms, my dear.’

The lady wrinkled her dainty nose. ‘I am not desperate to fill the house with young officers who have been starved of good company. No, this ball is for your neighbours, my dear, and we shall keep it so. Perhaps, Lady Ann, after breakfast you will attend me in the morning room and we will discuss what still needs to be done. Then you may relay my instructions to the staff. I find these country folk do not always seem to know what is expected of them and Mrs Crauford is really too old to be a housekeeper, but there, your father is adamant she must stay.’

‘Aye,’ growled the Earl. ‘Crauford has been here for as long as I can remember. Why, she was a maid here in my father’s time and I ain’t having her pensioned off. No question of it.’

‘Quite, my dear.’ Susan’s smile was thin. She turned back to Nancy. ‘So you see how useful you will be, Lady Ann. I shall leave it to you to make sure my orders are understood and carried out.’

‘Of course, ma’am. I shall be delighted to help.’

Nancy smiled. It could not be better. Running errands would give her the perfect excuse to go to all corners of the house.

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