Not Like a Lady by Judith Lynne

Author:Judith Lynne [Lynne, Judith]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Judith Lynne Books
Published: 2019-10-15T04:00:00+00:00

“Who sent you, now? What’s your name again? And you’re to do what?”

The young man didn’t let Michael’s gruffness faze him. “Blake Leighton, sir, and Miss Stapleton had sent an inquiry into town regarding a secretary. My father thought I might do.”

“Griggs, where is Miss Stapleton now?”

“The kitchen, sir, but I can’t recommend that you go there right now.”

Michael was grateful for his quick-rolling cart as he zoomed past Mrs. Allenby and Mrs. Peterborough in the drawing room, but felt it was less sanguine as he approached the kitchen and the noise therein.

When he opened the door, the increase in the noise level was considerable.

“I’ve had that dishtub since I came here! It’s been that way in the Grantley house for as long as anyone can remember! You’ve no reason to go and change Sir Michael’s house, you trumped-up –”

Before Michael could interject, Letty interrupted very smoothly.

“Mr. Staffer, you see what’s needed here – perhaps you can please do the rest of the work in the garden? It’s right through there and outside. Thank you. Sarah, please stop waving your apron around your head and go back to cleaning. Yes, please tidy the rooms upstairs. Mrs. Dunphy – how do you feel about cats?”

That stout woman paused and half-hissed, truly as if the air had been let out of her. “Cats?” Her tone was half-suspicious, half-yearning.

“I have two new arrivals in the stable, and Anthony tells me they are unhappy with their new home. They need more food, Mrs. Dunphy, and perhaps you’d be willing to spend a little time with them and help them get settled in.”

“I like cats,” said the cook, eyes darting about the kitchen. The breakfast being over, she was already ready to serve a light lunch at any time and the dinner was well on its way, simmering on the hearth – and she couldn’t wash dishes from breakfast without her dishtub.

“Would you please visit the cats and help them get settled? Whatever time you think you can spend. There’s no hurry. They’re not going anywhere.”

Something about the way Letty said that made Michael feel as though perhaps Letty meant more by it. As though those cats were going to be permanent residents, and that she would damned well see to it.

Which gave him a curious feeling but he didn’t have time to name it before she was turning her attention on him.

“Sir Michael. I assume you are here regarding your new secretary.”

“Indeed.” The boy was gawking at the scene in the kitchen past his shoulder even now.

“Mr. Leighton. I’m sure your father told you this position would only be per Sir Michael’s approval, and on a trial basis, as it were. You do understand, do you not? You will not hold it against Sir Michael if it becomes clear that his work methods do not admit you as a secretary?”

“Oh yes miss, no hard feelings,” said the boy, who was practically climbing up on Michael’s rolling cart to see more of the kitchen.

“Then why

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