Free 080072089X (R) by Ruth Axtell Page B

move aside.”
    Her lips flattened, her eyes mere slits. She finally took a step back.
    As he passed, she hissed, “If you wish me to be quiet, it will cost you something.” The “something” came out sounding like “somesing.”
    Rees stopped halfway through the doorway. “I beg your pardon?”
    She tossed her head. “You understand me!”
    Perspiration began to roll down the center of his back. He lifted his chin. “I have no idea what you are implying. Good day.” He left her and strode out of the dining room and through the kitchen, not stopping until he reached the wine cellar, his heart thundering in his chest.
    He’d have to think of a plausible excuse if the maid told Gaspard or Lady Wexham of his snooping. He had no doubt that she would tell one or both of them, since he hadn’t stooped to bribery. Not that he hadn’t considered it for a split second. But her offer probably consisted of more than just money. And it would probably buy him little security. She would be the kind to play both sides.
    How soon would she tell her mistress? He could brush Gaspard off with some haughty tale of inspection and tell him his room was a disgrace.
    But as for Lady Wexham—Rees imagined the polite look of inquiry in her brandy-hued eyes. He’d have to elaborate on the inspection excuse, make something up about touring all the servant’s quarters—that it was part of the under-butler’s regular duties at Telford House.
    He ran a hand along his collar, his neck cloth constricting him. Would she believe such a flimsy explanation?

6
    C éline returned exhausted from a short trip to Hookman’s Library and some of the shops on Bond Street. She still had to change for dinner and Almack’s later in the evening for her niece’s debut there. Perhaps she’d have enough time for a cup of tea and a quick nap.
    MacKinnon opened the door for her, relieving her of her packages as soon as he had closed the door behind her.
    He placed them on the side table and took her gloves. “Thank you,” she murmured.
    She unbuttoned her pelisse. “Send a footman up with my parcels. Tell Valentine I’m home. And please request a cup of tea from the kitchen.”
    He helped her off with the pelisse. “Yes, my lady.”
    “Thank you.” For some unaccountable reason, her cheeks felt warm. Perhaps because she found herself standing so close to her butler. He had such penetrating gray eyes. They were almost silver. Her gaze moved downward over his features, his straight nose and firm lips to his strong chin. A small pale scar like the slimmest of new moons drew her gaze. The crescent was on one side of his chin, partly under it . . . yet instead of marring his features, it added to his attractiveness.
    “My lady?”

    Her gaze flew to his before she pivoted away from him, flustered that she’d been caught staring. She directed her attention to untying her bonnet though her fingers fumbled with the knot.
    “You had several calls while you were out. And Lady Agatha wishes to see you.”
    “What?” His words served to snap her out of the strange spell he seemed to wrap her in. Silly woman. She was no longer an impressionable young girl making her debut.
    With a glance at the full tray of calling cards, she headed toward the staircase. “Very well, bring them up to me with the tea. I shall look through them in my room.” She sighed. “Tell Lady Agatha I shall be in my room.”
    Once in her room, she sat in a comfortable armchair and removed her half boots. In a few minutes Valentine knocked softly and entered.
    She knelt by Céline and took over the task. “The tea will be up shortly.”
    “Good, I’m parched. My, but shopping is exhausting, especially when one must stop every few feet and greet someone or other of one’s acquaintances.”
    Once she was comfortably attired in a silk peignoir, another knock signaled Sally, who brought in the tea tray. Obviously, Virginia was still staying out of Valentine’s sight.
    Valentine met