Free Fascination -and- Charmed by Stella Cameron Page A

down to sit beside her.
    “You are my sweet lamb,” Mama said, patting Grace’s hands. “Kiss me and promise you’ll allow yourself to be guided by one much older and wiser.”
    Again Grace did as she was told and breathed in the rose-scented warmth of a rare embrace. She did love Mama. And she did want to be the one to provide for her and make her proud.
    “Ye called, Mrs. Wren?”
    At Mr. McWallop’s firm, deep voice, Grace sat up. Mama opened her fan. “Indeed. And you came almost before Grace finished ringing.”
    “Florence brought me your message a while since. I’d retired to my quarters for the evenin’. It’s usual for guests to call on Shanks or Mrs. Moggach. Or it would be if we ever had guests. I answer to his lordship.”
    Grace held her breath and dared not look at her parent.
    “In that case I am deeply appreciative of your making a special effort to give us some time.”
    There appeared to be no false note in Mama’s voice.
    “The tone of your request suggested we’d as well take the measure of one another smartly.”
    “I always admire a man with sound judgment and
    foresight. Did I not tell you that Mr. McWallop was just such a man, Grace?”
    “Mm.” Grace looked at the man’s face and decided he was handsome in a ruddy, exceedingly physical sort of way. “Mama said as much.”
    There was a slight relaxing of Mr. McWallop’s rigid, square-shouldered stance. “Verra generous of ye, ma’am.” He actually smiled—directly at Mama—crinkling the corners of dark brown eyes in a quite pleasing manner.
    “Don’t mention it, Mr. McWallop. Grace wanted to speak with you about certain household matters.”
    Grace turned sharply to Mama.
    “Yes. She is—as you will discover—industrious and very, very observant. And she is a stickler where matters of household efficiency and appropriate management are concerned:”
    Mr. McWallop looked at Grace.
    Grace stared hard at her mother.
    “Every room in this establishment requires a thorough cleaning,” Mama said.
    Mr. McWallop’s impressive red brows drew together. “Is that a fact?”
    “It is indeed. Ask Grace. And meals are served at totally erratic hours, and they are of indifferent quality. Also there needs to be attention to fires—they are frequently allowed to burn low, and the servants in general appear a surly, untidy group badly in need of discipline and a good bath!”
    “Mama!”
    “Isn’t that so, Grace?”
    Really, Mama could go too far. “You have said that Kirkcaldy rarely has visitors. I have no doubt that our sudden appearance has caused unexpected stress on the staff,” Grace temporized.
    “Aye.” McWallop did not appear mollified.
    “Grace—”
    “My mother and I are still recovering from our long and arduous journey. Forgive us if we seem less than gracious.”
    “Grace Charlotte!”
    “I should particularly like to commend the choice of Mairi as my maid. She is industrious and intelligent, and I am delighted with her.”
    “Thank ye, miss.”
    “Really,” Mama said darkly. “You must take the reins at once, Grace.”
    “That is not possible, Mama.”
    “As the marquess’s wife, it is your duty to do so.”
    “I am not the marquess’s wife.”
    “You will be very soon.”
    Grace tried to avoid Mr. McWallop’s eyes. “This is an inappropriate moment to discuss—”
    The door sweeping wide open to reveal Mr. Innes stopped Grace in midsentence. He entered the room and stood before them. Once more his smile failed to reach his dark eyes. “You sent for me, Mrs. Wren? One of the maids found me, and she seemed exceedingly distressed.”
    Grace’s limbs felt unaccountably weak.
    “My daughter sent for you,” Mama announced, letting Grace know that yet again her parent was manipulating events. “She wishes to know exactly what is the marquess’s current condition.”
    “I see.” Mr. Innes clasped his hands behind his back. “I think the best way to describe the marquess at this time would be