Free Not Quite Darcy by Terri Meeker Page A

incomprehensible way of talking. And this morning…well it was the final straw.”
    â€œWhat did she do?”
    â€œShe went and hung the wet laundry out to dry in the yard, not on the porch like anyone with half a brain in her head would know to do.”
    â€œI’m sorry to hear you are dissatisfied, Mrs. McLaughlin. It’s most unfortunate.”
    His clear lack of alarm at Bessie’s failings seemed to trim the older woman’s sails. She pressed on, undaunted. “Unfortunate, sir? I should think it’s a bit beyond that. Our sheets are completely ruined. They’ll have to be rewashed—start to finish. I’m afraid something will have to be done, sir.”
    One thing about Mrs. McLaughlin—she didn’t dance around. “You’d like me to dismiss Bessie?”
    â€œI would, sir. I’d do it myself, but I thought since you were the one doing the hiring, I ought to get your approval first.”
    To be fair, he could understand his housekeeper’s frustration. Remembering the bright spark of a girl darting around the library the other night, he couldn’t imagine what she must be like in a kitchen. It would be fearful and wonderful to behold. Still, she was learning, wasn’t she? Whenever he ran into her, she’d been trying so hard. She’d been such a lift for his mother. And even though Mrs. McLaughlin might have an iron fist when it came to the staff, when it came to his mother, she had a heart of goose down.
    â€œI understand your concerns regarding her household duties, Mrs. McLaughlin. But I must confess that my primary concern in employing Bessie was in relation to her nursing duties. And in that regard, I am most satisfied with her. She’s done a world of good for Mother already.”
    â€œHas she, truly?” Mrs. McLaughlin’s face softened as he hoped it would.
    William nodded, relieved he could at least be honest in this. “I’ve not seen Mother so happy in nearly a year.”
    â€œWell…then.” Mrs. McLaughlin ceased murdering her poor apron and looked at the ground, considering the edge of the carpet for a moment.
    â€œI understand that Bessie may have some struggles, but you’ve managed to train quite a few new girls in your time here. I would think that another one, even an American, would be a task which you are quite capable of managing. Especially since it would be such a benefit for Mother.” When Mrs. McLaughlin didn’t respond, William pressed his case. “Do you think you could give her another month?”
    Mrs. McLaughlin pursed her lips. “Of course, sir. If it’s in the best interest of the missus, naturally I can.”
    â€œWonderful.” William clapped his hands together and took a step toward the door in an effort to end the conversation as quickly as possible.
    Mrs. McLaughlin followed him into the entrance hall. “I’ll have a word with Bessie about this though, sir. Give her a last warning, so to speak, as soon as she returns.”
    â€œReturns? From where?” William asked.
    Mrs. McLaughlin gave him a patient look. “From the back garden. She’s pulling the sheets now.”
    â€œIn this downpour?” The rain had been falling in buckets when he’d arrived. The back garden, unprotected from the southerly winds, would be a maelstrom of biblical proportions.
    William snatched his umbrella from the stand and stepped past Mrs. McLaughlin, heading for the rear of the house.
    â€œSir, you can’t,” Mrs. McLaughlin said.
    â€œI just came in from the rain. I assure you a few more minutes of dampness won’t ruin me. Please, return to your duties in the kitchen and I’ll handle this. I insist upon it.”
    â€œBut…sir.” Mrs. McLaughlin’s cheeks glowed in frustration.
    â€œMrs. McLaughlin, as you already mentioned, I hired Bessie personally. Since I brought her into our home, I feel responsible