Though he admired the lady’s determination, her unsuitability could not be changed or helped. She merely did not suit. Long tired of the exchange, he shoved to his feet. “Mrs. Munroe, as I said, I am appreciative of your circumstances.” She opened her mouth but then remained blessedly silent, allowing him his piece. “I will pen you a note, ensuring your position is secure at Mrs. Belden’s, however,” he continued over her when she made to protest. “My sister is entirely too spirited for you,” he said with a bluntness that effectively silenced the companion. “I require her wed and the woman you spoke of,” he gave his head a shake, “is not my sister and, therefore, it is necessary that I find a companion who will suit my sister’s temperament,” and who will see Chloe wed when she was determined to do anything but make a match. “Now,” he said, inclining his head, “if you will excuse me?” He marched past the wide-eyed young woman. “I have business to attend to.” He gave another firm tug on the bell-pull.
The door opened immediately and Joseph, with his blessed timing would see a raise in his salary by day’s end, reentered the room. “If you would show Mrs. Munroe to the guest chambers for the evening and have a meal prepared.”
Joseph motioned with his arm for Mrs. Munroe to follow him. With the fire snapping in her eyes, she appeared one more wrong word on his part away from marching over to the scabbard adorning his office wall and slaying him for his efforts. God spare him from any more angry ladies. At least this one, he’d soon be free of.
Then, with a remarkable poise that had likely landed the woman her post at Mrs. Belden’s, she dropped a stiff, deferential curtsy. “My lord,” she said in cold, crisp tones better suited to a queen than a delusional companion. With a final glower, she followed Joseph from the room. The soft click of the door closing behind the retreating Mrs. Munroe echoed loudly in the empty space.
*
By God he’d dismissed her. Not merely dismissed her. Why, the arrogant, emotionless lout had sacked her before she’d started. As Jane marched silently alongside the kind-eyed butler, she gave her head a bemused shake. This was certainly a first in her rather bleak employment history. A nervous laugh bubbled up from her throat and she nearly choked on the half-sob, half-giggle.
The butler cast a sideways glance her way. She braced for the sneering disapproval. Instead, concern filled his old eyes. Fortunately, he said nothing and allowed her the small trace of pride that remained. Their footsteps fell in unison as they moved down the long corridors, past familial portrait after familial portrait of distinguished kin, but for their powdered heads and dated attire, may as well have been the austere Marquess of Waverly for the coldness in their gazes frozen in time.
She fixed on the outrage coursing through her, for it prevented her from giving in to the swiftly rising panic that threatened to consume her. The marquess, of course, didn’t know that returning to Mrs. Belden’s was an impossibility for her because there was no post at the finishing school. Not for one of Jane’s quick tongue. The irony of this moment did not escape her. The demmed marquess had taken her for a spineless, cowardly sort who’d be trampled by his too-spirited sister and that weakness of character touted by Mrs. Belden had seen her sacked before she’d started. That was what happened to those who stole into a stranger’s home and attempted to steal a position of employment.
Jane and the butler walked quietly up a wide, darkened staircase. They reached the landing. The stairs spilled out onto a darkened corridor. She followed the old servant down the hall and then came to stop beside him.
“I have taken the liberty of having your belongings installed in your room.”
Ah, so the butler had anticipated she’d been given a room in the guest chambers. Had he also anticipated that she’d be effectively out of a position before she’d begun? “Thank you, Mr.?” She gave him a gentle look and he started.
A flash of surprise lit his eyes. “Joseph,” he supplied.
Annoyance stirred to life in her breast once more. This was the manner of household that foul beast ran? One in which his servants were unaccustomed to those small courtesies and kindnesses? “Thank you, Joseph.”