Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
“I explained to you last night there were to be no princesses in attendance,” Alice said with a nod.
Emma huffed in what I assumed was annoyance at Alice being correct and took another drink of her hot chocolate. “I bet princesses eat jam and biscuits when they want to,” she told no one in particular but scowled at the food on her plate.
“I will see if we can arrange for jam and biscuits for your breakfast tomorrow,” I finally said before Alice began to scold her again.
Alice then scowled at me in disapproval. “Miss Emma needs to learn she cannot demand things,” she said tightly.
I shrugged. “It is just jam and biscuits, Alice.”
“I understand that, my lord, however it starts with small things. Soon she will be demanding new gowns and jewels.”
“I will not! I don’t want more gowns or silly jewels. I am but four, Alice,” Emma stated with a pinched frown. “I would like more hot chocolate.”
I covered my mouth with my napkin and masked my laughter with a cough for fear Alice may strike me if I encouraged Emma’s way with words.
Alice let out a sigh of irritation and left the dining room with a whoosh of her skirts. Emma knew exactly how to set her governess off and at such a tender age, I found that to be a strong quality for the future. There would never be a man or woman that would break Emma’s spirit. It was something I was grateful for, considering the life she lived before she was brought to my doorstep.
“Is Alice fetching me more hot chocolate?” Emma asked with an angelic smile on her face that Alice referred to as deceptive.
“I find that very unlikely, my dear,” I replied.
Emma sighed and looked back down at her food. “Hot chocolate would make my eggs easier to eat.”
“When did you decide you didn’t like eggs?” I asked her, knowing full well she had been eating them every morning for months.
She lifted her tiny chin and straightened her shoulders as she met my gaze. “When Alice allowed me to have jam and biscuits with my tea. I do love jam and biscuits.”
Mrs. Barton, the housekeeper, emerged from the door that led directly to the kitchen. She was carrying a small tray in her hands and there was an obvious glint in her eyes. I did not need to see the tray to know what would be upon it. Emma had won over my housekeeper almost immediately. She was no doubt the reason Emma had been given the jam and biscuits with her tea.
“Good morning, my lord,” she said with a small tilt of her head then walked over to stand beside Emma. I gave her a slight nod of approval as she waited for me to allow her to proceed. I doubted she’d care if I didn’t approve the treat for Emma. She took this job only after making sure I understood she would expect Emma to behave as if she were in fact the legitimate daughter of an Earl. It was clear Alice wanted Emma to have a life fitting my rank and when the time came be accepted into society. I understood this and respected it. However, it made for an odd relationship between the two of us.
“Oh, thank you, Mrs. Barton!” Emma squealed with delight as the hot chocolate was placed before her and the eggs and ham replaced with jam and biscuits.”
“You’re welcome, Miss Emma. No need to worry about your figure just yet is there.” She gave Emma a wink then stepped back with the unwanted food and left the room.
Emma smiled brightly over at me. “Mrs. Barton is my favorite in the world.”
“I can accept that,” I replied. “She is indeed a wonderful housekeeper.”
“She is my friend,” Emma corrected me.
“Yes, indeed. I believe she is the truest of friends,” I agreed.
We had found a balance within these walls. Emma had brought light and energy to the everyday schedule. Finding the right countess that would fit effortlessly into the household was important. Lydia Ramsbury had appeared to be all I had believed last night. However, she was a touch too quiet, too agreeable and I feared that Emma may be too much of a personality for Miss Ramsbury.
Possibly, I was judging her unfairly, simply because my attention had been elsewhere. Miss Miriam Bathurst had been difficult to ignore. Even after she had made it clear she wasn’t interested in my title or my attention. Smiling into my cup, I imagined her meeting Emma. I had no doubt the two would be quite a pair.
I knew little of Miss Bathurst, but I was going to rectify that today. I could not settle on Lydia Ramsbury until I was sure she was the match I, no make that the match… Emma required.