HIS MERRY HOUSEKEEPER By Cerise DeLand
Lord Bettington in Number 42 Dudley Crescent needs a new housekeeper. Because his three raucous motherless sons constantly create chaos, he requires someone bold to tamp down his boys’ hijinks.
But the earl wants so much more. He has ordered his young chatelaine, Miss Winifred Mathers, up from his country estate to take charge. Lovely Winn has won his heart.
But can he win her mind if Winn knows the ton will oppose her wedding the only man she’s ever loved?
Excerpt from His Merry Housekeeper
He ran both hands through his hair. He was done arguing with her! “Very well. Stay until Advent is over. Go back to him then. And take your salary. Give what you will to your father. I am sure Detwiler will be thrilled with a subtantial bridal dowry.”
She blinked, angry with insulted. “He asks for nothing.”
“I bet.”
“You know, sir, you are not nice when you are angry.”
He fumed. But he had her. “Remember that unlike Detwiler, I am slow to anger, my dear.”
She stomped her foot. “I won’t accept your overblown salary.”
“Detwiler won’t like extra money?” he chided her. That man was as bad as her father looking for money in every cubbyhole.
“That’s outrageous, Wal… Sir.”
“I’ll pay it, Winn. Stay.”
He watched her as wheels turned in her head. Her father happy. Her husband to be, thrilled.
She scowled at him. “When it ends I go then.”
“Ah, really? On Christmas Day? It is so sad for anyone to travel on Christmas Day. I cannot let you go then.” If ever. But I see I must try to make my case in ten days.
“I must go home. My father loves Christmas and I must be with him. Plus, I have to manage Christmas at The Grange.”
“With your efficiency, I am certain they all know what to do without you, Miss Mathers.” He took both her hands again in gentle warmth. His hold had her knees melting. “Stay with us. Celebrate Christmas.”
She locked her dark gaze on his and he knew she looked for reassurance he would keep his hands—and his lips—to himself.“The day afterward, I return to Bettington Grange.”
“Of course,” he said.
But she narrowed her eyes at his tone.
She did not trust him.
And she shouldn’t.