“Do you like to read?” he asked.
“I do. I’ve never seen so many books before.”
“Well, if this is the house we ultimately choose, you’ll have time to read as many of the books as you like.”
“I’d enjoy that.”
“Shall we explore the kitchen to make sure it’s up to Mrs. Culbert’s standards?” he asked.
That got a chuckle out of her, but no smile yet. He had to work harder.
The below-stairs area turned out to be quite generous. Besides a large prep area and a table big enough for the staff he wanted to hire to eat at, there was a larder, small offices for the housekeeper and butler, and three bedchambers.
“These rooms will be perfect for Mrs. Culbert andBeckwith,” she said, peeking into one of the bedchambers.
“Indeed. There’s even a bedchamber for a housekeeper.”
Being so close to Miss Parker near the bedchambers, Jacob had a hard time controlling the urge to kiss her. With a bed so readily available, his thoughts were turning to more carnal adventures. What would she look like with her hair down and spread across the pillows? He had to step away from her before he did something he’d regret.
“This space is certainly big enough for the additional staff I’ll need to hire.”
222
Audrey had to admitthat so far, this house seemed perfect. She was trying to keep her attention on inspecting the house, but Lord Fletcher’s nearness had her pulse racing. She inhaled his scent of orange and bergamot, and it was intoxicating. She wanted to step closer to him and just breathe. Her cheeks warmed at the direction of her thoughts, and she was hoping he wouldn’t notice when he suddenly stepped away.
“Miss Parker, are you well? You look quite flushed,” Lord Fletcher said.
She was mortified that her emotions were so transparent, and her cheeks felt hotter than before. “I’m fine. Maybe a bit warm down here, that’s all.”
“I agree. Shall we head upstairs and check on your sisters?”
Audrey nodded and brushed past him on the wayto the stairs. It took every ounce of her willpower not to step into his arms. What was wrong with her? She’d never had such wanton thoughts before.
They made their way up the stairs to the second level, where they found Grace and Mia inspecting the family parlor, which was cozy but still large enough for all of them.
“Mama’s portrait would look wonderful hanging in here,” Grace said.
“Yes, I agree,” Audrey said. “Shall we check out the bedchambers?”
Grace and Mia scurried out of the room to check them out. There were six bedchambers in total, four on one side of the hallway and the other two on the same side as the family parlor. There would be plenty of chambers for each sister to have her own space, as close or as far away from each other as they wished.
“This shall be my bedchamber,” Mia exclaimed when Audrey and Lord Fletcher found her and Grace in the first bright and airy room. The walls were painted a soft peach, and ivory silk drapes framed the windows. The light-colored wood of the bed, armoire, and vanity table added to the room’s femininity.
“My dear, Lord Fletcher hasn’t decided on this house yet,” Audrey said. “We must be patient until the house tour is finished.”
“I know, but this room is so perfect for me.”
Audrey nodded. “I understand, but let’s check out the other rooms first. You may change your mind.”
Audrey and Lord Fletcher left the two sisters to explore the rooms on the left side of the hallway while they walked down the hallway to the next room on the right.
When they opened the door and went inside, Audrey was impressed with the size of the room. This must be the lord’s bedchamber, with the large mahogany bed dominating the room. There was a writing desk on the far wall and a pair of wing chairs in front of the fireplace. There was also a dressing room, a bathing chamber, as well as a room for a future valet through a connecting door. Seeing one more door located on the side of the fireplace wall, Audrey opened it and found herself in a cozy sitting area. There was another door on the far wall.
“Oh, this is a lovely sitting room,” she said, looking back to see if Lord Fletcher had followed her. She inhaled sharply when she found him standing nearly right behind her. She hadn’t heard his footsteps.
“It is indeed, but not as lovely as you, Miss Parker.”
She felt overwhelmed by his closeness—her heart was beating rapidly, and she had those familiar flutterings in her belly, as if a dozen butterflies had taken up residence there. It was so unusual for her to feel this way, but the more time she spent with Lord Fletcher, the more time she wanted. “Thank you, my lord. That’s very kind of you to say.”
