After reading the letter she handed it to Chandos. “There are apparently several problems with your request.”
He took it from her. It was on a much larger piece of paper than he’d given to the boy. Apparently, they needed to provision the house before he brought a lady to it. Tomorrow, he was told, would be much better, but any time after that, all would be in order. “It’s a good thing we made other plans for this afternoon. They are not prepared.”
Theo appeared slightly aghast. “I beg your pardon. Did you not instruct them to keep everything in readiness for an immediate arrival?”
He appeared chagrined. “To be honest, I don’t remember. I didn’t think I’d need the house again.”
She glanced at him, then at the boy. “What’s your name?”
“Clyde.” He gave her a curious look.
“Clyde, it is nice to meet you. Would you like a job as a running messenger?” He was too young to be a footman, but there were times when one wanted to send a message and not have the servant delivering it in livery. “You would also have the opportunity to learn how to read, write, and add numbers.”
He cast a suspicious look at Leo. “How much ye payin’ me? I got to make sure it’s more than I’m makin’ now. Me ma’s sick.”
Damned if he knew how much to pay the lad. He didn’t even know what his valet received. He glanced at Theo and raised a brow.
She nodded and addressed her attention to the lad. “Clyde, you will be paid twenty pounds a year, in addition to meals, a room if you need it, tea and ale.”
His eyes widened at the amount of money and stayed that way.
“Is that acceptable to you?”
“Aye, me lady.” He nodded enthusiastically. “I can take care of my ma real good.”
“Perhaps we can also do something to help your mother.” Theo gave him a warm smile. “I will make plans to visit her.”
As fast as he’d nodded, he shook his head. “In St. Giles, me lady? It ain’t safe.”
“We will work something out. Now then”—she turned and looked toward the door to the servants’ area where Payne, Jones, and Matson were waiting—“we must be going, but if you come here …” She glanced at Leo with a question in her eyes.
“Have him come to my house. I’ll tell Whiting to take care ofit.”
“Very well.” Her brows drew together. “He might as well come with us. That way it can be done today. And he can sign it.”
“Don’t know how ta write,” Clyde said glumly.
“That is all right. It will be explained to you.” Theo gave him a kind look. “And you will soon learn.”
It occurred to Leo that, unlike Worthington House, and in the homes of the other family members, he didn’t have a schoolroom set up for the younger servants. He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d seen the schoolroom or nursery floor. He did know that it looked nothing like the ones here. The children had given him a tour one day when he was waiting for a meeting to start and Theo was out.
Mick entered the hall. “My lady, your grace, the coach is ready.”
This was it. Leo held out his arm for her. He wondered what Theo would think of his home. He also wondered who he’d have to remind that they worked for him. Not his mother.
Mama’s coach passed as they turned into Park Lane. That was one problem resolved. He felt like a child trying to sneak around so his parents couldn’t find him. It was time to recall that he was the one in charge.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Theo and Chandos held hands in the coach on their way to his house. Her initial impression was that the grounds were in good order. The drive was well kept with no potholes. The hedges were trimmed. It was all neat and tidy, but there was nothing to add a spark of interest. She would have to think about that.
They pulled up in front of the house, and the door opened. A slightly bemused footman stood there. “Your grace, Mr. Hoover did not expect you.”
“That’s fine.” He climbed the steps, still holding Theo’s hand. “Annott, is it?”
He bowed, “Yes, your grace.
Should I get Mr. Hoover?”
