They went on to view the other rooms on that floor and descended to the next level. He shouldn’t have been surprised by her attention to each little detail, but he was. Leo thought she would become bored long before they reached the kitchen and cellars. Once they reached the main areas, she made a point of greeting all the servants she saw and asking their names. To a one, they appeared to be genuinely surprised to see her and discover that she and Leo were to be wed. It was probably his fault. In truth, he’d not been home much at all since they’d become engaged. He hadn’t even told his secretary. They had reached the servants’ hall when they ran into their first bit of resistance. Swisher had returned.
The second she saw him, her jaw dropped, and an unpleasant expression entered her eyes. “Your grace, why are you down here?”
Normally, that would have been a fair question. He’d never been below stairs before. He turned to Theo. “My love, allow me to present Swisher, our housekeeper. Swisher, my betrothed, Lady Theo Vivers.”
Theo held out her hand. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Do I take it that you were not aware of our engagement?”
Swisher just looked at Theo’s hand for a moment before taking it. “Her grace mentioned something about it. I didn’t expect to see you for a few weeks.”
“I understand. Her grace wanted to wait for some time before escorting me herself on a tour of the house. However, the wedding is in two weeks. There is too much to do to wait to perform such an important task.”
“Yes, my lady. If I’d known you were coming, I would have been here.”
“I appreciate that. Jaynes has done an admirable job taking notes, as has my maid, Payne.” Theo inclined her head to the housekeeper.
Leo was certain there was some sort of female power struggle going on that he didn’t understand. As his duchess, Theo would be in control of the house. Wouldn’t the servants understand that and obey her?
After several moments, Swisher dropped her gaze. “Very good, my lady.”
Theo smiled, but the expression was one that left no doubt she would be in charge. “I do not have time at present to inspect the linens. You should know that I will be changing several things in the house. We will begin as soon as we are able. While I am at it, is there anything in your quarters that you would like to refresh?”
For the first time, the housekeeper relaxed. “Yes, my lady. The curtains and bed cover are very old.”
“Excellent. When Mrs. Rollins comes with her fabric books you may choose what you like.”
“Thank you, my lady.” The corners of Swisher’s lips rose slightly.
“You may also join us as we discuss what else should be done.”
Swisher finally decided to curtsey. “Would you like me to show you around these rooms and to the kitchen?”
“Yes, please.” This time, Theo’s smile was warm. “I would appreciate that.”
They toured the servants’ hall, and she met his chef de cuisine, André, who as far as Leo was concerned was being far too charming. He’d be glad when they were done. He was getting hungry, and he’d been invited to her house for dinner.
They returned to the hall. “Are we done?”
“Almost.” She kissed him on the cheek. “I would like to meet your secretary, I also have not seen my footman recently.”
“I know where they are, my lady. I’ll go get him,” one of the younger footmen to whom Theo had spoken earlier said.
“Thank you … Paulie, is it not?”
The lad blushed. “Yes, my lady.”
“Come.” Leo took her hand. “I’ll make Whiting known to you.”
“I have been looking forward to meeting him.”
Thus far, Leo had shown her all the rooms with the exception of his study and his secretary’s office. And his bedchamber. Two more weeks, and she’d be living there with him. Unless they took a honeymoon. The only questions were if to take one and where to go. Her brothers suggested that if he wanted to go to Paris to wait until autumn. What Leo really wanted was to have her to himself for a while.
They entered Whiting’s office. “Good afternoon.”
He immediately stood. “Your grace. Lady Theo, I presume.”
Her eyes danced as her lips tipped up. “Mr. Whiting. A pleasure to meet you.”
He bowed. “The pleasure is all mine. I take it that you are now betrothed.”
