“Does Lord Worthington reside at the cottage with you?”
“No,” she said with a shake of her head. “He lives at the manor on the other side of the estate.”
“Why do you not live at the manor?”
Something flashed in Miss Bentley’s eyes, but he wasn’t able to decipher it. “My mother and I get along quite nicely at the cottage,” she said. “I even have chores.”
“Chores?” he repeated back.
“I collect the eggs every morning before breakfast,” she admitted proudly.
“Are you in earnest?”
“I am.”
“A young woman of your station should never be collecting eggs,” he admonished. “That is what servants are for.”
“Well, our housekeeper is generally busy making our breakfast,” she said.
“Then you hire another one.”
“I’m afraid that is an impossibility for us.”
Roswell folded the newspaper and put it on the table. “No sensible man would want a young woman who has calloused hands from hard work.”
“Then I suppose I’m looking for an insensible man.” She smiled.
“Do be serious.”
“I am, my lord.”
Roswell leaned closer and lowered his voice. “You must stop this madness,” he urged. “You will only embarrass yourself by participating in the Season.”
“It is a risk that I am willing to take.”
“And if you embarrass this family?”
“Why would I do that?”
His voice took on a stern edge. “If you recall, my mother is hosting you, and she is putting her reputation on the line.”
“I am well aware of what is at stake.”
“I hope so, Miss Bentley,” he said, leaning back. “If you do anything that jeopardizes this family’s reputation, then I will hold you personally responsible.”
“I assure you that I will be on my best behavior, my lord.”
“I am pleased to hear that, but that isn’t good enough.”
“No?”
“I want you to act as if your entire future depends on it.”
Miss Bentley looked at him steadfastly for a long moment before saying, “I know precisely what is at stake.” He could tell she was in earnest.
Before he could respond, his sister walked into the room. “Good heavens, Roswell!” she exclaimed. “Will you stop with the interrogation?”
“I was not interrogating Miss Bentley.”
