Lady Gooldwer stiffened almost imperceptibly. “Well, you see, the Season has made staffing quite difficult—many have taken leave, others have sought work elsewhere.” She waved a hand dismissively. “It is a passing inconvenience, nothing more.”
Blanche felt the words coil uneasily in her chest.
Heath merely hummed, watching Lady Gooldwer with an unreadable expression.
“Indeed?” His voice was smooth, nonchalant. “Unfortunate timing, then.”
Lady Gooldwer offered a delicate laugh, pressing forward. “It is no real trouble. We manage just fine.”
Blanche inhaled slowly, fingers tightening subtly against the fabric of her gown. She could not endure the hollow pretense, the carefully crafted illusion her mother insisted upon.
So, with quiet certainty, she spoke. “The staff have not returned because their wages remain unpaid.”
The silence that followed was palpable.
Lady Gooldwer’s breath hitched, eyes darting toward her daughter in barely concealed alarm. Heath, however, showed no such reaction—only quiet contemplation, as though she had merely confirmed something he had already suspected.
Then, with measured care, he shifted, adjusting his cuff before speaking.
“Is there any other financial concern I should know about?”
Lady Gooldwer released a dramatic sigh, pressing a hand delicately to her chest. “You must forgive me, Your Grace. I never intended to burden you with such matters. I only… well, I have always been modest in my requests. It is simply unfortunate that circumstances have worsened as they have.”
Blanche exhaled sharply, biting back her irritation as she exchanged a glance with Fanny.
Modest? Mother had never been modest a day in her life!
Heath observed the exchange, his eyes flickering between mother and daughters before speaking.
“I understand. I intended to arrange the services of a dressmaker for the wedding dress of the future Duchess, but I suppose there are more important matters to be settled first.”
Blanche straightened, already preparing to protest. “That is unnecessary?—”
“For example, I will ensure that you have the right easements,” Heath interrupted smoothly, turning his gaze toward her. “Do you require additional staff? Housekeeping? Assistance with meals?”
Blanche hesitated, but only briefly. “Help with cooking and cleaning would be a relief.”
Lady Gooldwer gasped, scandalized. “Blanche!”
She turned to Heath, shaking her head. “New dresses are the priority, Your Grace. We must maintain appearances. A wardrobe befitting our station is imperative.”
Blanche clenched her jaw, resisting the urge to groan aloud.
Rather than addressing necessities—food, debts, staffing—Lady Gooldwer launched into an elaborate, utterly useless list of supposed essentials: a new tea set, proper evening gowns, fashionable accessories, upholstery.
This is absurd!
Blanche barely concealed her frustration as her mother continued listing extravagant, unnecessary purchases—all under the guise of restoring their household’s dignity.
Heath, however, listened in silence, his expression unreadable.
Then, after a measured pause, he spoke.
“From what I understand, this issue would be much more easily resolved if I allocated you a monthly income. As my future wife’s family, you deserve it.”
The words fell smoothly, leaving no room for negotiation. No hesitation, no allowance for protest.
Blanche’s breath caught. “That is not necessary?—”
