Page 48 of Lord Hartwell’s Refuge

“Roman.”

She curled her fingers in her skirts as her pulse quickened. “I-I beg your pardon?”

His gaze remained steady. “We agreed last evening that you would call me Roman, when…when we are alone.”

That made the blush return to her cheeks. “Oh. Oh, I thought that was only for our private chambers.”

The smallest twitch of his lips gave the only clue as to his feelings on that idea, or perhaps the memory of the evening before. He reached out with both hands and carefully took the one of hers not currently twisting the fabric of her gown. He brought her hand slowly up to his lips and kissed the back of her fingers. “There and anywhere else, Tamsin, when it is only we two together.”

The warmth of his lips traveled through her blood, soft and brief as it was. It turned her shy immediately and she hastily dropped her gaze, making eye contact with Athena, who sat between them watching them both with a curious tilt to her head.

“Did you sleep well?” her husband asked, still holding her hand between his.

Words. She knew words. “I did. Thank you.”

“I thought it best to go about my schedule as normal,” he informed her, voice low and gentle while she avoided eye contact. “I hope I did not wake you when I left the room?”

She shook her head. “No. That is, I was aware that you left, but still tired enough that it did not really disturb my own rest.”

“Good.” He gave her hand a gentle press then slowly released it. “Why did you not ring for your maid to dress? Or have breakfast in bed, like a proper married woman?”

Tamsin looked up quickly, concerned at the censure, but immediately relaxed when she saw that slight curve of a smile again, as well as a brightness in his eyes. He was not upset she had behaved contrary to what he expected. That made it easier to smile back. “As I said, I am used to managing the small things on my own. I did not even think about having breakfast in bed, though I suppose that is why nothing was laid out on the sideboard. Where did you take your breakfast? Perhaps we could eat together, tomorrow.”

“Ah. Usually in my study, if it is only my mother and myself at home. She has a tray sent up.” He tucked his hands behind his back. “But if you wish, we can both breakfast in the dining room tomorrow.” He considered her a moment, then glanced down at Athena. “I see this one is enjoying your company.”

“Yes. She followed me downstairs and is an excellent listener.”

His shoulders relaxed. “I have always found that to be true of both Apollo and Athena. Though she seems much more the sympathetic sort. I am glad she found you.” He stepped back at last, and Tamsin took in a deeper breath. “Won’t you sit, Tamsin? I have a little time to spare, and I would like to spend it in your company before I attend to other matters.” He settled in one of the chairs near her own.

Tamsin lowered herself back onto her chair, folding her hands in her lap. “May I inquire what it is you must attend to? I confess to some curiosity about your schedule and how you spend your days.”

Not once did he take his eyes from her as he gave the faintest of sighs. “I am afraid you might find it quite dull. There are always letters to be written to political allies all over Britain, many here in York, too. The usual invitations to extend or accept. Letters to my man of business or to Lyness, as he is our estate manager these many years. Matters of politics and finance take time and concentration. I read the papers every day, those that I find most informative, to make note of people and events which impact those same dealings.” He tapped the arm of his chair with one long finger. “Then there are many local matters I am involved in, meetings here in the city. I am a frequent guest at the merchant hall, the offices for the York Herald, and I am a member of some of the Lord Mayors committees. There is a constant demand on my time, both in regard to the nation and the city.”

A constant demand? Her father was a country gentleman with a small estate, with seemingly nothing but leisure time. The leap in responsibility between the two men was large.

“I see now why you had to begin your day so much earlier than my own.” As she spoke, Athena laid down beside her chair and delicately rested her chin on Tamsin’s foot.

Roman glanced at the dog, then back up at his wife. “You can tell her to move, Tamsin. You need not act as Athena’s pillow.”

“I do not mind. I am pleased she likes me so well.” Tamsin looked down fondly at the large animal stretched out on the carpet. “She is a very good dog.”

Athena’s tail briefly drummed upon the floor at the words she must know well.

A soft tap at the door preceded the entrance of two maids carrying trays of food and tea, respectively, and Mrs. Briers herself. The housekeeper carried a small occasional table and placed it before Tamsin, mindful of Athena. The maids quickly filled the tray-like top of the table with tea, toast, eggs, sliced ham, fruit, and cutlery.

The maids curtsied and left, while Mrs. Briers politely asked, “Will there be anything else my lord? My lady?”

Roman looked at Tamsin, eyebrows raised.

“No, not at present,” she said when she realized he was waiting for her to reply. “Thank you, Mrs. Briers.”

Roman’s expression settled into the most familiar, calm look Tamsin was used to. “Perhaps, Mrs. Briers, you could return after the baroness is finished with her breakfast? She will need a proper tour of the house. And…” He glanced at Tamsin again. “ And if she has any questions about the management, or changes she wishes to make, it would be an excellent opportunity for such a discussion.”

“As you say, my lord.” Mrs. Briers curtsied, all deferential politeness, before leaving the room.

Tamsin stared, his suggestion not at all what she expected for her first day in the household. “Roman. What will your mother think? I cannot even begin to imagine changing a thing when she is still living in this house—and the instant she has momentarily left it? Surely she will not wish to relinquish that responsibility to me so quickly.”

That elicited something new. Her husband’s eyes widened, followed by a moment of confused blinking. “It was my mother’s idea. Did she not mention it? I suppose things have been rather chaotic of late.” He leaned forward. “My mother will, of course, begin your tutelage for your duties and responsibilities as a baroness as soon as she returns. She told me she did not wish you to feel ‘under observation’ from the first. Let me reassure you, Tamsin, you have her full support in this matter. I think my mother is looking forward to a less demanding role.”