Page 49 of Lord Hartwell’s Refuge

Tamsin found herself nodding. Well, there was a logic there. And she had practically run her family’s household for the last decade. It would not be difficult to take what she already knew and build upon it. “Yes, of course. That is a relief. Thank you.”

She looked down at her breakfast, her stomach knotting with nerves. But she could do this. She would do this.

But first, she needed sustenance.

She started on her breakfast, not certain how much progress she would make feeling as she did. “Will you be away much today?”

He took a long moment to answer. When she looked up at him, Roman tilted his head the same way Athena had when curious.

Oh dear. Her stepmother never asked, at least in front of Tamsin, what her husband’s schedule was. Perhaps wives were not supposed to question such things?

“I will return home for dinner. We can share our respective days with each other this evening, if you wish.” He pushed himself to his feet slowly. “For now, though, I must be on my way. I hope your day is pleasant, Tamsin.”

So soon?

She rose a little awkwardly, trying not to upset the table with her breakfast. “I am certain it will be, and I hope yours holds equal satisfaction for you.” At last she smiled, hoping he would find it reassuring that his bride did not sulk when he left. She had not imagined her first day in his home would be spent alone with the housekeeper, but it took that moment for her to realize she hoped he would stay with her; that he would be the one to help her grow familiar with her new home.

It was a silly thought. A man of his importance had better things to do.

“Until then, Lady Hartwell.” Roman bowed, and his smile broadened. Did he genuinely enjoy using her title? He stepped to the door and opened it, then looked at Athena. He tapped his thigh with two fingers. “Komm, Athena. You are too large to be underfoot.”

Athena rose, but then immediately sat back down, pressed against Tamsin’s leg and looking up at Tamsin with her big, warm eyes.

Tamsin stared at the dog in disbelief, then looked up at Roman. “I must have distracted her—or she wants my breakfast. You better ask her again.”

His brows drew together. “That isn’t like her. Athena. Komm.”

She snorted through her nose and kept looking at Tamsin, who suddenly knew what the dog was asking. She had seen a similar look on her youngest siblings’ faces. She bit her lip to keep her smile at bay.

Do I really have to do what he says?

“Yes, Athena. Go with him.” She pointed toward Roman. “Off with you.”

Athena rose and walked over to him, head low.

“Well I never,” Roman muttered, staring at the dog in fascination. At least he did not seem upset by this strange change in allegiance. “What has come over her?” He met Tamsin’s gaze. “Have you bewitched my dog, baroness?”

This time his expression made her catch her breath, if only for a moment. A broad smile, a gleam in his eyes, good humor in the tilt of his head—it all together made him twice as handsome as before.

And no one would ever say Roman Eastwood was unattractive.

“I must have,” Tamsin said in a whisper. “Though it was unintentional, I promise.”

Athena looked back at her, tail wagging. The adorable giant. She loved her all the more in that moment.

Which was why she asked, “Can she stay? Or do you need her? I would not mind her company.”

“No. I do not suppose you would.” Roman’s smile softened. “She can stay. Athena. Bleib.”

Tamsin raised her eyebrows as Athena happily returned to her side. “Bleeb?”

“German for stay. Bleib.” He smiled. “I will have to teach you the commands, it seems. Perhaps we should find you a language tutor.” He bowed again. “Until this evening, Lady Hartwell.”

She sank her fingers into Athena’s fur and curtsied a final time. “I look forward to it, Lord Hartwell.”

He closed the door behind him.

Tamsin picked up a piece of bacon from her plate and held it out to the dog. “Is this what you really wanted?”