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“I’m sure it won’t be necessary…but it will put my mind at ease. Thank you.”
Brooks nodded.
“And please have tea sent up as well.”
“Of course, my lady.”
Brooks hesitated, then bowed and took his leave. Catherine stood up, smoothed her skirts, and placed the book she’d been reading on top of the tidy pile. She cleared her throat just for good measure.
The sound of footsteps filtered down the hall, and she studied the door, waiting. A strand of hair tickled her cheek and she tucked it behind her ear, lifting her chin. As she waited, her mind spun with irritation that this man, unknown to her, was being given more power than she over her own estate. It was maddening, but there wasn’t much she could do about it.
The footsteps closed in, and she prayed he was as good as his reputation suggested. Perhaps then it wouldn’t be so bad?
Brooks entered first, stepping aside for a man with a much smaller frame. Dusty blond hair curled over a wide forehead, and shrewd eyes studied her unreservedly as she met the cool regard of Lord Bircham. He carried a long black and silver cane, its embellished head clearly designed to be decorative. He paused just past the threshold and took his focus from Catherine, regarding the room as if taking in its worth. Nodding in what seemed like approval, he continued into the room and gave a snap of a bow to her.
“Lady Catherine Greatheart, it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Lord Bircham, your cousin and the estate’s trustee.” He regarded her coolly, waiting.
“A pleasure,” Catherine lied.
“Allow me to introduce you to Mrs. Burke. She will be your chaperone since your grandmother is unable to perform that duty currently.” He gestured behind himself, just as a woman entered the room.
A thousand words of description flowed through Catherine’s mind, but the one that fit the woman was obvious: harsh. Hard lines made up the contours of her face, flowing down to the slim and pointy frame of her body garbed in widow’s weeds. Her eyes held no delight as she nodded to acknowledge being introduced, then came to stand behind Lord Bircham.
Had the situation been less tense, Catherine would have seen it with amusement. Mrs. Burke towered over Lord Bircham, easily seeing over his head, yet her frame was so slight. Catherine mused that if she were to stand directly in front of the two, it would look as if Lord Bircham had two heads, one right above the other. She bit her lip to keep from smiling at her own whimsy.
“Mrs. Burke, this is your charge, Lady Catherine.” Lord Bircham stood to the side as he led the introductions.
“A pleasure,” Catherine began.
“I would think so.” Lady Burke sniffed and then turned her attention to the room, her eyes narrowing as if already finding fault.
Catherine bit her tongue against a retort and decided to rise above Mrs. Burke’s distinct lack of breeding. “Will you sit? I’ve ordered tea.”
“Thank you, but I won’t be staying long.” Lord Bircham dusted his sleeve of imaginary dust. “It was imperative that you had a proper chaperone, so I wanted to make arrangements for Mrs. Burke to take up residence here. I will continue on to my lodgings and return tomorrow with Mr. Sheffield to go over any legal information.”
“I see.” Catherine unclenched her jaw. “I assure you I have been quite sufficiently chaperoned.” She offered a smile sweetly, hoping to overlay the clipped quality of her words. “The Duchess of Wesley has been personally overseeing my social calendar and performing chaperone duties in the interim.” A surge of self-satisfaction filled Catherine at the impressed expression that lifted Lord Bircham’s eyebrows at the mention of the duchess’s name.
Let him know she was not in the least bit waiting for his counsel or assistance.
“I see. Well, now you have a chaperone and companion at your home.” He shrugged as if his plans were still superior.
Catherine stifled. No need to make enemies…yet.
“I’ll be happy to offer my hospitality to Mrs. Burke for the time being.”
“Yes, well, it is, after all, in your best interest.” Lord Bircham arched a brow as if scolding her.
Catherine bit her tongue.
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll be here for our four o’clock appointment on the morrow.”
“Very well, until then,” Catherine replied, nodding. He gave a final bow, tipped his hat to Lady Burke, and then took his leave.
Brooks stepped from the side of the door immediately, because he’d likely been waiting there and listening to their conversation. A flood of gratitude filled Catherine at the protective interest displayed by her staff as a footman also stood from the side and helped escort Lord Bircham to the door.
“Your staff is impertinent,” Mrs. Burke spoke into the silence.
Catherine turned to her, frowning. Her first reaction was to ask her to repeat her rude remark, but then Catherine decided she didn’t care what the lady thought. “They are protective, which is exactly as they should be.”
