Miss Fanshawe's Fortune - Linore Rose Burkard Page 0,9

as older dames, you know, who don’t want to interpret conversations for me, because they cannot remember them! Which is the precise reason I need their service!”

Sebastian and Edward exchanged another glance, while she continued, “I was only just ready to decline the invitation—for this is not a public ball, as you know—so imagine my delight when I poked my head into the parlour to remind you, in case you were in that room because I didn’t find you in the library or study, to find me a new companion. And there she was! A very genteel looking girl,” she said, nodding with satisfaction.

“Did you approach her, Mama?”

“No. She didn’t see me.” Her features fell into a look of concern. “I’m sure she’ll come around when she grows accustomed to it—being a companion, you know.”

“Come around?” asked Sebastian, giving Edward a cautious look.

“Well, she looked rather blue-devilled. I believe she must be under some financial duress that forces her to take a situation? It is lowering, to be sure, but I’ve no doubt that once she is comfortable here, she will come around. I’m not such a drab that I’ll keep her under lock and key! We’ll go about town just as I used to. Perhaps, if she is truly as genteel as her appearance, and if she comes from good family, I may even introduce her as an acquaintance. Perhaps I can offer a lower wage if I promise this advantage!” Mama was always seeking ways to economize—at Sebastian’s urging—though she wasn’t usually successful in her attempts.

But at the words, “If she comes from good family,” Sebastian made a sound in his throat. She had waved him to silence with a hand, but now he said, “Dearest,” turning her so that they could complete their ascension of the stairs. “That is Miss Fanshawe in the parlour. And she is not at all suitable to your purpose.”

Mrs. Arundell’s face fell. “But whyever not? She is the picture of gentility, and I always like a pretty face. I’m too old to have pretensions for my own appearance—”

“Nonsense!” cried Sebastian.

“Not a whit!” echoed Edward. “Why all the swells say of you—”

“Pray, spare us from what all the swells say!” Sebastian interjected hotly. “‘Tis perfectly plain that you, Mama, are still a handsome woman, and let that be the end of it.” All this while, the brothers spoke in extra loud tones.

She smiled. “Thank you, my dears. In any case, I do prefer a pleasant face, and I daresay when Miss Fanshawe has got used to her new situation, she will be quite the pleasantest face in this establishment.”

“Mama—” began Sebastian, but Edward took his arm.

“She is the perfect candidate to be your companion,” finished Edward, giving his brother a look as though he were a scatter brain. “Hush!” he cried, beneath his breath.

“This won’t answer!” returned Sebastian, in an equally low tone.

“Boys, boys, you must speak louder! You know my deformity!”

“Defect, mama!” pleaded Edward.

“Affliction,” said Sebastian. “For goodness’ sake, just call it an affliction,” he begged.

“Call it what you like, I loathe it,” she replied. “I am quite deaf and you must speak louder.”

Nevertheless the brothers continued their conversation in hushed tones. “Don’t you see?” hissed Edward. “This answers perfectly! She can stay as Mama’s companion, no impropriety, no questions asked, while you look into her claims. If she is an heiress, you’ll save her fortune, and in the meantime, Mama will have her social life back.”

“I do not like it.”

“Don’t be a loggerhead!”

“Don’t be a bottle-headed gudgeon!” Sebastian replied, in a heated whisper.

“Oh, I see how ‘tis,” said their mama. “You don’t wish me to hear. Well, take me into your Miss Fanshawe and let us have our introduction. I shall see what her terms are.”

“Mama,” said Edward. “Don’t trouble your head. Sebastian will take care of all that.”

“Will I?” Sebastian intoned. “Am I the housekeeper now?”

Mrs. Spencer was of course the usual personage to interview and secure new help, but Edward merely shrugged. “You’ve always been the tactful one in the family. Miss Fanshawe didn’t come on a recommendation or with papers. You’ll have to secure her; and we’ll inform Spence that she needn’t take the trouble of any further interviews.” Edward’s ears had been boxed as a youngster for dubbing the nickname on their housekeeper, but over time it had stuck. He fancied the stout woman employed for two decades as their housekeeper had even grown to enjoy the designation.

All this time Mrs. Arundell had been watching them with