Forsaking the Prize (The Wild Randalls 2)

Mrs. Turner’s expression darkened.

Blythe lifted her hand to halt any protest before she finished explaining herself. “Not a common housemaid, Mr. Randall. No, that would never do. It is clear that Mrs. Turner is a cut above the average widow. I need someone who can dress my hair, organize my things as a lady’s maid would, but perhaps a companion would be a more accurate term. As you have frequently pointed out, I live alone and the extra company could benefit us both. There is also Her Grace’s wedding to organize in the near future. She could help Mercy with aspects of that. Being a friend of the Randall’s would ensure things are done properly.”

And also that gossip about the family remained within the family.

“That is a perfect solution.” Leopold’s lips curled into a smile as he faced Mrs. Turner. “You would have a worthy occupation as Lady Venables companion and all the necessities in life. I would have the satisfaction of knowing you are well cared for and your son can be educated here at Romsey when an appropriate tutor can be employed.”

Mrs. Turner blinked furiously and then turned her face away. After a time, when she didn’t turn back, Blythe cleared her throat. “The offer stands, Mrs. Turner, should you need time to consider the matter. I dislike discussing such matters, but the terms would be sixteen pound a year and eventually I will return to Walden Hall to live. There is ample room for your son. We can consider the first month here as a trial period, with pay, of course.” Blythe stood. “Shall I leave you to convince her, Mr. Randall?”

“Thank you, Blythe,” he said quietly. “I will certainly do my best in that regard.”

Blythe let herself out, bemused by the morning. She assessed Mrs. Turner’s son as she passed. He didn’t appear wild or sickly. He seemed to possess a great deal of patience as he waited and that was a rare thing in young boys. She nodded to him and then made her way to the morning room.

Tobias Randall pounced on her the minute she crossed the threshold. “What was that about? What did Leopold want?”

Blythe picked up a plate, grateful the servants were absent, and helped herself to the dishes on the sideboard. “He wanted my advice on a delicate matter.”

“How delicate?”

Blythe frowned at him as she took a seat. Tobias appeared out of sorts now. She set her hand to his clenched fist. “I understand that Mrs. Turner has refused Leopold’s charity. I think I was summoned to convince her to accept more. But he’s done more than he should have and has made her uncomfortable.”

“Beth Turner is here?”

When she nodded, Tobias jumped to his feet, chair scrapping harshly across the parquetry in his rush to leave the room. This Beth must be a favorite. A woman yelped and Tobias laughed. Curious, Blythe carefully set her cutlery down and crept to the doorway. She peered along the hall. The door to the study remained wide open and Tobias was spinning with Mrs. Turner in his arms. They stopped and he stared down at her a long time before he kissed her cheek.

Very good acquaintances.

Blythe hurried back to her seat as her stomach roiled. How could she have been taken in so completely about Mrs. Turner’s character? There was more to the family friendship than had been let on. Was Mrs. Turner a past love of Tobias’? She set her hand to her stomach as humiliation washed over her. She’d just offered the widow employment. Mrs. Turner would be free to continue any relationship with Tobias under this very roof.

But the offer of employment had already been voiced and she couldn’t go back on her word without good reason. Feeling the harsh bite of jealousy wasn’t reason enough and that wasn’t a pleasant sensation or one she’d expected to feel. She’d remain vigilant over the first month and if she detected any unbecoming flirting with Tobias then she would reconsider the situation. She couldn’t allow a woman she employed to engage in an affair with a man she’d kissed.

Blythe stared at her plate, but her appetite had fled. She picked at her meal as her sense of disquiet grew. She couldn’t hear Tobias anymore. As she got up to pour herself another cup of tea, the door closed behind her back. When it was locked, too, she spun about.

Tobias caught her in his arms. “Thank you. Leopold just told me the wonderful news. Beth accepted the post and will start today.”

His mouth met hers in a hard kiss.

Blythe pushed against his chest until he gave way. “Don’t you think you’ve had enough attention for one day?”

He frowned. “Not from you. Barely enough.” He pursued her around the

table as she backed away and she put a chair between them to gain a little breathing room. He confused her with his behavior. Was he that happy that his past love would be so close at hand? Perhaps she had misjudged what his kisses meant?

He stopped.

Blythe steadied herself by holding onto a chair. “I will expect Mrs. Turner to behave with the appropriate reserve while in my service.”

“Of course she will. Beth is a prime lass and full of fun. You two should be the best of friends in no time.”

“That remains to be seen.”

His head tilted to the side as he studied her. “My mother liked Beth immensely.”

A crushing weight of disappointment filled her heart. “Is that so?”

He nodded slowly. “She was often at Harrowdale and when she left to return home, my mother insisted she be escorted. I tagged along quite often.”

“Oh.”