Guarding the Spoils (The Wild Randalls - Book 3) Read Online Free

outings with Edwin,” the duchess added urgently, as if that loss was the ultimate horror. “You would have to stay behind when we go to London next season and could not enjoy the company of the guests invited for the wedding.”
    “Forgive me, Your Grace, but you forget that I have not lived in luxury my whole life. In fact, living here is as idle as I have ever been. It is true that the few outings with the young duke have been enjoyable treats. My son, George, has also relished the additional comforts afforded living here, particularly the library. But I’m sure you can understand my anxiety that my arrangement with Lady Venables is coming to an end.” Beth smiled a little sadly. “I don’t imagine Lady Venables will need my company once she becomes Mrs. Tobias Randall and moves to Harrowdale.”
    The one thing Beth wanted in particular was to be settled with the security of a stable position and roof over her son’s head. She most certainly didn’t want to be a burden or in the way of a pair of ardent newlyweds.
    Her employer had the grace to appear a little guilty. “Mercy and I have been discussing what’s best to do for you, too.”
    Panic threatened. Had they decided she was no longer needed already? Beth pressed her knees together and folded George’s shirt over them, desperately trying to control her fear. Securing another position, particularly during the winter months, would be difficult in the extreme. She had not saved nearly enough funds to stand on her own two feet again and there was George to consider, too. She needed the housekeeper position to support her small family.
    “If you feel the position is beyond my abilities, I assure you I would seek Mrs. Finch’s advice when needed,” she added quickly. Lady Venables housekeeper, Mrs. Finch, had been managing both Romsey Abbey and the smaller estate of Harrowdale without complaint since the previous housekeeper had fled into the night along with half the indoor staff last month.
    But of late, Mrs. Finch had mentioned a growing tiredness and pain in her knees. She shouldn’t be asked to continue for much longer at Romsey with its many stairs. The smaller house at Harrowdale suited her age and stamina far better. Beth was still young and the stairs didn’t bother her. She would work hard to become worthy of the position, but she had to convince the duchess to let her try, first.
    “I’ll need to think about it,” Her Grace murmured, “and discuss the matter with Leopold at length.”
    Beth gripped the shirt. “Of course.”
    The clock chimed the hour and Beth risked a quick glance at it again. It really was getting late for the tea to arrive. George would be already tucked up in bed, waiting for her to say goodnight, if he hadn’t fallen asleep already. “If I may suggest, I should like to pay a visit to the kitchens to determine what the delay may be.”
    “Thank you, Mrs. Turner,” Lady Venables agreed with a warmer smile. “That would be much appreciated. I cannot imagine what could be keeping them.”
    Beth stood on shaky legs and quickly dipped a curtsy. “I will be back in a moment.”
    The duchess held up her hand. “After you have sorted out the kitchen and staff, we will completely understand if you would prefer to retire so you may say goodnight to your son. Do not feel compelled to return if you would rather stay with him.”
    Beth glanced between the two ladies but could not determine if she was being shown a kindness or being sent away so they could talk about her when she was gone. In the end, she chose to believe it was from kindness. “If you no longer need me, I should like that very much.”
    Lady Venables waved her toward the door. “How many times must I mention that your duties were not so rigid that you could not slip upstairs without waiting for permission? Go and tuck George into bed. We’ll see you at breakfast as usual, but remember tomorrow is your morning off.”
    “Thank you, my lady.” Beth curtsied