She dipped her chin in a prim nod, trying desperately not to smile. “Very well, then. I shall see you later, perhaps. I am not at all properly dressed for the day, and there is so much to do.” She turned on her heel and all but skipped out of the room, the image of her husband’s set, determined features upon his acceptance one that felt rather ticklish somewhere beneath her ribs.

She might not enjoy her husband’s company on usual circumstances, such as during the day, but she was mightily curious if she might enjoy it a little by night.

Her heart lighter, her embarrassment lessening by the heartbeat, Adelaide moved back to the stairs, pausing as she caught sight of the distinguished butler.

“Oh, Mervyn!” she called, one foot on a step.

He turned to her, bowing. “Yes, my lady?”

Adelaide grinned. “Do send in a glass of port to Lord Basset in the breakfast room. It is a little early, but I’ve a feeling he might need it.”

“Port, my lady?” Mervyn inquired, his high brow furrowing.

“Yes, Mervyn,” she confirmed, wanting to laugh at the abject confusion. “Port.”

Mervyn bowed once more. “Very good, my lady. I shall see to it at once.”

“Thank you, Mervyn. His lordship will greatly appreciate it.” She nodded, then continued up the staircase, humming to herself and drumming her fingers along the railing in a burst of girlish delight.

Lady Basset had found her footing, and a greater battle would soon be waged now that she had.

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

“BASSET!”

There was no need to reply to the bellow that echoed throughout the halls of Trevadden any more than there had been a need to reply to the previous three calls. Harrison had not moved, and he had no intention of moving for the next hour. Testing the particular acoustics of Trevadden’s corridors was useful, though, given the tradition of inviting local carolers to sing within every Christmas.

They would sound marvelous, if the present reverberations were any indication.

“BASSET!”

Harrison winced, the echoing sounds growing rather shrill. Still, it had no impact on the contents of his ledger, which really did need to be updated before his next meeting with the estate agent.

Priorities were all that a landowner had, really. If those were compromised, the whole estate could fall into ruin.

“BASS—For the love of all heaven, Basset, could you not hear me?”

Harrison nodded once, catching a glimpse of his wife in the doorway of his study as he continued to scan his ledger. “Of course I heard you, my lady. I believe they heard you in Sussex.”

His wife huffed loudly, striding into the room. “And you did not think I required a response?”

He glanced up. “To what?”

Her chin lowered, her bright blue eyes piercing into him like an icy fire. “I was calling your name.”