Chapter Twenty-Two

Later That Day

J o sat in Arthurs carriage with Matthew at her side, thinking back on her unexpectedly pleasurable afternoon. Still sleepy from his nap, her son sat snuggled into her side. The carriage pulled to a stop, and the footman opened the door and helped her down. With Matthews hand in her own, she entered the townhouse to find a strange man in the foyer.

Welcome home, my lady.

Who are you and where is Bell? Jo stopped and stared at the man.

Where the bloody hell was her staff? Why was this strange man answering her door? Determined to find out what was going on, she turned on her heel and walked past the unknown man.

The stranger trailed behind her. My understanding is that Mr. Bell is no longer employed here. I am Mr. Jasper, my lady.

Jo burst into the kitchen and spotted the cook bent over the fireplace. Mrs. Adams, what is going on around here?

A woman stood up and spun around to face her but she was not, in fact, Mrs. Adams.

Who the bloody hell are you? Jo winced as she glanced down at Matthew, but pressed on. Her concern for what had happened to the staff she and her late husband had put in place far outpaced her concern for her son hearing the profanity.

I-IIm Mrs. Paulson, my lady. She curtsied and looked past her to the man from the foyerJasper, was it?

Fury rising inside her as suspicion bloomed, Jo turned around to face Jasper. Who precisely hired you?

The man cleared his throat as color rose in his cheeks. I believe Lord Downs oversaw the changeover of staff.

Jo choked, The changeover of staff?

Yes, my lady. Jasper had the good grace to look uncomfortable as he affirmed the information.

Where is Lord Downs at the moment? Jo asked, anger making her voice shake.

I believe he is in the study, my lady.

With a growl of fury, Jo stormed out of the kitchen and up the back stairs to the nursery. There she found yet another servant she did not recognize.

Matthew, I want you to stay here with this, she looked up at the unsmiling woman, this nice lady. Ill be back shortly to check on you. Jo motioned for the other woman to follow her into the hallway. After shutting the door to the nursery, she looked at the woman. I do not know who you are, but I am leaving my son here for now. I expect you to ensure he stays safe until I return.

Yes, my lady. The woman nodded somberly.

As assured as she could be that her son was safe, Jo went in search of her brother-in-law finding him, as promised, in the study.

She stormed in without knocking, letting the door bang loudly against the wall. Where the bloody hell are my servants?

Lord Downs looked up with derision on his face. I told you, Lady Whitestone, I control the finances now. I have replaced your overpaid staff with individuals who come at more reasonable rates and who understand who is in charge around here.

She blanched. She had thought his blustering was just that: blustering. That he would have the audacity to dismiss her staff and replace them with his own hires was outrageous. Bernard, do not think for one moment that this is the end of this matter. This will not stand.

The decision has been made. Lord Downs stared back at her, an impassive expression on his face.

We shall see, Jo seethed and spun around to leave.

Determined to take immediate action, she stalked into the dining room and into the butlers pantry. Mr. Jasper, I am afraid your services are no longer required. Please see Lord Downs, he will provide you with a reference and three months wages.

I see, my lady. The man looked mildly concerned but resolute. He nodded and went in search of Bernard.

Feeling at least a little better, Jo headed upstairs. It was growing late, and she needed to check on Matthew. After seeing that he was tucked in bed, she went to her own bedchamber and met the new woman who had been hired to be her ladys maid. She seemed nice enough, but Jo remained skeptical of all the servants hired by Bernard, and the unpleasant man himself.

The next morning Jo made her way down to breakfast and found two unwanted individuals. Bernard sat at her table drinking tea as Jasper filled a plate for him from the sideboard.

Gritting her teeth, Jo took a seat. Coffee, please.

Jasper cleared his throat as he set a plate in front of Bernard.

We are no longer stocking coffee. It is a vulgar drink and inordinately expensive. Bernard sniffed then slurped tea from his cup.

Grinding her teeth now, Jo bit her tongue. Tea then, Jasper.

Very good, my lady. He bowed and poured her a cup of tea and set it before her. Breakfast, my lady?

I find Im a bit off this morning. I shall skip the morning meal. Her stomach roiled as she sipped the tea and nearly spat it out. Im sorry, what in the world is this? Ive never tasted such vile stuff.

Bernard peered at her. We are cutting costs around here. The tea you prefer is far too costly. Ive ensured we are stocking a more cost effective blend. That will be all, Jasper.

Jasper nodded and retreated from the room. Jo sat there, stunned at how quickly and easily Bernard had taken over her household. The embers of fury sparked to life deep within her breast, but her mornings fight was not over.

Josephine, I would appreciate it if you ceased attempting to fire my employees. Bernard said as he set his knife down and looked at her.

And I would appreciate it if you vacated my home with said employees, she smiled delicately.

This is a family home. It does not belong to you. It belongs to my family. The one you married into, as a convenience to my brother.

Regardless, my son is the one who bears the title now. It is our home. Jo pushed her tea aside. I believe I shall check on my son, the actual head of this family. Dont hesitate to see yourself out.

She left the breakfast room and went to find her son before her temper got away from her. He was playing quietly by himself overseen by Miss Kelley, the new nursemaid, keeping an eye on him as she straightened up his drawers.

Content that he was well and had breakfast, she headed out. Jo needed to replace a few of the linens she and Mrs. Adams had identified as too worn recently. She had also been intending to select a couple of new gowns, now she was out of mourning.

Jo entered into the linen shop and had selected the new tablecloths and napkins when the clerk leaned toward her and said in a low voice, Im afraid your line of credit is late on payment, Lady Whitestone.

Shocked and terribly embarrassed, Jos cheeks turned pink. Im sure there is some mistake. Ill send word around to my man of affairs to ensure you are paid.

Of course, my lady, The man agreed and smiled before he packaged up her purchase.

Next she went to the modistes. Jo walked in, ready to forget her worries and do a little shopping. She was busy looking at dress designs in a private sitting room when the owner of the shop stepped inside. Its lovely to see you again, Mrs. Atwell.

And you as well, Lady Whitestone. My condolences again on the loss of your husband, she murmured in concern.

Thank you. I was looking to arrange for a few new gowns, now I am out of full mourning. Jo smiled softly.

I am excited about the opportunity to dress you again. When do you need the dresses by? Mrs. Atwell asked, a smile gracing her hawkish features.

Id like to have them in two weeks.

Excellent. Now, lets see which designs have caught your eye.

By the time Jo was done with her errands, all was feeling back to normal in her world. Now she needed to hope that Bernard had vacated her home as requested.