Chapter Twenty-Six

The Next Morning

J o awoke to find her ladys maid had returned. Upon her arrival home the previous afternoon, she had informed Jasper that not only were his services no longer needed, but that those of the rest of the staff that came with him were also not required. She had then sent messages around to her old staff, asking that they return first thing in the morning if they were available.

And here was her familiar ladys maid, bustling about her room as though the last few days had not occurred. Good morning, my lady. Shall I ring for your breakfast?

No, thank you, Olivia. I believe I shall take breakfast downstairs. Has everyone else returned as well? Jo didnt bother to hide her happiness.

Of course, my lady. We are all very pleased to be back in your service. Olivia smiled. How about your spring green day gown?

That sounds lovely. Jo stretched and crawled out of bed. Half an hour later, she walked into the dining room and found the welcome sight of Bell awaiting her. Good morning, Mr. Bell.

Good morning, my lady. Lovely to see you today. The man actually flashed a small grin at her. Mrs. Stevens is upstairs with the young Master, and Mrs. Adams is happily ensconced in the kitchen. As for the rest of the staff, a few had already found new placements, so we shall look to replace them as quickly as possible, but almost everyone was happy to return to their positions.

Thank you, Bell. You are nothing if not efficient. I would be lostI was lostwithout you. Feeling all was right in her world, Jo settled into her breakfast.

By mid-morning, she had moved to her study to review the house accounts and sort out the rest of the mess Bernard had made of her home. She had just closed the ledger when the door to her study flew open.

You meddling little bitch! Bernard stormed into the room with Bell hot on his heels.

My lady, I apologize. He stormed right past me

Its fine, Bell. Perhaps ask Jeffrey and Richard to make themselves available to escort Lord Downs out once hes said his piece?

Very good, my lady. Bell shot a wary glance at the intruder, but obeyed and exited the room.

Now, what can I do for you, Lord Downs? Jo turned her attention to him, striving for a calm she did not feel.

You and those rakes you acquaint yourself with went to Mr. Whitaker and undid all of my hard work! Bernard was practically seething.

Of course I did. It was not your work to do. In fact, it is not your money or your property to manage. My son is Lord Whitestone now, and as his only parent and legal guardian I am the one whos job it is to manage his holdings until such time as he comes of age. So, yes, I absolutely undid all the mess you made of things. Jo took a breath, pleased shed managed to rein in her fury and keep her cool, though her hands trembled with the effort. If that will be all, I shall see you once a quarter when we discuss your allowance. I would use the funds you currently have wisely as I shall deduct the money you diverted to your household out of the next quarters allowance. I suspect that will not leave you a great deal to live on.

Like hell you will! This is not over. Not by a longshot, Bernard fumed as a knock sounded on the door.

Come in. The door opened, admitting the two rather large footmen she had requested. Excellent. Jeffrey, Richard, I believe Lord Downs was finished. If you two will help him find his way to the front door?

Yes, my lady. They bowed and stepped forward to where Bernard stood, mutinous and angry.

When they laid hands on him and began backing out of the room, Bernard yelled, You bloody bitch! I shall be back!

Jo listened to him screaming all the way down the hall and out the front door. Satisfied that all was well, she dashed off a note to Arthur and Linc, letting them know the confrontation had occurred and that it had gone smoothly, then headed upstairs to check on her son.

That evening, Jo had Matthew brought downstairs to have an early dinner with her. They were sharing a lovely roast pheasant with potatoes, carrots, and asparagus, the last of which Matthew was refusing to eat. The boy was ever one to avoid his vegetables.

Now Matthew, if you dont eat your asparagus you cant have any dessert, Jo urged him to eat.

No. I dont like it. He pushed the unwanted vegetable away. Then a speculative look twinkled in his eye. If I eat more carrots instead, can I have dessert then?

She stopped to consider. It wasnt an unreasonable trade-off. Fine A loud bang sounded in the entryway. She rose and went to the door of the dining room to see what was going on. There she found Bell and her two largest footmen scuffling with three men while a fourth stood by, watching.

Jo gasped, drawing the mans attention.

My lady, I suggest you tell your servants to stand down before they are injured. The man had black hair so coated in pomade that it sat slicked to his head, paired with an ostentatious mustache which made him look rather villainous if he wasnt so physically attractive.

Before Jo could say a word one footman, Richard, was knocked on the head with a rather intimidating club. Stop it! Bell, Jeffrey, stop fighting!

The men continued to tussle a moment more, then everyone stopped. Bell straightened his livery, as did Jeffrey, but they ceased the scuffle.

Now, what on earth is this all about? Jo demanded as she straightened her spine and stared at the stranger.

That was when Bernard walked in. Is everything sorted out, Richardson?

Not quite yet, my lord. The man looked at Bernard with a little distaste, then returned his focus to her. My lady, I apologize for the disturbance, but Lord Downs has hired us to serve as guards for you and your son. Your servants did not give us an opportunity to explain. We have been hired due to an apparent threat to your safety.

Jo sniffed indignantly. The only threat to my safety is the one posed by you and your men working on behalf of my odious brother-in-law. I am in no need of guards, you four may be on your way.

The man cleared his throat and looked from her to Bernard uncomfortably.

I think not, Lady Whitestone, Bernard stepped in. I received a report of a credible threat against the life of your son today. I have hired these men out of an abundance of caution. They will attend to you wherever you go.

And as I told you this afternoon, Bernard, I am in control of my finances. You are not. I suggest you leave and take your lackeys with you. Jo pointed to the door, ensuring that her hand did not quaver.

Bernard closed the door behind him. Im afraid that is not how this shall play out, my dear. We are here to stay.

Are you then? And what of Agnes? Wont your wife miss your overbearing hide? Jo glared at him, furious, yet there was a large pit in her stomach as she watched her staff unable to protect her.

Never you mind about my wife. Agnes has a choice, be pushed aside and replaced or get on board with my plan. Bernard glared at her.

What do you mean pushed aside? Fear skated down Jos spine like icy fingers.

I mean, she can be replaced by permanent means. Bernard paused for a moment as if just hearing himself. Well well. Maybe that is the better solution? I get rid of my wife and marry you. Then you and the brat are under my control.

Jo gasped. Shock and horror tumbling through her. You cant force me to marry you.

Bernard laughed. My lady, of course I can. There are parsons who can beshall we say persuaded to marry a man and a woman without asking too many questions.

Fury and desperation clawed at her throat, nearly choking her. Then she drew in a dep breath and calmed herself. She had one last avenue to thwart this man. Gentlemen, I hope Lord Downs has paid you in advance, as he is not solvent beyond the quarterly allowance which I provide him. She stared at the men pointedly.

The one called Richardson cleared his throat. Im afraid we insisted on payment up front, my lady.

I could double his fee for you to leave, Jo tried again.

Im afraid the promise of the long-term work outweighs the short-term gain you offer, my lady. Im a man of my word. Richardson tried to smile apologetically, then he shot a look of distaste at the man who had hired him. Regardless of his dislike of the man, he appeared prepared to follow through on his agreement with Bernard. What little physical appeal Richardson had was instantly lost.

Jos heart pounded in her chest as she considered what she could do without risking anyones life or safety. Her staff would be safe as long as she complied. She could figure out how to get away from these thugs later. She had to remain here to protect Matthew. I see. Very well then. I am going to finish my dinner with my son.

With that, she turned and retreated for the moment. Finding Matthew hiding by the door of the dining room, she ushered him back to his seat and resumed their mealand as they ate, she plotted their escape.