“Yes,” replied Alexander. “But I’m almost finished. I’ll be upstairs in a moment.”
Alexander stepped back and looked at the vats that were already clean. It was very important that these vats were perfectly clear of contaminates, or the ale could sour. As he finished up, he could hear Bernard’s footsteps above him. He grabbed a cloth, which was draped over a neighboring vat, and dried his hands and arms. He rolled his sleeves back down, buttoned them at the wrist, and walked back up the stairs.
“Hello, friend,” Bernard said as Alexander reached the top of the staircase. “Did you have a productive day?”
“Very productive, indeed,” replied Alexander, happy to tell Bernard about his afternoon. “Not only did I get some of our invoices prepared, and make sure the vats were ready for brewing, but I hired a governess.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful,” said Bernard, smiling. “I knew you would find someone. In fact, I told everyone I saw today that you were looking, so it is no wonder that you found someone so quickly.”
“Yes,” said Alexander, grinning back at his friend. “She is young, but she seems quite stern, too, which is exactly what Lady Emily requires.”
Bernard laughed a jolly laugh in agreement. “I’m very happy you found someone, Farnworth. Now, the big question is this…what is Lady Emily going to say?” he asked with a beaming smile.
Alexander was quick to respond, “Emily doesn’t have much say in the matter, really.” He looked at his friend with a strict look. “This is something she needs, not something she wants.”
“There’s the Alexander I know,” joked Bernard. “I thought all of the smiling happening a moment ago was a bit out of character for you.”
Alexander grinned again. “I’m just trying to do what’s best for my sister. This governess has experience, references, of course, and she just recently lost her previous position as her former charge came of age.”
“It sounds like you found the perfect governess, then,” agreed Bernard, and then he smiled widely. “And it also sounds like she will fit in with your sullen household.”
“All right, all right,” said Alexander, again with a smile on his face. “I get what you are saying, friend. I will work on improving my demeanor.”
“I know, you will, friend,” agreed Bernard. “Especially now that there is a new woman in the household,” he teased.
Alexander chuckled. “There are many beautiful women in my household, Bernard. I don’t make it a habit of lusting after my staff, though.”
Bernard laughed, and said, “Perhaps you should, my friend. I have seen some of the women you employ.”
Alexander assumed it must be the beautiful day putting him in a good mood. “Now, to change the subject, did you have as much success today?”
“I did,” said Bernard. “I met with several local farmers, and we shouldn’t have any issue getting the ingredients we need. It was nice being outdoors for a bit, and they are all quite happy with the prospect of these contracts. If you think we are successful now, we could be much more successful after this season.”
“We can only hope, but I feel good about things as they stand,” replied Alexander. “In fact, it’s been such a successful day, I propose that we close up and go home early. I would like to spend some time with Emily before the governess starts tomorrow.”
“I think that is a wonderful idea,” agreed Bernard, walking into his office with Alexander walking behind him. “I’m sure Louisa will be happy if I arrive home early, too.” Alexander watched as Bernard gathered the paperwork that was on his desk. “Before you leave, make sure to close up the cellar door.”
Once again, Alexander laughed, and said, “I will, don’t worry,” and he walked out of Bernard’s office, and closed the cellar door tight.
Want to know how the story ends? Tap on the link below to read the rest of the story.
http://scarlettosborne.com/y7vv
Thank you very much!
Also by Scarlett Osborne
Thank you for reading A Fiery Escort for the Roguish Marquess!
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Some other stories of mine:
Seduced by the Brooding Duke
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Scarlett Osborne
About the Author
Born in the Sunshine State of Florida, but of both British and Nordic descent, Scarlett Osborne grew up reading historical romances from the land of her ancestors. Fascinated with the British society of the 1800s and armed with a wild imagination, she obtained a degree in Creative Writing and immediately started her career as a Regency romance author.
A daydreamer extraordinaire, Scarlett likes to jump in the shoes of her heroines, immersing herself in her own stories, living the adventures that she wished she had experienced as a child. An avid reader and fan of the outdoors, Scarlett spends her free time either reading or going on long horseback rides along with her two sons.
Get lost in a land of enchantment, where adventure and love await around every corner...Scarlett hopes that through her heroes, you too will get to live a whirlwind romance in the Regency era, when fairytales were real and all dreams possible!
A Fiery Escort For The Roguish Marquess (Steamy Historical Regency) Page 32
