Page 50 of A Cinderella to Redeem the Earl

‘Come,’ Damian said. If he followed the dog, he might be tempted to kiss his cook again and then he might never get out to see to his horse. Besides, Oddy needed to learn who was master here.

He headed for the stables and, with a last regretful look in the direction of the kitchen, Oddy followed.

Outside, clouds covered the evening sky, and only the dark shape of the stables remained visible. He needed a lamp. He unhooked the one beside the back door and almost jumped out of his skin when a form appeared in front of him.

‘Pamela? What are you doing?’

She held up a bunch of leaves. ‘I needed some sage for the chicken.’

‘You gave me quite a start.’ He glared at Oddy. ‘Why didn’t you let me know she was here?’

Oddy wagged his tail.

‘I am supposed to be here,’ Pamela said calmly and bent to pat the dog. ‘Dogs only warn about strangers.’

Why didn’t he know that? Because he had never had a dog, or at least not since he had left England, and he barely recalled his mother’s pug, who she’d had to leave behind with a friend.

‘Where are you going?’ she asked.

‘The stables. To make sure my horse has all it needs for the night.’

She nodded. ‘I meant to ask you earlier how many guests we are expecting tomorrow.’

‘Forty.’

‘That many?’

‘Our parties are so popular I am having to turn people away. I think forty is the maximum number we can entertain comfortably. I don’t want people complaining it’s a squeeze.’

‘Limiting the guest list will only make it all the more popular.’

‘And I can pick and choose who I want for a guest.’

‘The richer the better, I suppose.’

‘No. That would be crass. The key is to invite the most interesting people. Fill the room with a bunch of dullards and our days are numbered.’

‘You are very clever about all this.’

‘I have had lots of experience. Pip and I both have.’

‘While I am a mere babe in the woods. I am still not sure why you want me as a partner.’

‘Because you bring an element of the tasteful to the proceedings.’

She made a choking sound of smothered laughter. ‘You jest.’ Clearly she did not understand her own allure.

‘No.’

She shivered.

It was then that he realised she was not wearing any sort of outer garment except for her shawl.

‘Why are you not wearing a coat?’

‘I only slipped out for a handful of herbs.’

‘And now I have kept you talking. Go inside at once.’