Page 6 of A Wallflower Demands Satisfaction

APRIL 16, 1830

CHELMSFORD MANSION KITCHEN

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Berkley Square

Olivia crossed her arms and tapped her new rose kid slippers on the polished tile of the kitchen floor.She’d come to expect Will around eleven each day, as dependable as the chimes of the hall clock.And today, his partner-in-crime Dickie sat next to him at the long heavy wooden table that took up most of the space in the center of the cavernous kitchen.

Why Cook hadn’t thrown both of them out on their arses was a mystery.Oh—.Her pretend Uncle Percy had joined them, and all three of them were gobbling down chocolate biscuits fresh from the oven as if a famine were imminent.

His Grace saw her first.“Come join us, Olivia, before they’re all gone.”

The duchess had glided silently up behind Olivia and tapped her gently on the shoulder.“They’re behaving like a nursery full of hellions.”

“Are all men this attics to let?”Olivia’s question came out in a soft whisper, but she really wanted to know.When Her Grace didn’t answer, Olivia turned, and the expression on her employer’s face conveyed the wordless message: “I can’t believe you asked that.”

Will was the first to spy Her Grace and leapt to his feet with a deep bow.The other two biscuit thieves followed suit.

“Percy,” the duchess said, “with me,” and crooked a finger.He followed her back to the upper levels like an obedient, albeit tall, puppy.

“What in St.Martin’s name are you two doing here at this hour of the day?”Olivia hated the way they made her feel.

Will spoke first.“I was making my rounds and after I checked the upper levels, Cook offered me refreshments on my way back to the station.”

“Do you still work at all for Sir Robert Peel’s police force?”Olivia demanded, an exasperated tone in her voice.

Will hung his head and mumbled something unintelligible.

“I can’t hear you.”Olivia moved closer and frowned at them.

“He said he’s sorry,” her brother Dickie assured her.

“For what?”

“For whatever you’ve got your gob all twisted about.”

“I’m not talking to you.”Olivia threw Dickie a murderous look.

Will raised his head.“I can apologize for myself, but you must see how dangerous the city can be for a lady like you.You need protection.”

“In the mansion of the Duke of Chelmsford?”

His Grace, who had returned for another handful of biscuits, unhelpfully added, “I’m fairly sure Berkley Square has become the safest place in Mayfair.I, for one, am deeply grateful.”

Will nodded in acknowledgement but also had the good grace to flush a deep shade of red.

“I think the true reason you two are here all the time is because of the attention you get from the kitchen and house maids.”She glared at both Will and Dickie.

“No—.”Will started to protest but stopped at the sight of the crushed expression on her face.

“Um, these are actually for Her Grace.”The duke made his excuses along with a hasty exit at the growing tension in their voices.

“Now Olivia, you know that’s not true…” Dickie tried to defend their friend and calm his sister.

“Don’t ‘Olivia’ me.You’re a couple of useless saunterers and satyrs.”

“Says the woman who is being cosseted and readied for a grand ball.”Dickie ducked just in time to avoid being hit by a chocolate biscuit expertly lobbed at him by his sister.He caught the missile before it hit the tiles of the kitchen floor, popped it into his mouth, and turned a mocking smile on his sister.