Page 73 of Taken to the Grave

“See?” Sir said, with a pleading look at Audrey. “Changelings! I told you she was no good.”

Basil threw up his arms. “I suppose you want to dismiss this nanny too?”

“She’s barmy,” the boy insisted.

“If his lordship went around dismissing every servant you didn’t like, we wouldn’t have a staff at all.”

“He wouldn’t have a valet, that’s for certain,” Sir muttered.

“I should like to know who else would put up with the lot of you,” Basil said, before swiftly bowing to Audrey with a simper. “Not your ladyship, of course. I find you to be the only reasonable one, my lady.”

She couldn’t suppress her smile this time. “Thank you, Basil. Would you please take Catherine to Miss Pierce for now?” She took her from Hugh, her little fist now glistening with spit, and handed her to the startled and suddenly rigid valet.

He clasped the gurgling baby, holding her far away from him, like week-old laundry. He turned and began toward the exit, muttering under his breath, “I am a valet. Valets do not carry babies…”

“And Sir,” Audrey turned to the boy, “will you find Mrs. Simmons and tell her we may need to look for a new nanny after all?”

Sir saluted, bowed, and then darted away with more excitement than she seen in him since they’d relieved the first nanny of her post.

Audrey followed him to the door, then closed it. She turned the lock and glanced over her shoulder. Hugh crossed his arms.

“What are you up to, minx? I thought you wanted to form a welcome party for Cassie.”

She sauntered toward him, enjoying the way he watched her. “I have a more important task in mind.” Audrey put her arms around his neck, and he dragged her close. “And much more pleasurable.”

He lowered his forehead to hers. “You aren’t getting away from me this time, my lady.”

Audrey raked her fingers into his hair and nipped his bottom lip. “I’ll hold you to that, my lord.”