The Importance of Being Wicked. Victoria Alexander

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ eyes widened. “Why on earth not?”

      “Because you strike me as the kind of woman who gets what she wants and will use whatever means necessary to achieve it. Who will not back down from a position when she believes she is right.”

      Surprise shone in her eyes. “I do?”

      “The very fact that you are here, representing your late husband’s firm, is a testament to that.”

      “Is it?”

      “Indeed it is.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “It is most unbecoming in a female.”

      “Oh?” Her brow rose. “Which part? Getting what I want? Using whatever means necessary? Or refusing to retreat when I know I am right?”

      “All of it!”

      “And what do you think is becoming in a female?”

      “A female who knows her place in the world is most becoming,” he said in a lofty manner. Even as he said the words he knew they were a mistake. But something inside him—something quite irrational and probably extremely stupid—made him want to annoy her as much as she annoyed him.

      “Her place in the world?” she repeated as if she couldn’t quite believe his words.

      Win had a difficult time believing them himself. Indeed, he had always preferred women with a bit of independence and intelligence to them, women who made up their own minds and forged their own paths even if that had proved his undoing on more than one occasion.

      “And what would that place be?”

      “At home. With her family. Not out and about espousing electricity.”

      Her brows drew together. “Do forgive me, my lord, for not meeting your standards of feminine behavior.”

      “You manipulated me, Lady Garret. I do not like being manipulated. I particularly dislike that you used my family to do it.”

      “And for that I have apologized. I shall not do so again.”

      “What? Apologize or manipulate?”

      “I certainly won’t apologize again.” She turned in a dismissive manner and considered the plans spread on the desk. “Is there anything else we should discuss today?”

      Ha! Obviously she thought better of continuing a debate she could not possibly win. Good. If there was a score being kept—not that there was—he would have won a point. He moved closer and studied the drawings. “I quite like the way Mr. Tempest has expanded the dressing rooms and added additional water closets and bathing rooms, even in the wings. Especially those in the family quarters.”

      “Even if they are not original to the house?” she said under her breath.

      “Even then.”

      “It did seem to make sense, while much of the building was under construction, to include and expand amenities.”

      “Very clever of Mr. Tempest.” As much as he hated to admit it.

      She glanced at him. “Dare I take that as a measure of satisfaction on your part?”

      “You may. I confess I did not consider things like plumbing and water closets and certainly not electricity, but all in all, yes, I do find this more than acceptable.”

      “Excellent.” She straightened and met his gaze firmly. “Our next step then is to hire workers, locally if possible. If you could arrange for your estate manager to meet with Mr. Clarke tomorrow, I suspect he would be most helpful in that regard.”

      “Excellent idea.” He nodded. “Dare I hope Mr. Clarke’s personal difficulties have been resolved satisfactorily?”

      She looked at him sharply. “You remember that?”

      “I am not a cad, Lady Garret. Most would say I am both thoughtful and considerate. As well as sincere.”

      She smiled as if she had doubts on that score. Obviously she was going to need some convincing.

      “I can also be charming and amusing.”

      “That really isn’t—”

      “I never mistreat the servants or those less fortunate. I support any number of worthy charities. And I am unfailingly kind to . . . to animals and children. Why, I can bring in several children from the village who will attest to that. I usually carry sweets in my pocket to hand out when I happen upon them.”

      “Oh, yes, that is good for them.”

      “And dogs. I’m very fond of dogs.” He glanced around. “Even that nasty little worthless beast of my aunt’s has been known to curl up at my feet.”

      “No doubt, but—”

      “And should you ever meet that embarrassment to the canine world you will certainly understand why it takes the kindest of men to—”

      “Lord Stillwell!”

      “My apologies. There is something about that dog. . . .” He grimaced. “Neither here nor there, of course. Do go on.”

      “Very well. The Mr. Clarke, Emmett Clarke, you graciously inquired after is still unavailable to oversee construction. That task will be taken up by his brother, Mr. Edwin Clarke.”

      “Edwin and Emmett? Twins?”

      “Not to my knowledge. They have a sister named Eloise as well.”

      “Their parents were exceptionally fond of the letter E then?” He chuckled.

      “I have no idea.” She looked at him as if he had grown two heads. So much for his effort at amusing conversation. “As I was saying, we have engaged this Mr. Clarke’s services in the past. He is quite knowledgeable and does an excellent job. He will be here every day during the course of the project. Is there a cottage at Fairborough or on the grounds of Millworth or perhaps something available in the village where he can reside? It would be much more convenient if he could live in the area during construction.”

      Win nodded. “We can arrange something suitable.”

      “Excellent. As you have agreed to the plans, work can begin next week.” She hesitated. “Oh, and I will be here as well, of course.”

      Win stared. “You?”

      “Yes.”

      He narrowed his eyes. “Every day?”

      “I should hate to see anything go wrong and it will certainly slow progress considerably if Mr. Clarke is forced to stop work to scurry into London to clarify a point. I assure you, I am well versed on Mr. Tempest’s designs.” She studied him coolly. “So yes, I would think I shall be here very nearly every day from the first day of construction until the last.”

      “I see.” If she was to be here nearly every day from next week into the foreseeable future he had best try to get on СКАЧАТЬ