Chapter Fifty
Later that morning, William was measuring coffee grounds into the cafetière when the scullery door swung open.
Sally marched into the kitchen, her chin lifted and her eyes bright with purpose. The usual critical tension had vanished, replaced by an enthusiasm that immediately put William on alert. His shoulders squared instinctively as he turned to face her.
“William,” Sally said, stopping opposite the island. “Put that down for a moment. I need to talk to you about something of the utmost importance regarding your future.”
William set the scoop aside. “Morning, Sally. Everything all right next door?”
“It is far more than alright,” Sally replied, clasping her hands. “I’ve spent the weekend observing this household, William, and it is obvious that you are stretching yourself too thin. The children need greater stability and a more consistent routine.”
“We’re finding our footing perfectly well, Sally.”
She waved this aside. “But I have spent quite a lot of time talking to the proprietor next door. Miss Taylor.”
William froze, his hand resting on the rim of his mug. A sharp jolt of disbelief ran through him, but he kept his expression steady.
“Have you?” he said carefully.
“She is remarkable,” Sally declared. “Calm, capable and organised. Her standards are precisely what Richard and I appreciate. She has restored that entire property with remarkably little fuss.”
William stared at the tiles behind the stove, fighting to keep a straight face. The irony was almost unbearable.
“She’s very impressive,” he managed.
“She is exactly the sort of influence you need in your life,” Sally continued, stepping closer.
“She would bring proper stability into this house. I have made a firm decision. I am going to introduce Miss Taylor to you properly this afternoon. I will stay with the children while you take her out for a meal and get to know her.”
“You want to introduce me to Miss Taylor,” William said carefully, “and then send us out together while you look after the children?”
“Exactly. She would be a far better influence than this Lydia person the children keep talking about. Once you meet Miss Taylor properly, I’m sure you’ll understand.”
Beneath his amusement, caution stirred. Sally had not considered whether Lydia would want to go out with him—or what it might mean for the children if they began hoping for something that never developed.
Still, he had no intention of making Lydia’s decision for her.
“Very well,” William said. “If Miss Taylor agrees, invite her over for tea at three.”
Sally’s face lit with satisfaction. “Excellent. I shall speak to her immediately.”
She swept back through the scullery, and the door clicked shut behind her.
William waited until her footsteps had faded along the path. Then he leaned against the kitchen island and laughed.