Vice sat back in his chair, his lips pulling up at the corners. “Ah, yes. Don’t you love their feisty spirit? The Chase women are quite the handful and I mean that both figuratively and—”
“Thank you,” Sin cut him off, not needing to add to his visual picture of the woman. “You’re talking about a potential member of my staff.”
“I was talking about my wife, actually.” Vice winked. “But you shouldn’t be afraid of strong-willed staff. Your butler is a beast.”
His butler was, in fact, a rather opinionated man. But not when it came to the areas that Sin was actually vulnerable. And besides, Reeves’ strength was part of what had carried him through the past few years. Right or wrong, he’d needed the man. “He keeps the rest of the staff in check.”
Vice raised a brow. “He’s too familiar.”
Sin stood, crossing to the fire. “So your point is that I should hire more people to push me around?”
Vice chuckled. “Well said. And no. Mary is a good woman and she’ll learn her place. In the meantime, Anne will only benefit from the Chase strength of character.”
“Is she strong?” Sin murmured. “Mary that is. She looks so—”
“Beautiful?” Vice asked.
Sin turned back to Vice, the other man’s eyes sparkling with mischief. “I was going to say delicate. Fragile. Perhaps…” The sort of woman Sin might grow attached to. His chest ached with the pain of the past.
Vice shook his head. “Don’t let her size fool you. Strength of character comes from within.”
That was a bloody good point. “If you truly think she’ll help Anne, then she’s worth trying.”
Vice winked again, his hand lacing behind his head. “I think she’ll do a world of good in this house.”
Sin assessed his cousin, his thoughts twisting about in his head. Did Vice also think he was failing Anne? And even if Mary was the answer, how would he survive their cohabitation?
Chapter Four
Mary stood as Ada entered the room. “You didn’t need to send Vice away.”
“Yes, I did.” She pushed up her glasses and stopped just in front of Mary. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
Mary looked at the wall to her right. Words filled her mouth, wishing to spill all her worries to Ada but then again, Ada might tell Vice, who might then share with Sin. “Nothing is wrong.”
“Liar,” Ada reached for her hand. “You’re upset.”
Mary rubbed her temples, shaking her head. “I insulted his parenting right to his face,” she whispered. “Lord Sinclair almost didn’t hire me. As it is, he’s going to bring me on for a fortnight to test out the arrangement.”
“A fortnight?” Ada squeezed her fingers. “I like Lord Sinclair a great deal, but he needs major help in the parenting department and I am so glad you’re able to give it to him. Even if he might not keep you on permanently. Though if anyone can convince him to change, it’s you.”
“What?” Mary looked at Ada.
Ada pursed her lips. “That child needs a little freedom to overcome her fears.”
Warmth spread through Mary. “That’s exactly what I thought.”
Ada nodded. “He’s grief-stricken from the loss of his wife. He can’t see that path. But you’ll aid them both. I’m sure of it.”
Mary’s eyes widened. “I don’t know, Ada. I don’t think he liked me.” Mary didn’t add that she liked him far more than was proper. Like wasn’t exactly the word. She was drawn to him in a way she had never experienced before. The tips of her fingers tingled to touch his hair, and she’d spent far too long wondering what it’d be like to share an intimate embrace with him. Shivers trickled down her spine. Maybe more than an embrace…
“How could he not like you?” Ada wrapped her arms about Mary. “You’re smart and fun and full of zest.” Her cousin gave her a squeeze.
“Thank you,” Mary gave Ada a hug before stepping back. “I appreciate your words of comfort.”
“But you’re not comforted,” Ada added, her hands coming to her hips. Slowly she looked Mary up and down as though she were studying for clues. “Something else is bothering you.”
“No,” Mary yelped but even she knew she’d said it far too quickly and much too loudly.
Ada slowly adjusted her spectacles on her nose. “It’s his looks, isn’t it?”
“What?” Heat filled her cheeks. “No. Of course it isn’t.”
Ada shook her head, waving her off. Of course her cousin didn’t believe her. “They’re distracting. One man shouldn’t be allowed to be so handsome.”
Mary’s shoulders slumped. “The same could be said for your husband.”
Ada tapped her chin. “True. But I wasn’t considering living full time as his employee.”
Mary shrugged. “I’ll have to keep my head down and keep to myself, I guess.”
Ada turned and walked toward the window. “I say you be yourself. You would do him a world of good. And for that matter you could also apply yourself to marrying him.”
Mary gasped. “I’m the tutor. And a spinster and—”
“From good family, beautiful, motherly, and available.” Ada turned back, a flicker of interest sparkling in her eyes. “This could be your chance to have a family of your own. You don’t say it but you feel the call. I’ve seen you around infants.”
Mary couldn’t deny her deepest yearnings, slumping in her chair, resting her head in her hands. “If I wanted the position of wife, I probably should have made a more favorable impression on the interview.”
Ada covered her mouth with her hand, suppressing a chuckle. “Oh Mary. That is a bit funny.”
Mary shrugged. “And true.”
“Funny things often are.” Ada came back to her side, laying a hand on her shoulder. “But your chance isn’t finished. Prove yourself valuable and see how your future unfolds.” Ada took a step away but then came back. “And protect your virtue. He’ll have to marry you if he wants that.”
That made Mary’s head snap up. “He doesn’t want me that way at all.” She might be ridiculously
