And where did Evander come in? He was the boys' uncle, and he clearly adored them, so why hadn't he been appointed their guardian instead of Bella? And while he was obviously trying to make the best of things, she clearly didn't like having him around. So why was he here in her house at dinner?
And what exactly had I gotten myself into?
# # #
While Viola put the boys to bed, Bella had me join her and Evander in the living room. She called it the "sitting room," which was kind of ridiculous since it was just a normal old room with a couch and TV and all that. Just nicer furniture than I was used to. A lot nicer. Some was definitely antique. And everything, while not matchy matchy, definitely blended together harmoniously. I don't think I'd ever had furnishings that matched in my entire life. Growing up, we hadn't had a lot of money. We hadn't been poor, but we weren't rolling in it, either. Secondhand furniture was a way of life. No one cared if anything matched or even went together. So the burnt-orange chair and powder-blue sofa clashed? At least you had somewhere to park your backside.
Evander waved me to a plush, eggplant-colored velvet chair next to the fire. I welcomed its warmth. There was a distinct chill in the air that didn't just come from Old Man Winter. While Evander sat on the end of the white leather sofa nearest me, Bella sat at the extreme far end, her back ramrod straight, her hands folded neatly in her lap. She looked prim and proper and like she had a poker up her backside. Not my idea of a fun employer.
For a long moment, there was nothing but awkward silence. I could hear the tick tick of the brass clock on the mantle. I resisted the urge to fidget like a kid waiting to see the principal.
"Mrs. Sylvia Cobb says you come highly recommended," Bella said at last. Her tone was distant, haughty. Evander gave a little smirk and a look that clearly said "here we go." Obviously, Bella's uppity ways weren't Evander's cup of tea.
"I worked for an exclusive preparatory school back home. I taught art."
"But you were fired."
"I was downsized," I corrected her. "In this economy, art is the first thing to go." I wasn't about to tell her about Lala Yarrow and her philandering husband. Not only was it embarrassing, but I was afraid she'd think I was a bad influence.
"How…shortsighted."
"I agree," I said, giving her a smile. It was not returned.
"I am a designer, as you can see." She indicated the room around her. Ah, that explained it. "Art and aesthetics are very important to me. Hopefully you can instill appreciation for that in the twins."
"Uh, sure."
She smoothed her skirt. "I suppose we should explain the arrangement first."
I said nothing, just glanced from her to Evander and back again. Sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut and see what spills out.
"My sister, Meg, was married to Evander's brother, John. They were killed a few months ago in a car accident. Guardianship of the twins was left to us equally, but I was given their daily care."
"I see."
"I has been a difficult adjustment for us all." She cleared her throat.
"I'm sure. I'm very sorry for your loss."
That seemed to nonplus her. "Thank you. The point is both Evander and I are responsible for all major decisions concerning the twins, and Evander spends time with them as much as possible and so on. But they live here with me."
Yeah, I got that. Did she think I was stupid? "Okay."
"You are technically employed by the trust John and Meg set up for the boys before they died, but you answer to me. Is that clear?"
"Crystal." Marking her territory much?
"Although if Evander has any input he can, of course, give it." Again, she was clearly not thrilled about having to deal with Evander. I couldn't figure out why. He seemed like a decent guy. At least he was living up to his responsibilities. Unlike some that could be named.
Bella went on to outline my duties, which were pretty much the usual: care and feeding of the twins, getting them to school, and so on. Viola was there to help with the feeding part and a company came in once a week to do proper cleaning. Frankly, it sounded like a walk in the park after Portland Prep.
I tried to hold back the yawn, but jet lag was catching up with me despite the nap. "Sorry," I mumbled.
"I think you should get off to bed. The twins wake up early."
"Sure thing." I staggered to my feet, barely noticing Evander had risen to his, as well. Just like Downton Abbey. I paused in the doorway. "And Bella, thanks. I'm really excited to be here."
"Of course," she said stiffly, although I sensed underneath she was pleased I'd said so.
I started up the stairs, their voices a low rumble behind me. I paused as I caught Bella's next words. "You should leave that girl alone." Her voice was a waspish snap.
I paused to listen. Eavesdropping might be rude, but they were talking about me. I had the right to know.
"I don't see that it's any of your business." Evander's tone was mild.
"She is so…low class. Not our sort at all, Evander. What would your parents think?"
I rolled my eyes and continued quietly up the stairs so they wouldn't know I'd been eavesdropping. Low class, my ass. Forget Downton Abbey, this was full on Jane Austen.
Chapter 4
The next day dawned not exactly bright but definitely early. It was just past five in the morning when two cannonballs barreled onto my bed and started jumping up and down and screeching.
There were two ways I could handle this. I decided the answer was decisively.
Leaping from the