Page 76 of Charlotte's Kisses

Once Hugh stood, he clasped Charlotte’s hand. “I have missed you. Come see our new home.”

They were almost to the steps when the two miscreants her father often hired for unfavorable chores exited, nearly running head-first into Hugh. Both she and Lucy gasped.

Charlotte stepped back. “What are they doing here?”

“Keepin’ an eye on you, Lady Charlotte,” the one with the mustache said.

Charlotte cringed.

Hugh glared at the men. “Stay three arm’s length away from my wife.” Then his gaze softened. “They helped get the house ready. They are returning to your father soon.”

“Nah, Fletcher. We keep telling ye we is staying here in London. Ye needs our help. Besides, his lordship paid us to stay put.” The tall man displayed an exceedingly toothy grin as he swung his arms wide. “We helped the lad paint yer new house, my lady. Both insides and outs.” “What do ye think?”

It was rather lovely.

“They wore more paint than they got on the walls,” Billy said. “And they could not hang paper if their lives depended on it.”

The tall man growled at Billy, who seemed unfazed since he was cooing hishelloto Snowball.

“Stilts, Curly, unpack the carriage,” Hugh said. “And no dawdling.”

“We never dawdle,” said the man with the mustache. “We don’t ever get any respect, and we work ourselves to the bones for you toffs.”

Hugh harrumphed. “I am hardly a toff.”

“If ye looks like a toff, talks like a toff, and smells like a toff, ye’s a toff,” Curly said.

Hugh sighed. “Tonight. A round of ale at The Red Dog Tavern on me.”

“Why thank ye, guv’nor,” the man who must be Stilts said. “For a toff, ye’s a generous man.”

Hugh stabbed his finger at the men. “But stay out of trouble.”

“Trouble? Us?” Curly placed his hand on his heart.

Hugh turned his back to the dastardly duo and rolled his eyes. “Thank you for delivering the ladies,” he called to the driver and the footman. “Once you help Curly and Stilts unload the carriage, come in and have a cup of coffee while the horses rest. Everything has been laid out in the kitchen.”

Hugh placed his hand on the small of Charlotte’s back, and they entered their new abode. Lucy, Billy, and the animals followed.

Papered in various shades of creams, tans, and browns, the foyer was quite elegant. As Hugh led them to the first room on the left, they passed by a few of his hats hanging on ornate brass hooks.

“My office.” He held out his hand, inviting her to enter.

Charlotte stepped into the room. Lucy, Billy, and the animals followed.

Although the city’s fog blocked the amount of sunlight coming through the bay window, lanterns bathed the masculine room in a warm glow. Twinkling light dappled across an enormous mahogany desk where an inkpot, a ledger, alantern, and a stack of newspapers were neatly arranged. Hugh took the birdcage from Lucy and placed it on a high, wooden pedestal. The cage suited the earthy-toned room.

Charlotte pictured Hugh sitting behind his desk, his brow furrowed in concentration, his shirtsleeves rolled up, the corded muscles in his forearms flexing as he took notes on his cases. Her life was too perfect for words.

“’Tis wonderful, Hugh,” she said.

“Mr. Fletcher already has two clients besides Lord Chesterhill,” Billy said.

“Oh?” Charlotte asked.

Hugh nodded. “I have another promising lead on your father’s search. We will discuss business later. For now, let us continue the tour.”

They followed Hugh down the hallway to the scullery. A long table and benches took up the center of the room. Half a dozen coffee cups and a plate of biscuits had been arranged and were ready to be consumed. The well-stocked larder was off to the left side.