Page 20 of A Bachelor’s Lessons in Love

“For Daphne’s sake, of course,” she said aloud, quite certain of herself when it came to caring for her niece.

Colonel Halstead smiled, amusement once again in his eyes. “For Daphne’s sake,” he agreed.

Her whole body relaxed. He would not replace her with a paid companion or female relative of his own. The Colonel would keep her in his home, where she could see to it that Daphne was looked after, loved, and eventually married well. Then her life’s work would be complete.

In that moment, she almost liked the man. Certainly she felt distinct gratitude toward him.

His gaze went down to the desk, and hers followed. The surface was organized, but quite full of stacks of papers, books, and—she noticed for the first time—cloth samples.

“Colonel,” she said, looking at all of it with raised eyebrows. “It appears you are under attack.”

His posture stiffened, and he shook his head slightly. “I beg your pardon?”

She gestured to the desk. “From matters of business. You look quite overrun.” She had never seen her father’s, nor Anthony’s, desk so littered with papers. “Have you no secretary? A steward, or a man of business?”

“Oh, this?” Colonel Halstead put his hand down on the large stack of books. “It is not so bad as it seems, though there is no secretary, and my man of business keeps threatening to retire. I have been told I ought to consider a steward of my own rather than sharing my neighbor’s, but that seems like nonsense considering how small the estate is, and I have only two tenants.” He tapped the books again. “These are for my personal edification and enjoyment.” He gestured to a stack of paper. “This is correspondence I have already answered and wish to file away.” Another stack. “These are bills paid.” Another. “Bills yet to be paid.” And the final stack of books. “Ledgers for the income of the estate going back to before I bought the place a few years ago.”

Hearing he bought his home rather than inherited it did not surprise her. Many a man had made his fortune during the war and returned to England in a far better financial position. He had told her about his father and older brother but moments before, too. What had they been, in Society’s rungs? “How do you find being a landowner, Colonel?”

A smile with a somewhat rueful tilt grew upon his face, and Felicity caught herself returning it as he said, “Commanding a company of mules would be an easier feat, but this one is arguably more rewarding.”

Her laugh nearly escaped, but Felicity pressed her lips together in time to stop such a thing. “And now you have a young lady to contend with.”

“She does not seem so fearsome a foe.” He retook his seat with his smile still in place, folding his arms across his chest and leaning back in his chair, gaze fixed on her. “From all I have seen, she is an even-tempered girl, clever too. Eager to like others and be liked in turn. Though certainly a touch shy with strangers.”

“Daphne is still in mourning.” Felicity rested her elbows on the arms of the chair, clasping her hands before her. “Her grief will be of a longer duration than the time we limit her to wearing mourning colors—but I do see glimmers of her usual cheerful demeanor returning. Then she seems to remember her loss, and she grows solemn again. I hope you come to know her fully. She is a delightful young lady. Kind, cheerful, and quite talented musically.”

“I look forward to hearing her perform when the pianoforte arrives.” He looked up at the ceiling for a moment. “I am told the room you wish to put it in is the one above my study?”

Felicity stilled. “Oh. Yes.” She looked up at the ceiling, then out the window. Oh dear. “I had not fully realized the positioning…”

“It will be a delight to listen to her play as I work,” he said, and she met his gaze again. Though his smile had faded, there was no doubting the sincerity in his tone. “Whether she is as talented as you say, or not. This house is far too quiet. I did not realize it until you both arrived. The servants walk as silently as ghosts, which leaves only me to stomp about it most of the time. It eases something, to hear the muffled voices of others in the house, to hear footsteps on the stairs. The house feels more alive with you both here.”

Felicity blinked at him, and for some strange reason, she felt heat creeping up her throat and into her cheeks. Surely, she was not blushing? Not at her age! She was too mature for such things. Too…well. Too much a spinster.

Really. He hadn’t said anything especially flattering, either.

“A dog or two would accomplish a similar thing, you know,” she said, trying to keep her tone light. Uncaring. “Most gentlemen keep hounds about, I believe, for companionship.”

The Colonel chuckled. “You are not the first person to suggest a four-legged companion. I fear I do not have it in me to hunt, so most good dogs would be rather wasted on me. They are bred for such a life, and I would not take in a creature only to keep it from its purpose.”

That idea ticked at her thoughts. A man who did not hunt was one thing, but to think of the preferences of an animal in such a way… She did not know what to make of it.

“We were speaking of Daphne, though,” Colonel Halstead said, before she could think of a thing to say. “I think another foray into London is in order, and soon. I wish to show her some of the sights she mentioned in the list you gave me—you likely have more purchases to make, too.”

She nodded. “Though I want to assure you, Colonel, that I am aware of the monthly stipend from the trust for her upkeep. I promise to keep well within the budget of that amount.”

“I have every confidence in your practicality, Miss Price.” He continued to seem relaxed, even a little more amused by her. “You do not strike me as a spendthrift—though I have an important matter regarding finances to address with you. You may find it indelicate for me to do so, but as you are going to be a member of this household, and therefore part of my responsibility, I hope you will see why I feel the need to speak so openly on the matter at hand.”

Felicity’s heart stuttered. A member of a new household. She truly was to stay. “I understand, of course. What is it you wish to address?”

He did not seem unduly upset. Previous experience warned her, however, that when a man discussed finances with a woman, it was most often to express disapproval over how money slipped from her fingers, despite her clear frugality.

Slowly, Colonel Halstead unfolded his arms to put his elbows on the desk, leaning forward. “Miss Price, I am aware of Daphne’s situation with her father’s trust, the amount of pin money she is used to, and the size of her dowry. I have been informed, too, of her inheritance, the house and other particulars. She was well cared for in that regard by her father, though I will certainly add my own funds to support her upkeep, especially with regards to making this house a home for her.”

“Thank you for that,” Felicity said, her voice soft. For Daphne’s sake, she would always be grateful.

He moved his hand, flicking his fingers almost as though to both acknowledge and dismiss her words. Not disrespectfully. Merely efficiently. A soldier’s habit. “What I do not know, Miss Price, is whether you have funds enough to keep yourself comfortable and living in the manner with which you were accustomed in your brother’s household. When Daphne expressed displeasure that you did not make purchases for yourself while we were in Town, I realized I know nothing about your financial situation. It may be crass, but I see no way to discover what I need to without being blunt. Forgive me, but is there enough money set aside for your needs?”