Rescued By A Viscount(13)

“The scullery maid is with child, my lord, and Mrs. Bevarly wishes to let her go, however I thought to speak with you first.”

Had he a wife, this would be dealt with by her, Simon thought, resisting the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. “Do we know who the father is?

“Merlin, my lord,”

Well, it seemed his grubby collar and neck did not bother Simon’s scullery maid.

“And how old is the scullery maid?”

“Sixteen, my lord.”

“Her name is?”

“Jilly, my lord.”

“Thank you for coming to me with this information, and you were right to do so, Bilby. Can you tell me what the housekeeper has to say on the matter?”

Bilby’s expression became pinched as he mentioned Mrs. Dodd. “She’s of the same opinion as Mrs. Bevarly, the cook, my lord.”

“And yet they are happy for Merlin to stay in my employ, which seems unjust, don’t you think, Bilby?” Simon knew his views did not often coincide with the more bigoted members of society, yet he had not thought his staff so cutthroat in theirs.

“Indeed it does, my lord, and I fear that even if you keep her, they will not be fair to the girl.”

Simon studied his immaculate butler. His age must be nearing sixty, he had a ring of silver hair around the back of his head but nothing on the top, and he was not what a person would call handsome, however he was comfortable to look at, in a grandfatherly kind of way. “And why do you not want to throw her from the house, Bilby, as my cook and housekeeper do?”

The man stood straighter, and the hands he had at his sides clenched briefly. “Everyone makes mistakes, my lord, but it is not everyone who can come about because of them.”

Simon wondered what mistake his butler had made. Perhaps one day he would ask, but for now he would deal with Jilly and Merlin.

“Wise words from a wise man, Bilby. Now if you will please bring Merlin to me at once, and after that, I will decide what next needs to be done.”

As soon as the butler left, Simon ate his breakfast slowly and then drank half the cup of coffee he had poured.

“You wish to see me, my lord?”

Simon questioned the eyesight of the maid who had declared Merlin a handsome man. His nose was crooked and he wore a permanent scowl. He had a head of brown hair that Simon was certain no amount of brushing would subdue, and on closer inspection, he did have a grubby air about him. His body was fit, which he supposed could be a lure for women, especially scullery maids. And he was unequalled in handling horses and for that matter, carriages.

“I understand you have Jilly with child, Merlin?”

The man raised his chin and nodded.

“And what did you plan to do about it?” Simon kept his eyes on the man. To his credit, he did not shuffle his feet or evade his look; in fact, he simply stared back.

“I love Jilly, my lord.”

Merlin had been his head coachman for many years, however they rarely conversed. In fact, when they did, the barest minimum of words passed between them, usually to the purpose of making travel arrangements. In all honesty and to his shame, Simon could say he knew next to nothing about the man before him. “Do you wish to marry her?”

“I do.”

“Mrs. Bevarly and Mrs. Dodd wish to let Jilly go. Merlin, will there be a problem in my household if she stays after you wed?”

Rage flashed across the man’s face briefly. “Mrs. Bevarly and Mrs. Dodd think Jilly is a light skirt, if you’ll beg my pardon for saying such a thing, my lord, however she is not. My Jilly is a fine woman.”

Good god, the man was in love. He’d just strung an entire and passionate sentence together.

“Bilby!” Simon roared through the door, knowing his butler would be nearby.

“My lord?”

“Have Jilly brought up here at once.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Where will you live, Merlin?” Simon said when the door had shut once more.

The chin rose again and this time Simon saw pride in the man’s face. “I’ll provide for us.”

“I’m sure you will, but I would like to help you with those provisions. If you find a house and need assistance securing it please let me know. I will then organize it on your behalf and we shall work through a suitable payment scheme for you both.”

“I’ll provide for us,” he said again, thrusting out his chin further.

Simon knew it was pride talking and could not fault the man because of it. “I understand that, Merlin, but would also add that should you require my help at any time then my offer is always open.”

Color flushed his face as he struggled to keep his mouth shut, and then he nodded abruptly. “Mighty fine of you, my lord.”