"Of use? No, not at all. Don't be silly."
"Do you not need me for anything?" she asked, feeling a bit hurt that he was dismissing her so readily. He did not even look at her-it was as if too busy to bother with her for even an instant. But then, he had been away, and given her all of his time last night.
"It is New Year's Day. Most of the world is sleeping off the celebrations from the night before. For my own part, I must catch up on several things which I have neglected in my absence, including my correspondence, and a paper on fevers I have been trying to find a quiet time to finish. There will be plenty of opportunity to do business tomorrow, or on the third when Mr. Brown comes back."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Can I help with your paper?"
He smiled tightly, trying to keep his voice even. After all, she was only trying to help. She had no idea that every time he laid eyes on her he wanted to strip her naked and-
"For the moment, child, you go upstairs and rest. Settle into the house a bit more. Bring some of your things down here. You are not to be kept a prisoner in your chamber. Find some more books in the library to entertain and edify. Anything you need, simply ask a servant."
He went over to his desk, opened the drawer, and took out his strong box. "There is always cash in here for emergencies. I shall give you fifty pounds pin money every week to start with. Please let me know if you need more."
"That's more than generous. Thank you."
"I trust you. You needn't thank me. Your first lessons will be in how to earn money, save it, and spend it wisely."
She nodded as she took the notes and coins he had placed on the desk.
"You have the run of the house, of course. We can see about you keeping the keys for a time in order to learn how to run a household yourself. The only places which are off limits are my examination rooms and changing rooms downstairs, and of course my one private chamber at the top of the stairs.
"Likewise I shall never intrude upon your room unless you are expressly in need of me, if you are ill, for example. There is the small sitting room just by the front door, the little cream and gold one, which can be for your exclusive use. I shall not intrude upon you and your guests unless you invite me in.
"Appropriate decorum must be observed at all times, in this household and without. I shall be on the look out for what I would describe as extremes of taste in your dress or deportment."
"I understand. I believe my gowns are unobjectionable. And my conversation equally so."
"Indeed, neither has caused me alarm thus far. That is quite a modest and becoming gown, very much as I could wish," he said, nodding at the charcoal grey in approval.
"In most other matters of which we have spoken, we are in agreement. I shall try not to be too harsh a taskmaster."
"I'm sure you will be fair. If you are harsh, it will be no more than I deserve after the manner in which I have behaved."
He fixed her with his piercing hazel eyes. "Don't be too meek, my dear. I was an only child, and said to have been very willful."
She smiled at last, in amusement and relief. "Very well, I shall stand up to you on occasion. We would not want our lives together to be too dull." She turned to leave him.
Blake's heart nearly lurched into his mouth. Dull? He managed another small tight smile. "I have the feeling it's going to be anything but."
True to his word, Blake gave Arabella the morning off to settle herself in her new home.
Upon his orders, she received a full tour of the grand townhouse from the butler and housekeeper, whilst Blake familiarized himself with the papers which had been sent over from the solicitor's office regarding her wealth.
He was rather impressed. She had quite a diverse portfolio. They had done a good job looking after her interests. But with what Blake had learnt from his father, he could do even better for her.
There was also the matter of her chaperone to attend to. The sooner Mrs. Evans took up her duties and got Arabella off his hands for the days and evenings, the better, so far as he was concerned.
At one point he looked up from his papers in surprise. "Arabella. I didn't hear you come in. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"No, I'm just joining you by the fire while I do some mending."
He frowned. "Is the fire not adequate in your sitting room?"
"It's fine. I just thought- Well, you do not mean to shun me entirely, do you?"
"Not at all," he said quickly. "By all means sit there. Just don't expect me to be too chatty when I have this paper to finish."
"That's fine."