After a Fashion (A Class of Their Own #1)(55)
Oliver’s long legs ate up the distance that separated them, and before she knew it, he was standing right next to her. “I thought I’d stop by and see how my fiancée was fairing. Any luck with that charming look I asked you to perfect?”
The wobbling immediately stopped. “You asked me to practice an adoring look, not a charming one.”
“By the scowl you’re currently directing my way, I’m assuming you haven’t been practicing very diligently.”
“Is this really something we should be discussing while in the presence of that gentleman standing by the door?” she muttered.
Oliver blinked and turned, gesturing to the man to join them. “I do beg your pardon, Everett. I fear Harriet’s scowls have caused me to misplace my manners.” He waited until the gentleman reached his side and then began a round of introductions. “Harriet, this is Mr. Everett Mulberry, a friend of mine since childhood. Everett, this is Miss Harriet Peabody. And to relieve your anxiety, Harriet, he knows everything about our situation.”
Mr. Everett Mulberry presented Harriet with a bow before he straightened and turned to Lucetta and Millie, who were watching him warily. His eyes widened as his gaze settled on Lucetta. “You’re Miss Lucetta Plum, but . . . oh my, don’t you look . . . delightful?”
Lucetta nodded rather regally, an impressive feat considering her hair looked as if it’d had an unfortunate experience with a meat grinder. “Thank you, Mr. Mulberry, and as you can see, I wasn’t expecting to receive guests, which is why I’m now going to excuse myself and go hide in my room.” She turned and disappeared through the door.
Everett watched her leave. “That certainly wasn’t a sight I ever expected to see.”
“Just make sure you don’t mention it at any of your clubs,” Abigail ordered. “I’ve heard tell Miss Plum attracts admirers, and I don’t want those admirers tracking her down here.”
To Harriet’s surprise, Everett laughed. “Honestly, Mrs. Hart, who would I tell? It’s not like anyone would believe me if I told them I’d seen Lucetta Plum, dressed in trousers, no shoes, and hair that was . . . Well, what can one really say about that hair?”
“Excellent,” Abigail proclaimed before she gestured to Millie. “Now then, moving on to my other ward, allow me to present to you, Mr. Mulberry, Miss Millie Longfellow.”
To Harriet’s concern, Millie didn’t so much as move a muscle, although that might have been because she’d stuck the dictionary back on her head. When her friend remained mute as well as motionless, Harriet realized the sight of the very handsome and debonair Mr. Mulberry had apparently affected Millie in a very unusual way. Harriet hurried to stand beside Abigail, who was watching Millie with a considering look on her face.
“Your other ward? Don’t you think Lucetta, Millie, and I might be a little old to be called your wards?” was all Harriet could think to ask to break the strained silence now settled over the room.
Abigail switched her attention to Harriet. “Nonsense, it’s the perfect solution to the dilemma of how I should best present you. And”—she smiled at Everett—“I have you to thank for my clever idea of making the ladies my wards, although I didn’t think of it until you strolled into the room. Tell me, how are the brats?”
Everett blinked. “How in the world did you learn about my brats?”
“Just because I’ve not ventured forth much in the past few years doesn’t mean I don’t still have ears in the most influential of places.” Abigail tilted her head. “Although, a word of advice, it might be for the best to choose a different form of endearment for the children now in your care. You’ll have a difficult time of it making matches for the girls in the future if society takes to calling them brats.”
“I never thought about that,” Everett muttered.
“Then I’m thrilled I was able to lend you some of my expert advice, as I’ve been lending it to my wards. Why, with my support, I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if these ladies soon find themselves in high demand.”
“I don’t want to be in high demand,” Millie proclaimed, suddenly finding her voice as she took a step forward, which immediately sent the dictionary tumbling to the ground. She didn’t bother to pick it up as she set her sights on Abigail. “The only thing I want to be is a nanny to a family who really needs me.”
Before Harriet could so much as blink, Everett had joined Millie and was gazing at her as if he found her to be the most delightful woman in the world. “You’re a nanny?”
Millie took a step back. “Ah, yes, I am, well, not at the moment you see, because . . .”
“Absolutely not!” Abigail barked, causing everyone to jump and stare her way. “Honestly, Everett, do not even think about coercing Millie into working for you. You’ve gone through at least a dozen nannies since you took charge of those children, and sweet little Millie wouldn’t stand a chance against them. Besides, she’s agreed to stand in as a lady’s maid for Harriet.”
“I don’t actually need a lady’s maid,” Harriet pointed out.
Millie crossed her arms over her chest. “I would make a perfectly credulous maid.”
Silence met Millie’s remark. Oliver’s brow wrinkled, Everett looked confused, and Abigail simply appeared resigned.