The Marquis And The Mother-To-Be. Valerie Parv

out of your presence here.”

      “It’s okay for you to have a female under your roof, as long as she’s a servant?” She knew she sounded angry and couldn’t make herself care. She felt as if she was fifteen again, being put in her place. “I think it’s best if I leave now.”

      He touched her arm. “Cris, I didn’t ask to be royal. Things are simpler this way, trust me.”

      His statement took the wind out of her sails. “I know, and I shouldn’t overreact. But if I’m to be paid for working for you, I want to do a real job.”

      He looked relieved. “I can turn into a slave driver if you prefer. Some of the men under my command already think of me as one.”

      “I don’t doubt it.” She had seen firsthand how autocratic he could be when he wanted. Catching sight of the twinkle in his dark gaze, she realized he was joking.

      “Do we have a deal?”

      Her sigh gusted out. She had known what she would say the moment he offered her the job. She wanted to stay with him. “Deal.”

      He smiled and her heart turned over. “I’ll brush up on my slave-driving skills just for you.”

      He wouldn’t have to, she knew. This was familiar territory. Challenged by his offer, her mind was already racing ahead as she ticked off requirements on her fingers. “We’ll need a business and financial plan for the lodge. That would be your department.” She took a breath. “As soon as the financials and decorating theme are in place, I can draw up a schedule for trades-people to do the work, and a program for hiring and training staff, starting with a house manager, catering manager, executive housekeeper and front office staff.”

      He looked slightly bemused. “Agreed. Right after you put your feet up for a while.”

      Shock jolted through her. Had he guessed her secret already? “Excuse me?”

      “You’re still recovering from the flu. No feudal lord worth his salt makes his serfs work when they’re ill. Serfs are expensive to replace,” he added when she shot him a quizzical look.

      “You’re the boss,” she admitted.

      His gaze glimmered with satisfaction. “Now we’re getting somewhere.”