Keeping Kinley

by Annette K. Larsen

  “Go, Kinley.”

  Suzannah grabbed my wrist and pulled me outside, closing the door behind us.

  My brow furrowed. “I should be helping.”

  “You do realize they hate that you’re in service?”

  “I suppose.”

  “They all feel guilty, and I think if you’re constantly working when you’re home, it will make it worse.”

  I stuck out my lower lip and blew my hair off my forehead. “I can’t laze about,” I protested, but my feet pointed themselves at the orchard.

  “You’re not.”

  “Kin! Suze!” Fynn waved us over from the barn door. “I could use your help with this.”

  We changed direction, heading for the barn to see what Fynn needed. We stepped inside the dim interior, and I studied the progress he had made. All of the burned wood had been removed, and there were several beams laid out on the floor. I looked up at the roof, which appeared scorched, but still strong.

  “Will you have to replace the roof?” I asked.

  “I don’t believe so,” Fynn answered. He picked up the end of one beam. “I was going to wait for Gavin to help me with this, but I think the two of you will be strong enough.”

  We helped him lift it and held it in place while he used a hammer to wedge it in underneath one of the horizontal beams.

  We repeated the process three more times, and by the end, we were all winded. Fynn gave his hammer a little flip, his approval evident as he looked at us. “Well done, girls.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Thank you, Kin.”

  I shook my head at his use of my unwanted nickname but smiled nonetheless. It was unusual for Fynn to show brotherly affection, so I decided to take it in stride.

  Then he stepped toward Suzannah. “And you, Suze.” He leaned in as if to kiss her cheek as well, a grin on his face.

  Suzannah stepped back, offense drawing her face down. “Don’t be ridiculous, Fynn,” she snapped.

  “What? You’re practically another sister,” he teased.

  The line of her mouth hardened, and she glared. “No. I’m not.” She turned and left the barn.

  I chased after her, but not before giving Fynn’s arm a hard jab.

  My wretched brother had the nerve to laugh.

  “Suzannah, where are you going?” I asked as I caught up to her.

  “Home,” she said, her step swift and her lips still pressed tight.

  “You can’t walk home. Let’s go out to the orchard for a while, and then Papa can drive you home.”

  “Fine.” We walked past the animal pen and out to the trees before she spoke again. “I hate him.” Her tone was fierce.

  “I know” was all I said, even though what I really knew was that she didn’t hate him at all.

  As a distraction, I told her all about Aveline and Lady Mantock’s big plans to capture Rylan’s attention. I had even managed to make her laugh by the time we reached the other end of the orchard and turned back.

  We enjoyed the rest of the afternoon, but it was clear that she was still hurt by Fynn’s teasing. I rode with my father to take her home, hugging her tight before she jumped down from the wagon.

  Halfway home, Papa spoke up. “Something bothering you?”

  “Just Fynn.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t know why the two of you still have such a hard time getting along.”

  “Because he’s never grown up.”

  Papa chuckled. “That may be true.”

  Back at home, Papa stopped Herman right in front of his shop so that he didn’t have far to walk, then I drove the wagon over to the barn before unhitching Herman and putting him in the pen.

  Then I turned to the barn door, ready to unleash my anger. Fynn was still inside, pounding away.

  I stopped only a few feet from him, planting my feet on the ground and my hands on my hips. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  Fynn looked up with the expression he gave me when he thought I was being “crazy Kinley,” then held up his tools. “I’m trying to fix the barn.”

  “You know that’s not what I mean.”

  “I haven’t any idea what you mean.”

  “Suzannah.”

  He rolled his eyes and turned back to hammering a board. “What about her?”

  “Are you going to court her or not?”

  He missed the nail, only barely moving his finger out of the way in time. He narrowed his eyes at me. “Not.”

  I glared. “Why?”

  “What do you mean, why?”

  “Don’t you like her?” I knew he did, but he didn’t want to admit it.

  He turned his attention to his work. “She’s a sweet girl. I’ve always liked Suzannah.”

  I stepped closer, determined that he not brush me off. “She’s more than merely a sweet girl. She’s amazing. She’s one of the best women you’ll ever meet.”

  “You know I like Suzannah, but that doesn’t mean I should fall in love with her.”

  “Then why have you been helping her at market and dancing with her more and trying to kiss her cheek and—”

  “I didn’t mean anything by it,” he said, holding his hands up in surrender.

  “Well then, stop it!” I snapped, letting my temper get the best of me. “If it means nothing to you, then don’t do it, because it does mean something to her, and I will not let you hurt her.”

  He looked stricken and confused. “I’ve flirted with plenty of girls before, and none of them—”

  “She’s not just any girl. She’s Suzannah. She’s my dearest friend.” Did he not see the problems his casual attention could cause? “And if you think for even a moment that none of the girls you flirted with were ever hurt by it after the fact, then you are more brainless than even I believed.” I stormed out of the barn, indignant on Suzannah’s behalf and once again exasperated with my brother.

  ✼ ✼ ✼

  Someone had left the library in complete disarray, and I had little time to put it to rights before breakfast. It rarely needed anything more than dusting, but this morning, I had entered to find numerous stacks of books piled on the desk, the chairs, and the floor. The ledgers were stacked on a side table, the top one lying open with scraps of paper sticking out between pages.

  I let out a sigh and scurried to work, stuffing books back on shelves, hoping that I could find time later to come put them back in a more orderly fashion. I only got so far as clearing the books from the floor before the door came open. I kept at my task, trying to be invisible, hoping that I wouldn’t be fired for my poor time management.

  “No, no, no, miss.” The quiet reprimand was accompanied by a hand wrapping around my arm. I looked up at Bram Mantock, confused when he tugged me gently through the door. Once outside the library, he closed the door behind us and locked it, pocketing the key as he spoke. “Any time the library appears in such a state, you will leave it alone.”

  “But the housemist—”

  His look told me that my arguing was not only unexpected but also inappropriate. Of course it was. I fell silent and dropped my eyes to the floor before bobbing a curtsy. “Of course, sir. I’m sorry, sir.”

  I expected him to leave; instead he spoke. “You’re new. What is your name?”

  I’d been here for more than three weeks, and in all of that time, none of the family had addressed me in such a personal manner. But there was nothing to do but answer. “Kinley, sir.”

  “Kinley. I realize Mrs. Tate likes everything in its place, but there are times when I simply can’t work unless I have everything I need where I can see it. I know it looks like chaos, but it’s the only way for me to keep things orderly.”

  “Of course.” I didn’t know why he felt the need to justify his actions to me. He told me to stay away; I would stay away. Still, it was nice to be addressed as a person. He wasn’t condescending or angry. In fact, he demonstrated a good amount of patience and grace. How very unexpected.

  “Very good. I’ll leave you to your duties.
” He strode down the corridor, and I hurried toward the dining room, grateful to be excused from a good deal of extra work.

  When all of the family had left the dining room, I worked to clear the table, but was only partially done when Mrs. Tate came in, looking as sour as ever.

  She fixed me with her stern glare and said, “You will follow me,” before turning around and leaving again.

  I dropped the silverware from my hands and scurried after her. What now?

  My feet moved quickly in order to keep up; she walked as if marching against an enemy. We approached the library, and I was surprised when she reached for the handle and entered without difficulty. Hadn’t I seen Bram lock that door?

  She waved a hand around at the obvious mess. “What is the meaning of this? Why have you shirked your duties?”

  My brow scrunched in confusion. “Master Bram told me I was to leave this room alone today.”

  “And I’m to believe that?” she challenged.

  My chin pulled back. “I have no reason to lie, madam.”

  “You expect me to trust your word?”

  I was flabbergasted. Why would I lie about such a thing? “You could ask Master Bram himself if you believe I’ve spoken false.”

  “I will not bother him with such petty matters. You will answer for yourself.”

  “I’m trying.” My voice shook.

  The abrupt sound of a book snapping shut startled us both. We turned to see Bram rising from his seat that faced the fire. “Leave the girl alone, Mrs. Tate.”

  “Master Bram, I did not see you there.” She raised her chin impossibly higher. “But might I say, respectfully, that this is not your concern. Your parents trust me to organize the help.”

  “Organize, yes.” He dropped his book on a side table with a thud. “Terrorize, no.”

  She sighed in exasperation. “Master Bram—”

  “She isn’t lying to you, Mrs. Tate. But I’m certain you already know that. You are well aware that when I am in the midst of a large project, I prefer that this room not be touched. Are you trying to get this girl dismissed?”

  “Of course not, Master Bram.” She said this without any inflection. It was obviously a lie.

  “What did you expect her to do?” His voice did not rise, but there was an inherent power behind his words. “Ignore a direct request from me? That would have been reason for dismissal.”

  “I was simply ensuring that she had the backbone to stand up to me.” Another obvious lie. “I’d appreciate it if you would not question my methods.” Her defiance made me rock back.

  Bram’s nostrils flared, and he stepped forward until he was only two paces away from her. “I suggest you leave before I find a reason to dismiss you.”

  She sank into a curtsy and gave a smile that sent a chill down my spine. “As you wish, sir.” She strode from the room.

  Bram heaved a sigh and sank onto the settee in the middle of the room. “That woman drives me mad.” He leaned his elbow on his knee as he rubbed his eyes. “Are you all right?” he asked without looking up.

  It took a moment to speak past the lump in my throat. “Yes, thank you, sir.” My thanks felt inadequate considering the way he’d just championed me, but I couldn’t think of anything else to say that wouldn’t sound either presumptuous or foolish. “Excuse me,” I mumbled, heading for the door.

  “Stay a moment.”

  I stopped and slowly turned back, wondering what he could possibly have to say. He was gazing at me, his elbows still resting on his knees; his eyes looked tired, and his nearly black hair was rumpled, perhaps from running his hands through it.

  “Why does Mrs. Tate wish you gone?” he asked.

  I shook my head in a quick, jerky movement as my frustration rose. “I have not the slightest idea. I’ve done nothing to her.”

  His eyes narrowed as he studied me. “Who are you again?”

  “Kinley, sir.”

  “I mean, who are you really?”

  “I haven’t lied about who I am.” My voice rose with indignation.

  He waved his hand at me. “No. Who are your parents? Your family?”

  “Oh.” So that’s where we had arrived. I didn’t think there was much point in rehearsing my parents’ names, so I simply told him what he really wished to know. “My brother is Sir Gavin.”

  He nodded. “I thought so.” He slumped back in his chair, looking up at the ceiling. “Why in the world did my mother hire you?”

  “Because I needed the work.”

  He cut his eyes over to me. “Your brother wouldn’t take care of you?”

  “He offered, but I insisted on taking care of myself.” He continued to study me, and I shrugged. “Pride and all that.”

  That got a chuckle out of him, which in turn pulled a smile out of me.

  “Did my mother know who your brother was when she hired you?”

  “Begging your pardon, sir, but why does is matter who my brother is?”

  He sat forward and turned his palms up. “In all honesty, it doesn’t matter to me. But I believe it does matter to Mrs. Tate.”

  I blew out a shaky breath. “I need this job, at least for a time.”

  He gave me an encouraging smile, though it was brief. “If Mrs. Tate attempts to let you go again, please come to me. I won’t allow her to bully you out of a position you’ve earned.”

  I blinked against the burning in my eyes. He was being so kind, and I didn’t understand why. “Thank you,” I whispered. “I will.”

  He tilted his head toward the door. “I won’t keep you from your work any longer.”

  I curtsied with utmost respect and returned to the dining room.

  Chapter Fifteen

  KINLEY,

  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear sister. I know it won’t be on the day, but Ella and I were hoping that on your next day off you would be willing to spend the day with us so that we can celebrate your birthday properly (Ella’s words, not mine). Before you protest, I spoke with Mama and Papa, and they both agreed that you need to take time to rest. You’re working too hard, especially when you’re at home. Honestly, this isn’t so much a request as it is a demand. Our driver will pick you up to be sure that you end up in the right place. We look forward to seeing you.

  Gavin

  Luckily, I had several days before my next day off, which meant that I had time to write to Gavin and arrange for his driver to pick me up a little ways down the road from Mantock Manor. I had no desire whatsoever to be picked up by Princess Ariella’s carriage from the servants’ entrance. Those I worked with had never given me grief over Gavin’s odd situation, but there was no need to cause a scene.

  My day off dawned, and I took my bundle of clothing and headed down the drive toward the main road. The morning was chilled enough to make me grateful for my cloak, but I enjoyed breathing in the crisp air as rays of sun broke the horizon and slid through the trees.

  I found Gavin’s driver waiting exactly where I expected him. He hopped down off the bench and opened the door for me, giving me a welcome nod and a “Good day, Miss Kinley.”

  I smiled and wished him good day before climbing inside. As the carriage bumped along the road, the rocking made my eyes heavy, and I dozed off.

  Upon arriving at Gavin and Ella’s house, I snapped awake, pushing myself upright from my slumped position and breathing in deeply through my nose. I cleared my throat and straightened my clothing before the door was opened for me. I thanked the driver, then saw myself inside and was directed to the dining room by the housekeeper.

  Gavin was just setting his plate on the table, but he crossed to me as soon as I entered, giving me a kiss on the cheek and an assessing look.

  “Don’t start, Gavin,” I warned him.

  “You look tired.”

  “I am tired, but that’s not a bad thing; it means I’m earning my keep.”

  He gave an exaggerated sigh. “Very well. Come sit.”

  I turned toward the table but made it only a step before I w
as accosted by Ella. She drew me into a tight hug.

  “Happy birthday, dear Kinley.”

  I chuckled. “Not for a few more days.”

  “Doesn’t matter.” She pulled back and looped her arm through mine, walking back to the table. “That is what we are celebrating, so I shall say it several more times at least.” She sat down, gesturing for me to do the same.

  Breakfast was a lighthearted affair and rather rushed. It was clear that Ella had plans for the day, and she was anxious to get on with it. Gavin’s face was amused as he watched Ella, enjoying her excitement. For my part, I was very much looking forward to whatever she had in mind, not only because it was a break from the drudgery of my work, but because any scheme of Ella’s was well worth the effort.

  The moment I set my fork down, Ella asked, “You’re finished?” and at my nod, she stood and grabbed my hand. “Then come with me. There is much to be done.”

  I followed in silence, anxious to see what she had planned. We went upstairs, and when we reached the doors to her and Gavin’s chamber, she threw them open. I was confused by her dramatic flair until I realized the room looked entirely different from the last time I’d seen it.

  There were gowns—elaborate, luxurious, gorgeous gowns—strewn about the room, laid out so that I could see them in all their glory.

  “Happy birthday!” she said, her hands clasped in excitement.

  I smiled, but my brow furrowed in confusion. “You’re giving me a gown?” Whatever would I use such a thing for?

  “Yes, but that’s only part of it.” She bounced on her toes and held her clasped hands to her mouth as if forcing herself not to reveal her secret too soon. But then she blurted, “We’re going to a ball! At the palace! Won’t that be marvelous?”

  I drew back, genuinely surprised. “We’re what?”

  “There’s a royal ball tonight, and of course Gavin and I must go—”

  “You being a princess and all.”

  “Exactly,” she said. “But you know Gavin doesn’t enjoy them, and I thought it would be so much more fun for all of us if you came with us.”

  “I—”

  “So you can choose a gown and try it on, that way we’ll give Taya enough time to alter it. Then we can spend the afternoon learning some dance steps and primping and getting ready. What do you say?” She reached both hands out toward me. “Will you come as my honored guest?”