Guarding the Spoils (The Wild Randalls - Book 3) by Heather Boyd Read Free Book Online Page B

away, forcing his shoulders to relax. His discussion with Elizabeth was not going as well as he’d hoped. There should be a handbook written on how to deal with feminine creatures of her confusing nature.
    “I was just about to knock and ask the new housekeeper if I can be of any assistance on her first official day,” Colby said. “But I fear I may not be the first to come courting your good opinion.”
    Elizabeth’s soft chuckle filled the room and Oliver’s cheeks heated again. Perhaps he should retire before he sickened. He pressed his fingers to his wrist and counted the pulses until he was certain no significant change had overcome him.
    “They have all been most kind,” Elizabeth murmured to Colby. “This would be my second tea tray this afternoon.”
    China rattled. “Well, perhaps I can help you in other ways.”
    Hearing Colby’s response, silky smooth with tones of imminent seduction, caused the hair at the back of his neck to rise. Colby was a single man and Elizabeth a widow. If she planned to take on the duties of Romsey’s housekeeper, an idea he deemed foolish, she must ignore flirtations from the male members of staff. An alliance of a romantic nature between a valet and housekeeper was out of the question. The other servants would not appreciate any appearance of favoritism.
    Oliver stood and faced Colby. “You may set the tea tray down and return to your usual duties.”
    Elizabeth’s cheeks had pinked slightly. Was she flattered by Colby’s rather obvious attempts to ingratiate himself into her company?
    Colby smiled smoothly, and stepped into the room. “Excuse me, sir. I did not see you sitting there.” He slid the tray onto the table, a sly smile twisting his lips. He wiped it away as he faced Elizabeth. “Will there be anything else, Mrs. Turner?”
    “Not for now, Mr. Colby.” She smiled, eyelashes fluttering a little. “Thank you for delivering the tea tray.”
    “My pleasure.”
    When Colby had gone, her smile dropped away. “I see you’re still as rude as ever.”
    Oliver shrugged. “People do not change.”
    She sighed. “Yes, I’ve heard you claim that before and in your case, I am sure you are correct. Did you apologize to Lady Venables for being so short with her at dinner last night?”
    “No.”
    Her lips pursed as she poured a cup of tea, added milk, and handed it to him. “Can I offer you a biscuit, sir?”
    Oliver declined and tipped his head toward the partially closed door. “The boy might like one, however.”
    Her head whipped around to the slowly opening door. “George?”
    The boy timidly stepped up to the table, rubbing a hand over his face. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”
    Elizabeth fussed over him, straightening his hair and coat. “Don’t worry about it now. Are you hungry?”
    “Famished.”
    The boy kept sneaking peeks at him from behind his over-long hair while he ate and answered Elizabeth’s quiet questions. The more Oliver observed, the more certain he became that her child had untapped potential. There was a watchful intelligence gleaming from those pale blue eyes as he gobbled his biscuit, something that had been completely lacking in the boy’s father at that age.
    Intrigued by the surety he was being studied in return, Oliver shifted his attention to Elizabeth. “Will you introduce us?”
    Her lips pursed but in the end she complied.
    George appeared unmoved by his presence. “How do you do, sir?”
    Oliver nodded. “Very well.”
    The boy lapsed into silence, but his scrutiny did not cease. His gaze raked him from head to toe. George had little of his father in him by way of appearance. Oliver had no sense the boy would erupt into energetic ramblings at any second. In fact, he appeared of a serious nature. Quite a rarity in Turner offspring.
    Oliver was rather puzzled by the child. “How are you enjoying Romsey?”
    “Very well, sir. There’s always something to see and do here.” His reply, voiced clearly and calmly,