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current need to make preparations for Eamon to join him on his travels. An odd circumstance indeed, but he wanted to meet the boy. He faced Eamon. “Isn’t that what you want me to do, pay attention to the people around me? Let’s return.”

 
    Chapter Four
     
    THE SPEED WITH which a bright shining moment of carefree happiness could tarnish astonished Beth. She crouched low beside her son in his bedchamber, thankful she’d already changed into a practical gown that couldn’t be ruined by any dust on the floor, and attempted to understand George’s mumbled explanation of why he was upset. “I’m sure he did not mean to shout.”
    “He did,” George insisted, angry emotion coloring his response. “I can’t do anything right anymore.”
    The morning had been so glorious up until now. They’d strolled to see an acquaintance at the village, she’d bounced a new babe on her knee, and she’d had precious time alone with George without fear of anyone listening in on their conversation. When they’d parted near the stables, George had been in excellent spirits.
    She smoothed his hair from his eyes. “It takes time to learn to ride, to feel comfortable on horseback. Mr. Allen knows that. He just wants you to try harder.”
    George wiped his nose with the back of his hand and then dropped his head onto his knees. His arms tightened around his bent legs, his fists clenched. “Don’t want to learn to ride one of the duke’s stupid horses. Don’t want to stay here anymore.”
    Beth let a long moment lapse before she spoke her good news. “The duchess agreed to my proposal a moment ago. I’m the new housekeeper of Romsey.”
    George started crying in earnest. “Now I’ll never get away from them.”
    Beth frowned. “Away from whom?”
    George covered his head and didn’t speak until Beth shook him gently. “George, explain yourself. Who do you want to get away from?”
    He slowly lifted his head and stared at her sullenly. His face had mottled to an unbecoming shade of red. “Jacob and David Allen.”
    Beth frowned and smoothed her fingers over his hot cheeks. “Are they unkind to you? George, what’s been going on?”
    He took a deep breath. “I don’t like it in the stables. They know it and push me around.”
    Beth drew her son against her chest and rocked him. “You should have said something to me long before this.”
    Something sharp stabbed her arm and when she investigated, she discovered straw, lots of straw, stuffed down the neck of his coat and under his waistcoat. Astonished, Beth pulled his coat off and gave it a quick shake. Dust, likely from a haystack in the stables, floated to the floor. She quickly removed his waistcoat too, and checked his best shirt was still decently clean. “Did they do this?”
    He nodded, head hung low with embarrassment. Beth closed her eyes. She had not expected him to be bullied by the stable master’s sons. She would speak to Charles Allen about it and demand he make sure it never happened again. Up until now, she’d thought kindly of the Allens, but it seemed her trust had been misplaced.
    George cuddled against her. “Are you really the new housekeeper?” he asked, voice wavering with misery.
    Beth pulled him close to her and kissed the top of his dark head. “Yes. But there are some conditions.”
    “What kind of conditions?”
    “Nothing for you to worry about. I’ll manage.” She stared into his face, pained by the misery etched there. He hadn’t been this unhappy since his father had died. “Listen, George. I know our life has changed for the worse since Papa’s death, but bear with me just a little longer. I’ll make sure Jacob and David do not trouble you again. The housekeeper of Romsey commands respect. Things will turn around for us soon. I promise.”
    “Yes, Mama.”
    Beth smiled. “We just need to stick together. I had intended to start today, but I don’t want to leave you alone if you’re unhappy. If you promise to be very