Read Online An Affair Downstairs by Sherri Browning - Free Book Online

for nothing, he longed to correct her. Eve Thorne had her suspicions, and all it took was one person to state the obvious—that the older man was always in the wrong when young ladies erred in judgment with one of them. But there was little else to do. The longer she stayed, the more likely her discovery there and the riskier their situation would become.
    â€œIt’s the only way.” The only hope left to them, really. He had to take a chance.
    â€œI suggest we shoot within sight of the drawing-room windows.” She began to pin her fallen hair back up. “When I’m late for tea, they’ll see why.”
    â€œBrumley will see why. I’m going to get changed,” he said, preferring to trade his business clothes for rougher wear. “And then we’ll go shooting.”

Five
    Too late, Alice realized she had gone too far. She had begun to develop a genuine rapport with Winthrop, and then she’d asked about his past. Alone with the man in his own cottage, and she’d killed her one chance of getting close enough to kiss him. Now, standing beside her, he was all business pointing out the parts of the rifle.
    â€œIf you mean to shoot, you’re going to have to know how to load and clean your own weapon.” He wore a brown coat that made his hair look dark as ebony, when it was really more of a mahogany in full sunlight. The clouds likely also contributed to the darkened effect of his hair and his mood. All the fun had gone out of him. She could hardly believe that he’d been laughing with her only hours ago.
    â€œRidiculous,” she said. “Do gentlemen know such things? Isn’t that why we have gamekeepers and grooms?”
    He tipped his head. “Some gentlemen know. Lord Averford knows. He would be in full agreement with me when I say that you have no business wielding a weapon you don’t understand properly.”
    â€œWhat of Lord Holcomb? Does he clean, maintain, and load his own rifles?” She crossed her arms. All she wanted was for Brumley to get a look at her wielding the rifle. Though killing her own goose for dinner was also on her list of goals, and perhaps she still could manage that if they ever got around to actually shooting.
    â€œThat’s not the point.” He lifted the rifle, held it to one shoulder, and lowered it again. “The downfall of your privileged class will be in trusting all arduous endeavors to the servants. When they all leave, what will become of you?”
    â€œLeave? Why would they all leave?” She widened her eyes at him, aware that some men might respond to the curious twinkle in their greenish depths. But perhaps Winthrop had already developed an immunity to her charms.
    â€œIndustry, Lady Alice. The world is ever changing. They would leave for better opportunities, the ability to make their own fortunes instead of relying on the wealth of others.”
    â€œSome might leave. Others are like family. Mr. Finch would never leave. Mrs. Hoyle. Sturridge. Mary…” She allowed her voice to trail off. What of Winthrop? Would he leave? Did he not consider himself at home here? She dared not force an answer. “I want to shoot something. That’s all. No need to complicate things.”
    â€œShooting is complicated. It should be. There’s usually killing involved. Let’s start with stance.”
    â€œStance? What’s wrong with my stance?” She put her hands on her hips.
    â€œNothing if you’re trying to get a man’s attention. Though, in that outfit, it might not be the kind of attention you’re craving.” A tiny hint of a smile curved his lips.
    â€œI have my regrets. Next time, I’ll be properly attired.”
    â€œThey do have hunting habits for ladies. I’ve seen them in town at Mrs. Dale’s shop.”
    â€œI’ll pay her a visit. But for now…”
    â€œMr. Brumley would be disenchanted. If only he could look out and