As an Earl Desires Read Free Page A

“Yes, Sachse. You
see—”
    He held up a hand to silence her explanation. If he
determined that a problem regarding the expenditures existed, they
would discuss the matter in private, not with an audience. He gave
his attention back to Spellman.
    â€œHave I the means to pay for them?” He
knewSpellman had answered the question earlier,
but he thought it bore repeating. He knew the answer, but was
making certain that Spellman knew it as well. It was a habit from
the days when he taught lessons at the Haywood School for
Boys—determining someone’s knowledge by testing.
    â€œYes, my lord. You are quite well-off, but
you will not remain so—”
    â€œThen, pay the accounts when they come due,
Mr. Spellman.”
    Spellman folded his hands on top of the papers.
“I had every intention of doing so. But I think it would
behoove you to set a limit on how much the countess can spend
yearly, if you are so inclined to allow her to spend at
all.”
    â€œThe countess has already stated that she is
purchasing necessary items. One does
not limit necessary purchases.”
    â€œBut two dozen dresses—”
    Silencing Spellman with a practiced, hardened gaze
that had never failed to bring under control a roomful of unruly
boys, Arch slowly unfolded his body and came to his feet. “It
is not your place to question the countess or her purchases. Nor
should you be running about London looking into her activities. You
are simply to pay the bills that come your way and send me an
accounting. If you are unable to manage that task, then I shall
find someone else to handle the affairs of this estate.”
    Spellman stood, a visible shudder running through
his body as though he were attempting to unruffle his own
feathers.
    â€œThe previous earl understood that a woman
must be given boundaries, or she will take advantage and lead a man
to ruin. I advise you to take the reins and limit her
spending.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œ Why ? Because, my
lord, she spends frivolously.”
    â€œWhich I’ve already stated is none of
your concern.”
    â€œBut it is my responsibility to advise you so
that mistakes may be avoided.”
    â€œAnd I appreciate your advice when it
pertains to business or the running of the estates. Where the
countess is concerned, however, I keep my own counsel, and you
would do well to remember that if you wish to remain in my
employ.”
    Leaving the papers where they rested, Spellman
picked up his satchel. “Very well, my lord. You won’t
be the first to have been brought down by a woman.”
    â€œMr. Spellman, I am not too proud to admit
when I have made an error in judgment. However, I have carefully
reviewed my financial status, and I do not see any cause for alarm.
I know you had the best intentions, and I do appreciate your
bringing your concerns to my attention.”
    â€œThat is what I am paid to do, my lord. I bid
you good day.” He angled his head toward Camilla.
“Countess.”
    Spellman strode from the room. Arch didn’t
think the man was at all satisfied with the outcome of his visit,
but then it wasn’t Arch’s goal to please his solicitor.
He was more interested in pleasing Camilla. He turned to her.
    Her luscious lips were parted slightly, her brow
knitted. She looked to be momentarily stunned, as though she could
hardly believe what had transpired. Then, like someone wiping a
slate clean, she blanked her expression.
    She rose from the chair, walked to the window, and
gazed out on the garden. “I have always found Mr. Spellman to
be a most unpleasant man. I thought you handled him
admirably.”
    Arch sat on the edge of his desk and folded his
arms across his chest. Ah, yes, he’d handled the man
admirably. But how best to handle the countess was something he had
yet to ascertain.
    â€œI believe you have earned the right to spend
the earl’s money more so than I have.”
    â€œYou are