Chapter 17
Then Katherine lifted her gaze to Nicholas.
A flicker of discomfort crossed his face. He clearly knew this request was unreasonable. He had probably expected Katherine to cry or protest or at least ask him why.
He had likely even prepared all the usual excuses.
Samantha needs peace. You’re the lady of the house, so you should be generous. I’ll find you an even better courtyard later.
Instead Katherine said, “All right.”
Nicholas blinked.
“I’ll clear it out right away.”
She turned to the servants.
“Pack everything. Quickly. Don’t keep Miss Lester waiting.”
Her speed was astonishing.
Within half an hour, she had packed the few things she still considered her own and moved to the smallest, most neglected courtyard in the farthest corner of the estate.
After that, she turned back, walked to Samantha, and said, “One more thing. Since Mr. Padilla says you’re not an outsider, I might as well give you the household keys too.”
Nicholas’s face changed.
“Katherine, what are you doing? That’s the authority to manage the household. How can you just hand it over?”
But Samantha’s eyes lit up.
“Nicholas, I’d love to learn. Besides, isn’t the spring gala coming up? Let me help.”
Nicholas hesitated.
Samantha tugged his sleeve and blinked up at him with wet eyes.
His resolve softened at once.
“Then let her try for a while,” he told Katherine. “You can guide her from the side.”
Katherine was not surprised in the least.
She placed the ring of brass keys into Samantha’s hand, then turned and left the courtyard she had lived in for five years.
Nicholas watched her back disappear and felt that same inexplicable panic twist through him again.
But Samantha was smiling, delighted with the keys in her hand, and he told himself Katherine was only sulking. She loved him too much to make any real change. Sooner or later, she would come around. Then he would comfort her properly.
He let her go.