Finally, he’d cancelled the servants’ holiday, and they were scurrying about, repairing the condition of the place, which was a mess due to his unrelenting parties. The cook and her crew were the most welcome. They’d produced a fine buffet, and Jackson had eaten heartily the moment the butler had declared it ready. But it was near eleven o’clock, breakfast having been served hours earlier. The kitchen staff was eager to clean the leftovers, but he was waiting for Miss Bennett or the children to come down. He wouldn’t have pegged her for a late riser, but then, she had been incredibly weary. If she slept for a week, he wouldn’t be surprised. Still though, he’d sent a maid to check on her, to mention that breakfast was served. "I liked you better," Duncan complained, "when you were focused on pleasure." "You’re the one who forced me to contend with Miss Bennett. When she initially accosted me, I chased her off, remember? She’s only back because of you." "I should have kept my mouth shut." "I certainly wish you had." He was being surly, not positive he meant the comment.
