Buffy blinked and dropped the hand she’d been about to extend in greeting. This had to be Montgomery, he was dressed too nicely to be one of the staff, even if he was lacking his jacket, clad in just a vest and shirtsleeves. She blushed a little. It had been quite some time since she’d seen a man so casual. She felt a brief moment of indignation that he would be so uncouth as to appear this way before a lady, before she recalled that she was doing a rather unladylike thing sneaking around his home so early in the day.

But how did he know her? Know the little pet name her mother had given her as a child, that only family and friends used? Oh, Parker. Last night, at that infernal poker game, he must have been talking about her. She clenched her jaw in frustration. How dare her talk about her with total strangers? He was going to pay for this. Just wait until Lilah called this afternoon, she’d get an earful about her no-good son.

She took a deep breath and calmed herself. She could hear her mother’s voice echoing in her head, Be a lady, Buffy, be a lady. Perhaps she could turn this to her advantage, since he at least knew who she was, possibly appeal to Montgomery’s sense of decency that her scalawag of a former brother-in-law would gamble away a poor widow’s horse.

She cleared her throat, collected herself and raised her gaze to a pair of the most startling blue eyes she’d ever encountered. She blinked again. Then took another calming breath. Oh my, maybe there was more than money inspiring such interest in this Englishman. He was quite . . . attractive. She focused again, realizing he was staring at her now with a bemused grin on his face. Very charming, but strange. What had Parker told him about her? She finally found her voice.

"I do believe you have the advantage of me, sir."

William tried to wipe the smile off his face. Madam Anya must have caught up with her last night and told her about his interest. And here she was already. This was almost too good to be true. His eyes raked up and down her body, swathed in layers of black. The widow’s garb was a bit of a puzzle. Ahh, perhaps that was the reason Anya had said she didn’t work for her, she’d nabbed a husband and had made good, been off the market. But he must have passed and she was looking for a new patron. That would explain things, and probably Anya’s strictness about the callers not visiting with her girls.

If anything, his smile was getting bigger. A widow. This was perfect, she wasn’t some bright-eyed innocent. He briefly shoved aside the thought she might actually be trolling for a replacement husband. She wouldn’t be here offering herself so blatantly if that were the case, she’d have accosted him at one of those infernal dinners and evenings he had to attend to play nice with the local gentry. No, she must be here to make him an offer.

"I do apologize, madam, I am William Montgomery."

She nodded. "How do you do, Mr. Montgomery. I’m Mrs. Elizabeth Crawford, though as you’ve already discovered, my friends and family call me Buffy."

She extended a small gloved hand to him and he took it lightly, bringing it to his lips to drop a small kiss. He felt her stiffen at his touch and met her eyes, surprised by the frostiness there. Oh, oh. He dropped her hand hastily. Right. She’d want to make the arrangements first. Course when they were settled, he wondered if she’d be opposed to a quick tumble to seal the deal. Xander would understand if he was a bit late today. He gave her hand one last squeeze as he let his imagination drift to uncovering her breasts from beneath all those layers of fabric and losing himself in her. He almost groaned at the resulting mental image and the effect it was having on him. It had really been far too long.

"Madam, I do apologize, won’t you come inside? I suppose we have some business to discuss, first."

Buffy followed as he led her up the steps and inside the large home. She was fuming and more than a little angry that she’d let Montgomery get away with such familiarity when they’d barely met. This was supposed to be business. She was also a bit disturbed at herself for the strange little thrill she’d gotten when she’d met his blue eyes while his lips had caressed her gloved hand. She drew her small frame up and stiffened her spine as he held the door for her and guided her into an intimate and well-furnished dining room. She had to admire whoever had been in charge of decorating, it was very tasteful and suited the space.

He directed her to a seat at the dining room table. "Mrs. Crawford, I apologize for the informality, I was just finishing my breakfast. Would you care to join me? Some tea perhaps? Or may I have the maid bring something for you?"

As he finished his question, a small warning bell went off in his mind at something that hadn’t registered when she’d first introduced herself. Crawford. As in Holland Crawford? Parker Crawford? Surely she wasn’t a member of the Crawford family. From all he’d seen, they were leaders amongst the Charleston society, he couldn’t fathom them allowing one of their own to marry a lightskirt, no matter how pretty. Must just be a coincidence, they were probably more than one branch of Crawfords in the area. His cocked his head to the side and studied her as he waited for her response.

Buffy started to refuse, but as her stomach rumbled, she realized she hadn’t taken time for breakfast before storming out of the house. Besides, who knew how long this would take and she could really use something to occupy her hands.

"A cup of tea would be very nice, thank you Mr. Montgomery."

He rang the bell and waited for Anna to appear in the doorway, ordering two cups of tea and some toast and jam. He turned back to the small woman seated primly across from him and contemplated how to start. He had to admit to a slight feeling of awkwardness at the moment. She was clearly eager to make some sort of arrangement, but her body language seemed off somehow, as though she were supremely nervous and reluctant to be there.

He sighed, briefly longing for Dru. She’d been quite obvious in her intentions, catching him after they’d returned to harbor after a long voyage and drawing him into a convenient nearby alley where she’d proceeded to make him an offer he hadn’t been able to refuse. Barmy as they came, had been Dru, but with little pretense about sex and what she wanted.

He stared at the lady across the table who was now fidgeting nervously with her gloves. Why wasn’t she making an opening offer? Or something? Was she waiting on him? Hadn’t she done this before? Or had it been so long she’d forgotten how?

"Well, Mrs. . . ."

"Mr. Montgom . . ."

They both stopped short and laughed nervously as Anna reentered the room bearing the tray of food and drink and politely deposited the teapot in front of Buffy to serve. Buffy lifted the china, grateful to have something to do and prepared to start again.

"Mr. Montgomery, if I may speak first, I do apologize for intruding so early upon you. And I want to clarify that this is a business call."

She peeked up at him through her lashes as she carefully poured the tea and passed it to him, surprised at how upbeat he looked about the prospect of discussing business with her. She really hoped he wasn’t going to be difficult about this.

William breathed a silent sigh of relief. He’d been right, she was just in the market for a new patron, not a husband. Finally, they were getting somewhere. He leaned forward eagerly.

"Of course, Mrs. Crawford. Or may I call you Buffy? You did say that’s what your friends called you, didn’t you? And I hope we’ll be good friends."

She didn’t think she would even have admitted to Willow the little shiver that ran up her spine at the silky sound of his voice saying her name. No, that of course would not be why she consented to his request at all. Better to be friendly, catch more flies than honey, that sort of thing, than bristle at the suggestion.

She smiled graciously at him as she completed pouring her own cup and sat down the teapot. "I certainly hope so as well, Mr. Montgomery. And of course, among friends you may call me Buffy."

"And you, of course, must call me William. So we are to be friends, Buffy? I do look forward to that."

Damn that little shiver in the pit of her stomach. There was something just a little too intimate in the tone of his voice when he’d said they’d be friends, but nothing she could call him on exactly. She struggled to regain her focus and return to the point of her business.

"Wonderful. But there is some unfinished business that we really must discuss. I know this is a bit unorthodox, and I want to assure you that I don’t really do this sort of thing. "

William smiled. Her nervousness was very adorable. Somehow that fact that she was less brazen and seemed more innocent was growing on him. One of his parameters was certainly going to be her exclusive commitment to him, no philandering like Dru, and Buffy didn’t seem the type anyway. But he was growing tired of the shillyshallying, time to end these negotiations. He was already picturing her upstairs, spread out on his bed as he delved beneath the frothy layers of her skirt. He couldn’t wait to see that lovely blonde hair laying across his pillows as he pounded months of frustration into her willing body.

"Or course not, Buffy. Now, how about we just make this easy for both of us? Why don’t you just tell me what you want? I think you’ll find I’m prepared to be most accommodating."

Buffy stared at him wide-eyed. Was it going to be that easy? She couldn’t help the genuine smile that broke across her face.

"Why, Gordian Knot of course."

William’s jaw dropped as he stared at her. She wanted a horse? All she wanted was a horse?

"That’s all you want, a horse? No money, or clothes, or a house?"

Buffy furrowed her brow as she stared at him in confusion.

"A . . . house? And clothes and money? Why would I . . ."

And then the light dawned. She almost passed out as she realized what he’d thought her business was. He thought she was there to proposition him. If the floor could have opened and swallowed her then and there, she would have been grateful. Her face grew bright red as she watched the puzzlement grow on his face and then his realization begin to break as well. For the briefest of moments she wondered what he would do if she were to accept his offer, to start a secret liaison and be his mistress, to feel something, anything again.

But she shoved that thought quickly aside as improper and tried to think of what to say next. Coming up with nothing relevant, she decided perhaps a hasty exit would be the better course of action as another wave of hot shame washed over her. He’d thought she was a prostitute. She jumped from her chair, heedless of the jolt which sent tea sloshing onto the table, and raced for the door.

And he moved almost as quickly, catching her just as she reached the exit and holding her arm while he shut the barrier to keep the remainder of the conversation from the prying ears of the servants. She ducked her head, refusing to meet his gaze as she twisted, trying to remove his grasp of her arm, but he held tight.

"Buffy, stop it, stop. Bloody hell, women, stop thrashing and look at me for a minute."

He almost relented and let go of her at that moment as she stilled, tears in her eyes as she finally looked at him.

"Now, why don’t we start from the top and see if we can’t see what’s going on here. Buffy Crawford, I’m William Montgomery. I’m recently from England, a new resident in your city and thought I was meeting a young lady this morning who had a, well, shall we say personal interest in getting to know me better. I believe that I was mistaken and I offer my sincere apologies So why don’t you tell me who you are and why you’re really here."

A tear rolled down her cheek as she met his gaze, more threatening to follow. This had to be one of the most humiliating things that had ever happened to her. If word of this ever got out, she was ruined. Lilah would have a field day with this one.

"Luv, stay with me here. Who are you? And what do you want?"

His face was a little too close for comfort and propriety and their position was hardly appropriate, her body trapped as it was between him and the smooth wood of the door. Despite her voluminous skirts, she could feel the hardness of his body as he kept her locked by his gaze and the loose prison of his arms. Well, there wasn’t any way out of this, she just had to hope he’d be kind enough not to tell about their little encounter. Just what she needed, something else to have to ask him for.

She took a shuddering breath and managed to get out, "I’m not a . . . a . . . fallen woman, if that’s what you think."

He quirked his head to the side and smiled at her. "Already told you I’d sussed that one out. If you had been, you were doing a bit of a bad job with it, little too stiff. So what don’t you tell me who you are."

She managed a small smile in return and thought about how to answer that. "I’m Elizabeth Crawford. I’m a widow and I live the next street over." She paused. Why had she volunteered that bit of information? That was irrelevant. "My husband’s brother, Parker, played cards with you last night and lost something of mine and I came to see if you might let me have it back."

"So you are part of the Crawfords, wondered when you introduced yourself."

She bristled at that. "I am not a Crawford, just because I happened to have married one. I’m a Summers."

He laughed, she certainly could change moods quickly. Feisty little thing. He was starting to regret that she wasn’t here for her original purpose, the more he saw of her, the more he liked, not just her outward beauty, but the spark she had, the way she was looking out for herself. He dropped his arms and led her back to the table.

"I think I can see why you don’t care for the in-laws there, didn’t fancy them too much myself, least the ones I’ve met. Now, let’s talk about this horse."

She mopped absently at the spilled tea with her napkin as she explained how Parker had taken the horse and he agreed with her summation that Parker was a right bastard, even if she used less colorful language. She’d launched into some long story about her father giving her Gordian for her sixteenth birthday and how much she loved the beast and so on. He idly though that it was hardly fair of him to keep the horse, she seemed very attached to it. But something in him was reluctant to acquiesce too quickly and have her waltz out the door again. He hadn’t been this entertained in he couldn’t remember how long by a woman. As she earnestly continued the tales of the perfection of Gordian, the paragon of horseflesh, he idly considered how to delay her.

A knock on the door interrupted them and William rose to open it to Anna, who wore a troubled look on her face.

"Yes? I’m a bit busy now."

"But sir, Cook’s insisting that she can’t find any good lamb at the market and that she’s going back to London on the next boat if she’s not given adequate supplies to work with."

He almost growled. He was tempted to just fire the lot then and there. Who needed a gaggle of servants to nag and pick and undercook his food and ruin his laundry and run off with bloody farmers to the wilderness? He could probably muddle through just as well on his own.

He was just about to inform Anna that they could all take the next boat back when Buffy appeared by his side, tears gone, perfectly composed, with the demeanor that seemed to frighten servants which he never could pull off.

"Anna, I believe your name was?"

Anna nodded.

"Anne, I’m Mrs. Crawford, a friend of Mr. Montgomery’s. I couldn’t help but overhear your cook was having some problems locating fresh lamb, and I was wondering if she’d tried Johnson’s butcher stall at the city market? He always has the freshest cuts. I’ll be going to market myself later today, I’d be happy to show your cook where he’s located, if she’d like."

Anna beamed. "Could you miss? I think she’d be quite happy with that. I’ll go tell her."

William shut the door and turned to the composed Buffy as he paced across the room. "How did you do that? And so calmly? Every time I turn around they’re all having a crisis and want me to solve it. Like I know the slightest thing about running a house."

She shrugged and resumed her seat more in control now. "It’s one thing I do know how to do and well. I’m surprised you don’t have a housekeeper to handle those matters."

"She didn’t want to come with the rest from London and I haven’t had time to find anyone else. Another one of the maids just quit this morning. Don’t know what we’ll do about replacing her."

She bit her lip, a quick thought flashing through her head. "Are you only interested in English servants?"

He flashed her a sharp look. "I don’t want slaves, if that’s what you’re asking."

She shook her head. "Actually, I wasn’t."

He stopped his pacing and sat back down, returning his focus to her. "Well, enough about my domestic troubles, seems like what you’re asking is I just hand back over the horse and call it even."

Buffy perked up and smiled at him. "Yes, exactly, that’s the fair thing."

He grinned, waiting for the explosion he suspected he was about to set off. "But what about me? I won that horse fair and square in a hand of cards. Way I see it, I’m an innocent who just got rooked by your less than honorable relation. Now is it fair for me to be deprived of my winnings?"

He watched her eyes narrow as her obvious fury grew, as he’d expected. "You deprived? You probably cheated to win. You know now that it wasn’t his. How can you not give it back?"

"Well, I suppose that I could. But I feel I should have something in return for my trouble. After all, there’s not just the matter of the horse, now is there, Mrs. Crawford? I seem to recall seeing you last night at an establishment not generally frequented by ladies of your caliber."

Buffy blanched as she watched his eyes drop to her breasts. Surely he didn’t mean . . . But he knew now that she wasn’t . . .he’d seen her at Anya’s! It took everything in her not to bolt again as she met his gaze and listened to the next few words.

"I sure we could work out an arrangement that would be mutually beneficial to us both, Buffy."

"And what exactly is that supposed to mean, Mr. Montgomery?" Her voice had gotten colder with every word. He almost laughed out loud. She was indeed quite fun to play with. He batted his eyes at her in his most charming manner.

"Why I just meant perhaps you could assist me with something I need in return for that fine steed. In fact, I’d even be willing board him for you, keep him in fine shape and you can visit him every time you’re here."

Her lips were a thin line as she rose from her seat, one gloved finger poking the air to emphasize her words. "Mr. Montgomery, I realize that seeing me where you apparently think you saw me last night may have create the wrong impression in your mind. But let me assure you, I am not interested in being your or anyone else’s mistress."

He stood and moved around the table, capturing the wildly gesticulating hand. "Why, Buffy, I do believe you have a bit of a dirty mind. I was merely suggesting that you might assist me with my domestic troubles, take care of running things smoothly until I can find a new housekeeper."

He couldn’t suppress the chuckle as he watched her fury deflate as she sheepishly looked up at him. "You want me to just oversee your staff for a bit? That’s all?"

His eyebrow arched, "Well, you did say you were quite good at it. Course, if you have other things that you’re gifted at that you’d like to share, I’m not opposed."

She blushed again as she disentangled her hand from his and backed up a step. "I don’t think I have any other gifts to share."

He closed the space again until she felt the back of the chair halt her retreat. "Oh, I’d be very surprised if that were true. You look as though you’d be very gifted, Buffy." As soon as the words left his mouth, he could see he’d crossed the line again.

"Mr. Montgomery . . ."

"William, call me William."

"If you’re to be my employer, I hardly think I can call you by your Christian name."

"I’m not going to be your employer. We’ll have a business arrangement. You’ll provide me with a service I need, and I’ll provide you with one you need, Buffy."

There went that little tingle again. How did he make such innocent things sound so, well, not innocent. Service indeed.

"Very well, William, please return to your seat and let’s work out the details of this arrangement."

He grinned and sat back down and she felt her head clearing as the proximity lessened. What was she getting herself into? A half hour in this man’s presence and she was suddenly agreeing to all sorts of things, rather than just walking away with her horse.

She looked around the dining room. "Do you have any paper and something to write with? I think we should formalize this."

He nodded and exited the room, returning shortly with the requested items. She took off her gloves and in her careful and precise handwriting wrote their names and the date at the top, then paused.

"So you would like for me to oversee your household, in the sense that I would manage your servants, see that work is performed properly, meals are well-planned, do the necessary marketing and so forth. Relieve you of any domestic responsibilities."

He nodded.

She wrote for a moment then stopped.

"You understand of course that I won’t be doing this full-time? I have a home of my own to maintain. Additionally, this is a rather unusual arrangement and I’d rather it was not well-known that I was assisting you."

He mock gasped. "Why, are you ashamed to be associated with the notorious new Englishman?"

She frowned and tapped his hand with the pen. "Don’t be ridiculous. It might be misinterpreted as a irregular liaison and I would prefer that my good name not be besmirched. Therefore I would ask that you not mention this arrangement to others."

He acquiesced then stopped her as she prepared to write again. "Wait, there is one person who would need to know, my business partner Xander. He’s living here for the time until we get the new company off the ground."

"Can he be discreet?"

William nodded. "Absolutely."

"Very well, we’ll just say no one outside our respective households. Now, I’d like to have the discretion to engage and dismiss servants as necessary. I think you may have a few malcontents used to your style who may give me a bit of lip. I understand the type of servants you’re interested in having and I’ll respect your wishes regarding that."

"Very well."

She scribbled again, exhilarated that she’d found a place so quickly for Dawn. This would be perfect and she could check on her frequently. "Very well. Now in return, you’ll continue to board Mr. Gordo and take excellent care of him."

William laughed, "I’m sorry, Mr. who?"

Buffy blushed. She really needed to stop doing that around him. "Gordian, it’s just a little pet name I have for him. Now as I was saying, will you agree to that?"

"Of course, I’ll treat him as one of my own. He’s a fine horse, Buffy."

"I know. And thank you for taking care of him so well. He looked very happy out there."

William made a mental note to slip a little extra in the groom’s pay packet. He wanted to see that look of gratitude on her face on a regular basis. "Not a problem."

"And that brings us to the final thing." She paused for a long moment. "How did you know I was at Anya’s last night?"

He shrugged. "I was there. Saw you come up the alley while I was waiting in her parlor, heard her let you in."

She refused to meet his eyes. "Oh."

He reached across the table and took her hand. "Buffy, I don’t know your reasons for being there. And I don’t suppose they’re any of my business. But I won’t mention it, your secret is safe with me."

"Really?"

"Really."

"I was there to rescue a little girl," she blurted out.

William looked at her puzzled. "Pardon?"

"I met Anya a few months ago when one of her girls got in trouble. She needed help and I offered it and of course Anya was angry that I had stolen one of her employees. She’s a bit irrational sometimes about the way she runs things. I suppose you got her little talk last night?"

He nodded, bemused as she continued her explanation.

"Well, anyway, Anya just showed up on my doorstep and confronted me about Fred and . . ."

"Fred? I thought it was a girl."

"Winifred. Anya and I managed to reach an agreement and we’ve been friends of sorts since then. And every so often I help one of her girls out when they want something else, a new start. Anya has consented, she seems to think they won’t be good for business if they’re unhappy."

He stared at her. Of all the explanations for her presence there last night, this one was rather unexpected. She was a half-way house for former ladies of the night? And seemed to be on very familiar terms with one of the biggest madams in Charleston?

She could see his startled expression and she grabbed his hand. "William, you see it’s very important no one knows about this thing . . . that I know her. It would ruin me and the girls I’ve helped if people knew what they’d been."

He covered her hand with his other one and ran his thumb over her silky skin, vaguely aware that she’d probably change moods and throw something at him shortly for that liberty. "You’re quite an amazing lady, Mrs. Crawford. I must say that I’m rather happy that I cheated at that hand of cards last night, otherwise, I would have never had the pleasure of your acquaintance."

"So you did cheat?" Her tone held a small amount of amusement mingled with the indignation.

"Couldn’t really lose now could I, to that insufferable prat."

She dimpled, "I suppose not." She dropped her gaze. "Did you have a nice time . . . at Anya’s, last night?"

He gave a small laugh. "Well, learned who you were, which was nice. But no, I changed my mind and came on home last night, spent some quality time with Mr. Gordo out there."

She looked at him hard. Was he lying to her? He’d gone to Anya’s and not gotten what people went there for? But his gaze seemed innocent enough and he didn’t look as though he were lying.

"Oh," was all she managed to respond, but she tucked that little fact away for later consideration.

His thumb crossed the cold metal of her ring as it made another pass across her palm and he couldn’t resist asking, "Buffy, how long ago did you husband die?"

Her face shuttered as the mood shifted and the question hung in the air. She withdrew from him and resumed adding the details to their impromptu contract. "Angel? He died about two years ago."

"Was he ill?"

"He had a sudden accident, fell off a horse and broke his neck."

Her voice was closed off and he dropped the subject. Clearly she was still not able to talk about his death. He felt a flash of momentary jealousy for the man who’d had the love of this entrancing creature, such a love that she still wore mourning and his ring long after custom would have allowed her less somber apparel.

She made a final scribble and slid the paper across the table for him to sign, then added her own flourish.

"So, we have an arrangement?"

"I suppose we do."

She offered her hand for them to seal the deal with a shake as she’d seen her father do many times, but he surprised her when he took her hand and raised it to his lips. The tingle she’d felt before when he kissed her glove seemed a pale imitation to the feel of his lips on her bare hand. She wanted to jerk away, wanted to make some witty, offhand remark to put him in his place, but she found herself mesmerized again by his eyes as he lingered a brief moment too long.

As he gently returned her hand and she fumbled hastily to slip her fingers back into the glove, she managed to collect herself.

"William, if we’re to have this arrangement, you can’t keep doing things like that."

"Like what?"

"Like kissing my hand."

He frowned at her. "My sincerest apologies, I saw several gentleman bestowing such a small token on the young ladies at the dinner party last night, was I in error?"

She colored slightly. "No, I mean, yes, that is done in a social setting of course, sometimes. But not in private like this, with just us, it’s not proper."

"Is that really why you don’t want me to touch you, Buffy?"

She gathered her reticule and slid the folded document inside. "Of course. If we’re to have a business arrangement, it wouldn’t be proper to act otherwise."

He let the matter drop for the moment. After all, he’d gotten her to agree to this little deal, he’d see her more often, and who knew where things might lead? There was certainly an attraction between them, he knew he’d affected her. Maybe she could be persuaded to something more later, given time. If nothing else, the pursuit would be interesting. And he was more excited by her than he’d been . . . well, really than he’d ever been. He’d concede the battle for the moment, but the war was just starting.

"Very well, Buffy, I’ll walk you home."

"Oh, that’s not necessary, it’s just the next street over, I’ll be fine."

He shook his head firmly. "Nonetheless, I’m about to leave for the docks so I’ll accompany you. One moment while I get my coat. Why don’t you go have that talk with Cook?"

She watched as he bounded off and she stared at the piece of paper that peeked from the top of her bag. What had she gotten herself into?

_____________________________________

As they turned the block, she halted him at the gate to her small row house. "This is me."

An awkward pause grew as they both stared at each other, as if oddly reluctant to let their time together end.

"Well, it was interesting meeting you, Mr. William Montgomery."

"Likewise Mrs. Buffy Summers Crawford."

She turned and walked through the gate and let herself into the house as he continued to watch until the door closed firmly behind her.

He glanced at his pocket watch. Bugger, Xan was going to kill him for being so late.

_____________________________________

Buffy shut the door and tried unsuccessfully to sneak up the stairs to her room. She suspected she needed a few minutes to compose herself and get the flush off her cheeks before she encountered all her friends.

She made it to the second step.

"Buffy, what happened?"

She turned slowly to find Willow, Tara, Fred and Dawn staring at her expectantly.

"Did you get back Mr. Gordo?" the normally quiet Tara chimed in.

"Was that him outside Miss Buffy?" Fred inquired.

She sighed. "Why don’t we all go into the dining room and I’ll tell you everything."

She proceeded to give a highly edited version of the morning’s events and the agreement that had been struck, emphasizing the wonderful lodging for Mr. Gordo and how much closer he’d be than where she’d previously had to keep him. She turned to Dawn, who had grown a little less withdrawn, though still quiet as the conversation continued.

"So what do you think, Dawn? Would you like to work for Mr. Montgomery? We’ll train you as you go and you can continue to stay here, if you prefer, or you’d have your own room over there, if you’d rather."

Dawn nodded slowly. "I think that would be good. Will I have a uniform?"

"Yes, and plenty of food, and a half day per week in addition to your pay and lodging."

"Will, will she be able to find me?"

Buffy shook her head, knowing exactly who Dawn was afraid of by the tremble in her tone. "No Dawn. She’ll never find you at Mr. Montgomery’s house. You’ll be safe there."

She gave the slight girl a hug. "Alright, that’s enough then. I think we have some things to teach Dawn and if Parker is to be believed, Lilah will be calling this afternoon."

Her statement was met by a chorus of groans as they all started about their day.

_____________________________________

"Will, where the hell have you been? We have several reports due at noon today, if I might remind you."

William plopped down at his desk and threw his feet on the massive oak top. "I’m ready to work Xan, throw’m at me."

He grimaced as Xander tossed the stack of papers on his stomach. "Didn’t mean literally. I’ll be glad when Wes gets here, paperwork’s more his forte anyway."

Xander looked up from the paper he’d returned to. "Don’t I know it. But he should be here in a week or so, at least that’s what his latest letter said." He glanced at his partner, who continued to have a bemused expression as he sorted through the papers and began to work on a report. "What’s got you so cheery this morning?"

"You remember last night, the girl I saw in the alleyway? I met her this morning."

"This morning?"

"Yep. You’re never going to believe this."

He recounted the events to Xander, who let out a long whistle as he reached the end of the tale.

"So she’s not a prostitute?"

"Nope."

"But she does rescue them?"

"Uh-huh."

"Strange."

"I thought so."

"And she’s our new housekeeper?"

"Part-time, but yes."

"And you still have her horse?"

"Indeed I do."

"You are a silver-tongued devil."

William smiled.

"But may I remind you that you got yourself engaged yesterday?"

And just like that, William’s face fell. He’d completely forgotten that Harmony Wilkins even existed.

William entered the dining room and sat down at the solitary table for another dinner alone. He wondered where Xander was. Still working on the final shipment orders no doubt. He was a solid partner to have and had showed an unexpected aptitude for the details of business over the past few months, which had surprised William at first.

Of course Xander had always proven sharp at picking up necessary survival skills since they’d met on that first voyage in the Queen’s Navy. He shuddered. That had been something of a baptism of fire for a shy young boy for sure. No regrets on the choice, it had been worth every day he thought he’d keel over from the pain and exhaustion. When he’d seen the respect in his father’s eyes after returning from that trip, he knew he’d made the right decision to abandon the Cambridge education for a more real world tutorial.

He poured a glass of wine. Those years held a host of memories he’d just as soon not explore, for all he was a better man for them. Best to dwell on more pleasant thoughts, like this afternoon’s encounter with Buffy. Which reminded him that he needed to get in some serious ribbing of Xander. Seemed he had made an impression on Madam Anya after all. She’d acted downright nervous when he’d mentioned the dark-haired man to the otherwise very composed woman.

Anna carried in the first course and William looked at the empty table again. Maybe he’d just eat in the library, have something on a tray. He was about to instruct her when Xander came though the door, grinning from ear to ear.

"Great news Will, I got confirmation Wes’s ship set sail, should be here in a few weeks for sure. And the shipments for today all arrived on schedule, we’re ahead for the month."

William sat up, glad for some company at last. As they worked their way through dinner and discussed some other business concerns, Xander steered the conversation around to more interesting topics.

"So you went back to see her again, didn’t you?"

Will tried to feign innocence. "See who, Xan?"

"You know who, the merry widow who’s been distracting you since you first saw her."

"Oh, that her. Well, yeah, just needed to iron out a few details and such. She’ll be here in the morning, if you want to stick around and meet her." Ready to see his friend squirm, William continued, "And you’ll never guess who was visiting with her when I dropped by this afternoon."

"Who?"

"Madam Anya."

Xander looked up, suddenly interested. "Really? Did she say anything about me?"

"As a matter of fact she did. Even brought you up herself."

Xander’s expression revealed surprise as Will snickered. "What, didn’t think you made an impression on the lady?"

"No, well, I’d hoped, but she was just so dismissive." Xander recovered his equilibrium and pushed for more information. "Enough with the coy, Will, what’d she say? Does she want to see me?"

"Well, she did mention for us to stop by any time."

"No, not like that, not just another customer. Did she want to see me personally?"

William decided he’d had enough fun. "She didn’t come right out and say it, but she got awfully flustered when I hinted you were interested in her personally."

"Flustered as in she’s annoyed at the thought, or flustered as in she might be interested?"

"I thought might be interested. Maybe you could ask Buffy tomorrow."

Xander nodded. "Great idea." He paused, and frowned as he thought it through. "You mean Buffy was receiving Anya at home?"

William nodded.

"Are you sure she’s entirely on the up and up, Will? Not exactly the way things are done around here, I gather. You sure she’s not scamming you somehow about who she is?"

"I made some discreet references this afternoon. Mrs. Crawford is everything she purported to be, a recently widowed member of the plantation elite who now lives very quietly with her cousin and remains in mourning for her dearly departed husband. In fact, from all accounts, she’s quite the perfect lady." He shrugged. "I’m guessing that you and I, my friend, have inadvertently tumbled to Miss Buffy’s one dark secret and I intend to use that knowledge for all it’s worth."

~~~

Buffy found Dawn waiting at the bottom of the steps when she came down early the next morning for the walk to Montgomery’s house. The girl was dressed in Fred’s spare gown, which fit moderately well. It would do until they could finish the garment they had begun for her the day before.

"Good morning, Miss Buffy."

"Morning, Dawn, did you sleep well?"

"Yes ma’am, just a little nervous is all."

Buffy patted her arm, "Don’t be Dawn, everything will be fine." She wondered who she was trying to reassure with her comments, Dawn or herself. She’d slept very little, tossing and turning as she replayed the events of the day before and all that had passed between her and William.

William. It gave her a little thrill just to say his name, even in her head. Anya’s insane suggestions from yesterday had been rolling over and over in her head. Mrs. William Montgomery. Could that really be what he was after?

And why was she even contemplating that? She’d vowed on the day Lilah had appeared before her in hysterics and announced Angel’s death and her freedom that she would never, never tie herself down in that way again. There was no father to direct her marriage this time around, she had enough money to be comfortable, she was surrounded by good friends. There was no reason for her to replace the now meaningless band of gold still residing on her third finger with a real chain.

Except for that other thing Anya had mentioned. <i>You could always consider a discreet arrangement that would be mutually beneficial to you both . . . Montgomery could provide you with some intense physical gratification, if you would allow it . . . you wouldn’t be hurting anyone.</i>

Had she been around Anya and Faith and the other girls who gave no real thought to the men that passed through their bed every night too long? Was she losing all the morals her mother had taught her, that a lady was chaste until married and then faithful to her husband? Of course, she had been those things, before. Would taking a lover be so bad now? Men did it constantly. And who would she hurt? Montgomery was unattached and available, as was she.

She realized Dawn was looking at her rather strangely as she had been musing to herself for several minutes now. She picked up her shawl and draped it around her shoulders. Time to face the music. Probably she’d get over there and Montgomery would be nothing but courteous and professional and she’d see that she’d worked herself into a frenzy over nothing at all.

"Let’s go Dawnie, it’s time to start our new jobs."

~~~

Buffy shut the door behind her as she arrived back in the safety of her home. That had gone very well she thought. The house staff had responded fairly well, she didn’t think there would be any major problems. The poor butler seemed a bit scattered, but polite and she’d given him a recipe for a tea that might soothe his headaches for which he looked eternally grateful. Anna had taken Dawn under her wing and Buffy felt she’d be treated fairly. Cook had found the lamb she needed and was back in fine spirits. The house was large and there was some catch-up to be done to get it back in shape, but she looked forward to the challenge. It was odd to have been raised from childhood to manage a household of that size, yet never have the chance to do so. She found herself oddly excited at the prospect, even if wasn’t really her home.

And things had gone smoothly with William, she thought. She’d been polite and affable, had discussed the household concerns briefly with him, then gently gossiped about the locals in the charming way any lady knew how to do, filling him in on tidbits about his neighbors. She met his partner Xander Harris and had been amused by his not so subtle attempts to probe her for information about Anya. It was quite obvious there was something there and she’d definitely have to have Anya in for tea soon to see where that situation lay.

William had been very appropriate, no innuendo or remarks that seemed out of line, though the intensity of his gaze had made her grow hot a few times. He lingered a few minutes after Xander had taken his leave, in which time she’d managed to bring up Dawn and her concerns about her. And then he’d also departed, insisting on kissing her hand again as he thanked her for her help.

She rubbed her thumb over where his lips had grazed. If it hadn’t been for that last small contact, the soulful way he’d held her eyes, the deliberate manner in which he’d raised her hand to his lips, and the slight wink as he’d stepped away that sent her heart racing at double speed, she’d have thought there was nothing there. But all the concerns from the night before had crashed back over her as he’d walked out the door, making her wonder what was really going on.

Willow bustled down the steps at that moment and Buffy lost herself in the flow of the day, pushing her confusion aside for later private contemplation.

~~~

Dawn blew out a breath as she scoured yet another pot. Anna had been nice this morning, had given her the duties she was assigned, and showed both her and Miss Buffy around the mansion after they’d arrived. Buffy had informed Anna she’d be staying with her for a little longer and arrangements for the proper uniform to match the style of the other staff were made.

And then Dawn had gone to work. It had been hard, she was the first to admit. The sheer enormity of the mansion overwhelmed here, she’d never been in a house this large before. She’d thought Miss Buffy’s home had been the height of luxury until they’d walked through the doors into this place. The ceilings were enormously high, the furnishings so beautiful she was almost afraid to move, lest she break something. But her awe had gradually dissipated as the day had worn on, and the realization that all the fancy rooms required an enormous amount of work to keep up began to sink in. Work she had to do.

Not that she was complaining. She’d been accustomed to chores back in Ireland with her mother, cleaning, feeding the few animals, helping card the wool that would be spun into beautiful cloth. But their simple lives had not required so much upkeep.

However, it was better than the alternative. She still had trouble sleeping at night as she remembered Glory’s voice as she’d found her hovering by the docks, reasonable and kind at first, then more shrill as she’d cackled gleefully over the price she’d bring. Dawn had been poked and prodded in her attempts to establish her virginity and those horrors still remained with her.

But Miss Buffy had said she was safe here and she seemed the kind of lady who would keep her word. She’d said Mr. Montgomery wouldn’t let anything happen to her and Dawn believed her. She rinsed the last pot, carefully dried it and placed it on the hook as Cook had directed. There, all done.

She shook out the voluminous apron she’d swathed herself in for the kitchen work and placed it on the hook by the door. She’d been told she could leave when this was done, now she just had to navigate the short walk back to Miss Buffy’s by herself. Which gave her more than a few tremors at the thought of what might be lurking out there. Just as she was about to leave the kitchen, a man appeared in the doorway.

"Would you be Dawn?" He had a nice voice, with an accent far more familiar than the slow drawls she had found herself surrounded by in Charleston, and a kind smile. This must be Montgomery.

"Yes, sir." She briefly curtseyed as Anna had instructed her to this morning.

He sauntered forward and into the room. "Dawn, I’m William Montgomery, your new employer." He looked her up and down, brows knit as he studied her slight form. "How old are you?"

"S-s-sixteen," she stuttered quickly.

"You’re no more sixteen than I’m sixty. You’re just a little bit. Tell me the truth now."

"Fourteen."

"Dawn, have you finished school, know how to read and do sums?"

She debated lying again, but decided there was no point. Tears started to cloud her eyes, but she stuck her chin out and looked him in the eye. "No sir, but I’m right handy with cleaning and such. I’ll work hard."

William smiled. Buffy had been right, she was a plucky little thing. Certainly had more spirit than he had at her age. It was indeed a shame she hadn’t had the chance for any education. Buffy had commented on how bright and quick the girl was at their meeting this morning, before asking it he’d be willing to walk the chit back to her house at night. She’d batted her big green eyes at him and given him that soft smile while telling him about the girl’s fears and he’d readily agreed to the task, excited that he now had a legitimate reason to see her at night as well.

But he’d have to give some more thought to the idea she’d planted about him sponsoring the girl at school instead of keeping her as a maid. Would be a right charitable thing to do, he supposed, and wouldn’t cost much. And it was likely to get him in better with Buffy he imagined. He’d sound the girl out when he walked her home, see if she was as quick as Buffy claimed.

Dawn was still staring at him with her large eyes, assessing him as he was her. He smiled. "Now, see here little bit, I’m not giving you the boot on your first day. Anna said you’ve worked out just fine. I’m just here to take you to Miss Buffy’s, she asked if I’d walk you over."

A smile lit Dawn’s face as her fears slid away. "I just need to get my cloak sir, and I’m ready."

He produced it from his side and she nodded. "Well, then, I’m ready."

And the two walked into the night.

~~~

"Harmony, could you come in here for a minute, your father and I have something we’d like to discuss with you."

Harmony halted in the hallway and took a moment to admire herself in the mirror. The new plaid she’d convinced her mother to have made up for her from the pattern in the most recent Godey’s Lady Book really suited her well. She tweaked her lace collar, Cordelia would be so jealous.

"Harmony, today young lady."

"Yes mother."

Harmony pushed open the door to the library and took a seat beside her mother, staring expectantly at her parents. She hoped this wouldn’t take long. Cordelia was supposed to be here in a few minutes and they needed to hurry if they were going to make it to the Promenade before the soldiers came by. Her palms grew a little damp as she thought about the letter she’d carefully tucked in her bag to deliver today. She hoped he’d have one for her as well, the last had been so sweet.

She snapped back to attention as her father smiled benevolently at her. "Now, Harmony, you’ve become quite a mature young lady over the last year and now that you’ve finished at Madame Talvande’s, your mother and I have decided that it’s time you were married."

Harmony’s eyes flew wide and she leaned forward eagerly. "Papa, really? Has R…, I mean had someone asked you for my hand?" Her heart beat faster as she thought of a certain pair of broad shoulders and blue eyes. He’d told her how much he longed to speak with her father so that they could be properly wed, but she didn’t realize he would act so swiftly. And strangely her papa didn’t even seem mad. He must have made a good impression.

Her mind raced as she began to consider how long it would be before they could arrange a big church wedding at St. Michael’s. She’d of course have to get a real wedding dress made up, maybe something in a light blue, that always suited her so well. It couldn’t just be any old dress like before, no it needed to be the most beautiful gown Charleston had ever seen. That man the other night at dinner, Montgomery, had told her they’d brought in some new fabrics from France. Maybe she could convince her mother to take her later this afternoon to see about them.

Her father’s voice intruded on her happy daydreams . . . "so we plan to make the announcement in January, post the banns, and hold the wedding in February, when everyone comes to town for the races."

Harmony nodded eagerly. That should be sufficient time to have her dress made and make everyone green with envy. "Papa, that sounds perfect," she beamed.

Her mother touched her arm softly. "Harmony, are you sure you’re happy with this arrangement?"

Her father’s voice carried across the massive desk. "Don’t be silly, of course she’s happy. She’ll have one of the finest houses in town and Montgomery’s going to be one of the city’s leaders in a few years, mark my words. That young man is going places."

Harmony’s head swiveled from her mother’s concerned gaze to her smiling father. "Montgomery?"

"Yes sweetheart, Montgomery, the gentlemen you sat next to at the dinner. He was quite charmed by you."

Harmony stared him in befuddlement. "You want me to marry Montgomery?"

Wilkins shook his head. His youngest had never been that bright, "Yes, my dear, that’s what we’ve been talking about."

Harmony jumped from the sofa and flounced over to her father. "Papa, no, I can’t marry him. He’s, he’s . . . old and British and I don’t even know him."

"Young lady, what you want is not really an issue here. Your mother and I have discussed this and it’s for the best. Now Montgomery and I still have some details to work out, so we won’t make a formal announcement until the first of the year. But he’ll will be calling more frequently so that you may get to know him better over the next month."

Harmony stomped her foot as tears welled in her eyes. "I can’t marry him." She turned on her heel and fled the room. Wilkins looked at his wife.

"Just give her time, Richard, she’ll come around. It was just a bit of a shock, to be told this way. You can hardly expect her to leap for joy that’s she about to be married to a man she’s barely met."

"Well, she better get used to the idea. We have a contract and I don’t intend to lose this connection because Harmony decides to be prissy." He looked thoughtful for a minute. "Do you suppose some other young buck has been sniffing around her?"

Edna May smiled. "Well, Richard, Harmony’s always had a number of suitors, but none that seemed serious, just the usual poems and flowers and such."

Richard snorted. "Well, it’s time she settled down and stopped flitting around. Perhaps we’ve coddled our precious a bit too much. She needs to be more serious, prepare to be a wife and mother and take care of her husband properly. She should be glad we were able to make such an auspicious match for her."

His wife sighed. "I’ll talk to her dear, I’m sure she’ll come around."

~~~

Harmony shaded her eyes as she looked impatiently down the street. Where was Cordelia? As soon as she sighted the brunette, she hurried down the steps and out to meet her friend, throwing up her parasol to shield her milky white skin from the sun.

"Cordy, Cordy!"

Cordelia met her distraught friend. "Harmony, what’s wrong?"

"Oh, it’s horrible, my father just told me he’s arranged for me to be married to some strange old man."

Tears formed in her wide blue eyes. Cordelia looked shocked. "Harmony, does he know?"

The blonde shook her head. "No, I thought at first he’d gone to see my father and formally ask him for my hand, but instead it’s that new Englishman, William Montgomery."

Cordelia gasped. "Harmony, you have to tell him, right away. Surely your father will understand that you’re in love."

"Oh Cordy, do you think so?"

"He has to. After all, he won’t have much of a choice once you tell him you’re already married."