“Iris.” Mason’s voice echoed down the hall, catching her before she could disappear out onto the patio. “I haven’t seen you all day. Have you settled in?”
Iris glanced quickly around, relaxing just a little when she did not see Mrs. Lathome nearby. “I’m sorry. I was trying to stay out of the way.”
“Nonsense. Iris, you’re a guest. My guest. Feel free to wander about and entertain yourself whenever I have work, however you want. I’d hate to have you feel like you had to sit in your room until summoned for an appearance or performance.”
She shook her head, trying to smile. “I was informed otherwise.”
Mason gave her an odd look. “By whom?” He pulled her out onto the patio and to a nearby bench. “What happened? Nobody should know anything about your circumstances.”
“Your mother informed me of her expectations and my place in this household as soon as we reached my new room.”
“No.” Mason shook his head with absolute certainty. “She was the one who wanted you here. She has been telling everyone who will listen that you are coming to town for a visit.There is no way that my mother would then turn around and hide you away in your room.”
Iris couldn’t think of a response. Her brain through the contradiction. In the end, she had figured that she didn’t know the woman well enough to worry so much. With a year long contract and even if she was shipped off to an empty estate she would still get paid and could still go home afterward. So she left her room.
He was still shaking his head as if he could shake away the confusion. “What did she say? I know she wasn’t gushy and unbelievably happy to have you here but she should have at least been pleased that you look even better than your picture.”
After a moment of hesitation, Iris sighed. “I am starting to think that maybe she was simply setting up the story well for everyone else. For me, I am to stay out of the way unless needed and under no circumstances am I to fall in love with you. So, not only am I supposed to do my job and convince everyone else that we are dating and falling in love, I also have to make sure your mother is convinced of the complete opposite. I haven’t quite figured out how to manage that one yet.”
Mason chuckled. “It’s not so much of a lost cause as you make it sound. It just means we don’t get to hang out when we are at home.”
Iris leaned over to lay her head on his shoulder and groaned. “Sounds lonely. Besides, won’t the people who work for you wonder, and talk?”
“I’ll sneak some hangout time in. And you can always make some friends at the events we attend and invite them over.”
They sat there for several minutes in silence, companionably being together. The faint breeze wafted over them, carrying the light floral scents of the nearby rose garden.
With a resigned sigh, Iris sat up. “I can’t imagine what your mother would say if she saw us out here, I should go.”
Mason stood and offered her his hand. “I think you and I need to have a strategy meeting tomorrow morning. Our first event is tomorrow night and we have lots to go over.”
“We do?”
“We do.” He nodded decisively. “I’ll see you in my office at 9. Be prepared to discuss your favorite snack foods and to defend your favorite movie.”
Iris laughed but stifled it with a cough. “Yes, sir.”
“And, in case my mother asks, we will be having a weekly meeting for the sake of appearances that may look like dates of a sort to quell in-house gossip. The staff will be informed it is to find time in my busy work schedule to get reacquainted with you.” Mason turned to leave.
As if his mother knew she was spoken about, Mrs Lathome stepped out onto the patio. She gave Iris a long look before smiling up at her son.
“Mason darling, I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Have you been out here with Iris all this time?”
His easy going laugh warmed Iris’ shaky nerves. “I just found her a few minutes ago. However, I’m glad I did. It saved me the time of tracking her down. I have a small business mixer tomorrow night that would be a perfect opportunity to get her introduced as a family friend and we haven’t talked strategy yet. The sooner we can establish her as a friend the quicker we can go about this whole girlfriend deal.”
“Oh, of course.” His mother gushed, smiling up at him. “Why didn’t I think of that? Shall we all meet in the parlor after dinner and talk through our expectations and maybe what dress would be most appropriate.”
Iris jumped in. “I would love to hear your thoughts about which of my dresses would work best for tomorrow night.” She had to fight not to cringe at the self-satisfied smile that Mrs Lathome directed at her before turning to face Mason.
“Will you be joining us?”
Mason rolled his eyes. “Of course I’ll be there. It’s my meeting and she is my date to the event.”
“I am glad you are showing such interest. This will help you stand out amongst your peers.” Mrs Lathome glowed as she patted his arms. “Now come, dear. I promised the cook that you would come help with the menu this time.”
“Why? She already knows what I like.” Mason held out his arm to Iris. “However, now that you mention it, as our guest, we should make sure that any preferences Iris have are presented to the cook.”
Mrs Lathome didn’t smile. “Son, that seems unnecessary given the fact that she is being paid to be here.”
Mason leaned closer to his mother with a satisfied smile. “The staff doesn’t know that. And I didn’t think you wanted them to know.”
