The earl smiled; he was still dissatisfied with her attitude and had been on the verge of anger, but at least he was getting somewhere now. The foot was in the door; it was time to smooth things over. "I apologize, miss Goldburrow," he said, "if my methods seem obscene to you. I am a political figure rebuilding an earldom after a period of great strife. Manipulation and coercion are necessary evils in time like these. One does not blame a snake for having fangs, no?" Gideon fiddled with his ring and rocked back and forth on his feet. 

"That said, of course you will be compensated for your work and your time. I meant only to insinuate that you could enter proper employment, with your duties and compensation outlined in a contract, after I have aided you in fulfilling  your current obligations. Or perhaps simultaneously, if conditions permit," he continued, having adopted a genial and polite tone again. "You can ask around if you like; every member of my staff receives a fair wage." 

Gideon eyed Cicely with curiosity. The woman sitting on his couch right now was not the same timid creature he'd observed during dinner. She had recovered her composure well. "So, what do you say?"