Promise Me (29 page)

“
Butterflies in a barnyard,” Becca teased.

Katrina giggled. “Henry is a worthy name, Lady Ashburn. I like it.”

“
And apparently he likes you. A word of warning though. Do not allow Henry to get his chubby fingers entwined in your lovely hair.”

“
Does Henry like me, Mother?”

“
Of course he does, Becca. You’re his older sister, and I’m depending on you to watch out for him.”

Kat sighed. “I wish I were Henry’s sister.”

The innocent remark tugged at Leah’s heart.

“
I’ve an idea, Katrina,” Anne said. “You can be Henry’s god-sister.”

“
Like a godmother?”

“
Yes, only better.”

“
Master Henry’s god-sister,” Kat repeated with pride.

“
We’re practically related,” Becca exclaimed.

“
All right, girls, now that we’ve settled the matter of sisterhood, I have a surprise for you.” Anne winked at Leah. “The stable boy found a cat with four kittens, but he’s been far too busy to entertain the little darlings. I don’t suppose you two…”

“
Becca and I could care of them, Lady Ashburn.”

“
You wouldn’t mind?”

“
Not at all,” Becca assured her mother, and she gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before rushing out, arm in arm with Katrina.

Anne laughed. “Those two are quite the pair.”

“
Yes, and I suspect those kittens will be well taken care of from now on. Anne, thank you for giving Kat the unique and distinguished title of god-sister. She couldn’t have been more proud if you’d crowned her queen.”

“
Her lovely face fairly beamed, did it not?”

“
It certainly did.” Leah rocked Henry, humming the tune to a song her mother used to sing often.

“
Your nurturing skills are quite good.”

“
After Mother died, I would sit in the nursery for hours holding Kat and singing to her. Now...” Leah pushed the memory aside. “My little sister has reached the age where she needs a mother more than ever, but I fear I am an inadequate replacement.”

“
No one can take the place of a dear mother.”

Henry stirred, and Leah rocked him gently.

Anne sighed. “You should’ve warned me that Edwin’s new nanny and his previous wet nurse were one in the same.”

“
The duke wished to keep it a secret, and I didn’t think it likely your paths would cross.”

“
Well they did, and needless to say it was quite a shock. I would’ve alerted Aunt Margaret if Nicolas hadn’t pinched me. After her ladyship left the room, I explained Polly’s questionable past to the duke, but he claimed he already knew. Told me to mind my own business. How dare the man! The grand and noble duke is permitted to tell as many lies as he likes, yet everyone else must speak the truth?”

“
He simply wishes to protect his grandmother.”

“
And now you’re protecting him.”

“
His Grace does not need nor want my protection. He can take care of himself as well as his family.”

“
I’m sure he can,” Anne smarted. “As long as there’s no immediate need for a midwife.”

“
You do realize he did not delay on purpose? He even rode into the next county to find the woman.”

Her ladyship let the comment go with a shrug, but her sour expression betrayed her thoughts on the matter. “I received a telegram from Hugh yesterday. He’s returning home Sunday afternoon.”

“
In three days? That’s wonderful news. Unless...you’re still angry with him.”

“
If you’re referring to the rude remarks I made about my absent husband during the birth of our son...” Anne offered a wicked smile. “I take nothing back.”

Leah laughed, jarring Henry awake. “Oh, I’m sorry, my sweet.” She glanced up. “Anne, his face is turning red.”

“
I believe that’s a natural occurrence.” Her ladyship motioned to the nanny who stood a polite distance away. “Would you take Henry to the nursery and see that he’s changed before you put him down for a nap?”

“
Certainly, madam.”

After they were alone again, Leah joined her friend on the sofa. “I’ll miss you at the Bal Masque.”

“
You can tell me all about it Saturday afternoon.” Her ladyship poured two cups of tea. “Have you chosen a costume?”

“
I’ll be dressed as a gypsy.”

“
I remember that outfit. It looked lovely on you. Beneath that dark wig, I doubt anyone will recognize you.”

“
Perfectly fine by me,” Leah declared. “Shall I send the carriage for Becca after lunch tomorrow?”

“
I’ve an idea. Why not allow Katrina to stay the night here, and I’ll send both girls to Greyson Manor around four tomorrow.”

“
All right. Anne, are you sure you won’t change your mind and attend?”

“
Leah, you know I love the gaiety of the Bal Masque, but I’ve lost my girlish figure, and it will take more than one day to get it back.”

“
You could come as an expectant mother.”

“
Bite your tongue, Miss Sheridan.” Anne poured honey into her tea and stirred the contents. “You know, seeing you with Henry leads me to believe that one day you’ll make an excellent mother.”

“
I’m not sure I’ll get the chance.”

“
Why would you say such a thing?”

Leah sighed. “Because I somehow fell in love with a gentleman who believes a wife is an unfortunate necessity instead of a heartfelt desire.”

Anne’s cup almost slipped from her hand. “Good lord! Nicolas?”

Tears welled in Leah’s throat. “I’m not very good at choosing fiancés, am I?”

“
You poor, dear girl. Does he have any idea?”

“
No.”

“
Do you intend to tell him?”

“
Heavens, no!” Leah sipped her tea, and the warmth loosened the ache lodged in her throat. “To the duke, I am nothing more than his dead brother’s fiancée.”

“
A minor detail.”

“
Minor
?”

“
So your first betrothal did not end as you’d planned, but that shouldn’t turn you into a bitter old maid.”

“
Better an old maid than an unhappy bride.”

Anne set her cup aside. “I realize Nicolas is often brutally honest, but loyalty and honor are deeply engrained in his character. A union between you and the duke would be a favorable match.”

“
If his Grace were interested.”

“
Are you certain he’s not?”

“
Anne, your cousin is a very complicated gentleman, and I’m...well, I’m confused whenever I’m near him.” Leah stood. “One minute he looks at me tenderly and the next...” She headed for the large picturesque window. “In case you hadn’t noticed, the last few days he’s been avoiding me.”

“
Nicolas isn’t avoiding you, my dear.” A slight pause. “Unless...”

Leah spun around. “Unless?”

“
Well...”

“
Well what?”

Lady Ashburn grimaced. “I could be wrong. Now that I think about it, yes, I’m certain of it.”

“
I’m not a child, Anne. There’s no need to spare me from whatever horrible thought you’ve conjured up.”

Her ladyship stood. “Leah, you must realize that over the years Nicolas has encountered his fair share of beauties. A few became overly infatuated, and he quickly grew bored. But clearly that’s not the situation with you.”

A dull ache thudded in place of Leah’s heartbeat. Had she shown too much interest? Apparently so.

“
I wonder if love truly exists,” she mused aloud.

“
Your mother believed it did.”

“
My mother’s joyous union with my father tainted her point of view and therefore mine. Does not a proper lady marry for wealth and position? Love generally has no bearing on her decision.”

“
Unless love is the lady’s first and foremost requirement. As was mine. Let me ask you this. Does your heart beat faster whenever Nicolas is near?”

“
Yes.”

“
And when his dark eyes watch you?”

“
I feel as though I’m the only woman in the room.”

“
He speaks and..?”

“
His voice creates shivers that slowly dance down my spine until they reach my toes.”

“
His touch?”

“
Takes my breath away.”

Anne shook her head, her expression more sympathetic than ever. “I know the symptoms well, my dear. Love is a disease, and marriage is the cure. Has Nicolas kissed you?”

Leah blushed.

“
Goodness!”

“
I...I’m not sure how it happened.”

“
Then allow me to explain. Or better yet, I’ll send for Becca and Katrina. I’m fairly certain they’ve memorized each chapter of their etiquette books.”

“
That won’t be necessary.”

“
If Nicolas kissed you, he’s definitely interested. There will be plenty of chances on the dance floor tomorrow evening to determine just how genuine that interest is.”

“
If you’re implying I should attempt to make the duke jealous--”

“
Implying? Heavens, no. I thought I made it perfectly clear.”

“
Anne, I’ll not stoop to trickery as a means of forcing the duke’s attention.”

“
Dear me. It’s much worse than I thought.” She grabbed Leah’s hand, dragging her to the door.

“
Where are we going?”

“
To find my etiquette book.”

###

After a late breakfast the next morning, Nicolas found his grandmother lounging in the solarium.

“
Good morning, Gran.”

She placed a finger to her lips and pointed to the chair beside hers where Edwin napped.

Nicolas sat across from her, and immediately the two beagle pups came up to greet him. “Hello, Maxwell. Barnabas.” He reached down and scratched behind both their ears. “I see you’ve already worn Edwin out. What about Gran? Have you been behaving for her?”

“
Those two scoundrels? Why, just this morning they overturned three of my favorite rose pots, chased poor Winston up a tree, and then got into a skirmish over one of Edwin’s shoes. I’ll not go into detail about what they did to this morning’s
Standard
.”

“
I’m sorry, love.” He scooted the pups away, and they settled down beneath the table. “Where’s Miss Wharton?”

“
Upstairs, resting. I sent her on a rather tedious errand yesterday, and she returned late.”

“
What sort of errand?”

“
To a dress shop in Dover to purchase several bolts of material. The poor girl has next to nothing to wear, and of course she needed other necessities as well. She also picked up a few items for Edwin.”

“
Speaking of my nephew, I dropped by Doctor Porter’s cottage yesterday, and he gave me some rather good news. Seems this French physician he told us about will be attending a lecture in London at the end of next month.”

“
You believe he’ll agree to examine Edwin?”

“
I certainly intend to find out.”

“
That is indeed wonderful, dearest. Oh, before I forget…ask one of the upstairs maids to press your Bal Masque costume.”

“
Is that this evening?” he teased. “I suppose it’s far too late to find a decent costume now.”

Her eyes flashed annoyance. “Nicolas!”

“
I’m sorry, love. I couldn’t resist. I picked up my pirate costume the day I sent Viscount Ashburn the telegram regarding his heir.”

“
Pirate?” She eyed him with a respectable grin. “How fitting.”

“
I’m glad you approve.”

Edwin stirred briefly.

Gran leaned close to Nicolas. “Do you suppose his mother will change her mind?”

“
About the adoption? No.”

“
You seem confident.”

“
That’s because I intend to give the woman exactly what she asked for.”

“
Asked for? Whatever do you mean?”

Nicolas decided to be honest. “A few weeks ago, Miss Santiago demanded I give her half of Drake Shipping, and in exchange she’ll sign away her rights to Edwin.”

“
She asked specifically for half the company?”

He nodded. “She claims she only wants Adrian’s half, but her words came across as a threat.”

“
That doesn’t surprise me.”

“
I’ll deal with this, Gran. You’re not to worry.”

“
How can I not?”

The butler interrupted with news that Mister Harcourt waited in the foyer.

Nicolas instructed the servant to escort his solicitor into the study before addressing his grandmother. “Shall I carry Edwin up to the nursery?”

“
No, let’s not disturb him.”

“
All right then.” He stood and kissed her cheek.

“
Give Mister Harcourt my regards, dear.”

The moment Nicolas walked into the study, he knew right away something was wrong. “Harcourt, is that a worried expression I see on your face?”