Promise Me (4 page)

“
Not exactly.”

“
Poor dear. You must’ve spied Adrian’s ghost wherever you glanced. Perhaps you should consider visiting a clairvoyant. I hear they are in such demand now. Why, even the queen entertains one from time to time.”

“
I do not require the services of a mystic to sever my association with an arrogant duke.”

“
Nicolas? What’s he done?”

“
Accused me of everything…anything. Oh, I don’t know, Anne. He asked too many questions that I couldn’t readily provide the answers to. I cannot blame him for being angry with me.”

“
I doubt he’s angry with you. He’s probably upset that he was abroad when Adrian died.”

“
Perhaps. Do you suppose he reads Irma Crandle’s gossip column?”

“
Unlikely. I realize Miss Crandle has a fondness for snubbing her nose at the nobility, but why she began attacking your character is beyond me.”

“
Because she’s paid to spread gossip and lies.”

“
Does your father know?”

“
No, thank heavens.”

“
What you’ve done and continue to do for Maria Santiago is far more than any other lady in your position would’ve done. You’re a strong woman, my dear.”

“
No, I’m a coward. I should’ve confided in the duke.”

“
About Edwin?”

Leah nodded.

“
I’m not sure Nicolas is ready to accept Adrian’s scandalous behavior, but I do know that Adrian never intended to leave this tiresome responsibility on your shoulders. The promise you made…” Anne lowered her tone. “Adrian should’ve never asked it of you. And you are not a coward. But perhaps you should seek a wiser council. Hugh returns from France next month. Why not ask him?”

“
Oh, Anne. I’m uncomfortable discussing such delicate matters. And certainly not with your husband.” Leah tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “This situation is so unfair to Edwin. And then there’s Lady Chase. Should she not be told she has a great grandson?”

Her ladyship’s expression softened, but she did not reply.

“
I’ve tried to convince Miss Santiago that the Chase family can provide for Edwin,” Leah added. “But she will not listen because she fears losing him.”

“
Maria Santiago is probably more frightened of losing you, her benefactor, because I’m more than certain Aunt Margaret would not pay for her silence.”

Leah grimaced. “Is that what you think I’m doing? Paying for her silence?”

“
Of course not, and I didn’t mean to imply as much.” Anne placed her arm around Leah’s waist. “My dear, I realize you’ve become fond of Edwin. So have I. But you must sever your connection with his dreadful mother at once. Before it’s too late.”

###

Nicolas peered into the swirling waters beneath the wooden bridge. As youngsters, he and Adrian had spent many a playful afternoon here.

He gripped the pommel of his saddle and leaned forward. What would he say to Leah Sheridan? What
could
he say to make amends?

The chestnut snorted softly. He stroked the horse’s neck and urged him forward. Once across the bridge, he turned his mount north. A few minutes later, Greyson Manor came into view. Down the hill from the main house, a young girl stood on the wooden pier. She raised her hand and tossed something into the water. As Nicolas neared, he realized she was trying to skim stones.

He reined in. “I used to be pretty good at that when I was a lad.”

She turned, shielding her eyes against the glare of the afternoon sun.

He dismounted, leaving his horse to graze. “Forgive my poor manners, my lady. My name is Nicolas.”

A delightful grin spread across her face. “Lord Adrian’s brother?”

“
That’s right. And you are?”

“
Katrina Sheridan, your Grace.”

“
Ah, the younger sister. It is indeed a pleasure.” He hopped onto the pier and strolled over to her. “Would you like me to demonstrate how to skim a stone?”

She nodded.

Nicolas chose a medium-sized pebble from the ones she’d collected. “You see, Miss Sheridan, it’s all in the wrist.”

“
Kat.”

“
I beg your pardon?”

“
I’m called Kat.”

“
Oh, I see.” He placed the pebble in her palm and closed her fist. “Now, Kat, you must flick your wrist quickly and without hesitation. Make it snap as you release the stone. Watch.” He chose another pebble and demonstrated the technique. “Now you try.”

She did but couldn’t match his expertise. Finally she gave up and sat down.

He joined her. “With patience and practice, you’ll be an expert in no time.”

She sighed. “A lady shouldn’t be encouraged in such boyish activities.”

“
Who told you skimming stones is boyish?”

“
My etiquette book. It’s fairly strict in regards to such things.”

He grinned. “Do you know who taught me the art of skimming stones?”

“
Your papa?”

Nicolas shook his head. “Your mother.”

Her eyes widened. “She did?”

“
Cross my heart. Trust me, Kat, your mother knew more about etiquette than anyone, and she understood this one simple rule. Never follow an etiquette book chapter by chapter, you’ll become so boring no gentleman will ever talk to you for fear of falling asleep.”

She giggled and cocked her head to one side, studying him. “You’re different from Lord Adrian.”

“
Oh? How’s that?”

“
Your hair is black, like crow’s feathers. Your eyes as well. You’re just as handsome though, in a dark sort of way, and definitely more serious.”

“
I owe my dark hair and eyes to my father while Adrian acquired his fair looks from our mother.” He eyed her. “It’s sounds as though you cared a great deal for my brother.”

She nodded. “I miss him.”

“
So do I, little one.”

“
Leah misses him as well, but...” Her gaze dropped to the pile of pebbles she’d collected. “She doesn’t like to talk about him. It’s as though she cannot bear to speak his name. Papa says she keeps things to herself much too often.”

“
I’m certain your sister will confide in your father if she feels it’s appropriate.”

“
She confides in Lady Ashburn. Becca told me.”

Nicolas knew better than to interrogate his stubborn cousin. Anne would never betray a confidence. Or a friend.

After a brief silence, she asked, “Are you attending the Bal Masque this year, your Grace?”

The question took him by surprise. “I’m not sure. Let’s see now, the last Bal Masque I attended was…”

“
Ten years ago. Just after my birth.”

“
Yes, that’s correct. How did you know?”

“
Lord Adrian told me.”

Nicolas picked up a stone and skipped it across the water. The smooth ripples widened before disappearing near the water’s edge.

“
Sometimes she cries,” Kat declared, her tone casual.

“
Who?”

“
Leah, silly. Mostly at night.”

He skipped another stone. “Have you mentioned this to Lord Greyson?”

“
No. Papa doesn’t understand women.”

Nicolas laughed. He couldn’t help himself. He liked Katrina Sheridan because she didn’t know any better than to speak the truth. Regretfully, that would change in a few short years.

“
Will you help her?”

“
Your sister?”

She nodded.

“
What do you think I can do?”

“
Well, you are Lord Adrian’s brother. Perhaps you might become friends.” Her brow wrinkled. “It would not be improper, would it?”

Nicolas stared across the lake. “No, I suppose not.”

The rumble of a carriage sounded in the distance. He turned toward the distraction. A sleek, black vehicle traveled away from Greyson Manor.

Kat stood and dusted off her day dress. “I’d better go. Papa is leaving for the hunt after lunch, and I’d like to wish him luck.” When he got to his feet, she stuck out her hand. “It was very nice to meet you, your Grace.”

“
The pleasure was mine, Miss Katrina.” Nicolas held her small hand in his, and a clever idea popped into his head. “You know, it might be considered terribly impolite if I didn’t escort a lovely young lady safely to her door. May I?”

“
Yes, of course,” she dutifully replied. “Would you care to stay for lunch?”

“
I wouldn’t wish to impose.”

“
Don’t be silly. Papa adores company.”

“
In that case, little one...” With a smile, he offered his arm. “I’d be delighted.”

###

Leah stuffed the money she’d saved over the last few weeks inside her reticule and drew the strings tight. Perhaps this time she could persuade Miss Santiago to take Edwin to a reputable doctor to examine the child’s clubfoot. With one last glance in the mirror, she hurried out of the room. Rounding the corner near the stairs, she nearly collided with her father.

“
What’s your hurry?” he asked.

“
Lady Ashburn and I have decided to visit Cambridge Town.”

“
Before lunch?”

“
We’ll dine later. I’m sorry to rush off, Father, but I have to pick up the Bal Masque invitations before the printer closes shop.”

“
Are you taking Katrina along with you?”

“
No, she’s spending the night with Becca.” Leah placed a quick kiss upon his cheek and headed for the stairs. “We’ll go over the guest list when I return.”

“
I won’t be here.”

Leah halted and turned.

“
I’m traveling to Farnham later this afternoon,” he explained.

“
Oh, yes. The hunt. How long will you be gone?”

“
A few days.”

“
Then I wish you much success.”

“
Thank you, my dear. While you’re in Cambridge Town, give some thought to purchasing a few new gowns.”

“
I will.” Leah hurried down the stairs and across the foyer. “Mister Pratt?”

The butler emerged from the dining area. “Yes, miss?”

“
Has the carriage been brought around?”

“
Not yet. I’ll see what’s keeping Davies.”

“
No, don’t trouble yourself. I’ll wait for him outside.”

“
Very good, miss.”

Leah rushed to the front door and swung it wide. In an instant, her joyous mood froze like droplets of water on a frigid winter day. She couldn’t have been more surprised if Katrina had brought home a trained monkey. In fact, she rather preferred such a creature to the devilishly handsome man who stood at her sister’s side.

Chapter Three

Leah entwined her fingers to keep them from trembling. She couldn’t just abandon her father. Could she? No, it would be considered impolite. At least she’d had the good sense to send Anne a message concerning the delay.

She sipped her tea, praying for patience. During lunch, she’d been forced to converse with his Grace as if they shared a casual friendship. Throughout the meal and under the guise of polite conversation, he’d monitored her every move. And now, in the familiar comfort of Greyson Manor’s private parlor, his dark gaze watched her still.

“
Which do you prefer, Chase?” her father asked.

“
Brandy will do, my lord.”

Leah’s attention darted to her sister lounging in the window seat. Although strangely quiet, Kat’s expression showed the usual amount of boredom.

“
I cannot believe the years have passed so quickly,” the duke stated. “If I close my eyes, I can see Lady Greyson sitting in this very room.”

“
It took a long time before I finally stopped hearing Olivia’s soft voice or her delightful laughter.” Her father handed his guest a glass of brandy. “There are times, when the manor is quiet, that I hear it still.”

For the moment, Leah forgot her nervousness. “I wasn’t aware you’d met my mother, your Grace.”

“
Adrian never mentioned it?”

She thought back. “Not that I recall.”

“
A pity. Your mother devoted her time and the benefit of her wisdom to both me and my brother, but I fear we often disappointed her.”

“
Not you, Chase,” his lordship declared. “You were Olivia’s favorite. If I’m not mistaken, she taught you how to skip pebbles.”

Kat nearly rolled off the window seat.

The duke smiled. “Her ladyship also instructed Adrian and me in regards to proper etiquette on dining, dancing, speaking, and otherwise entertaining a lady.”

“
Becca’s mother is teaching Becca and me,” Katrina explained. “We each have our own etiquette books.”

“
Splendid. Did you know your mother presented Lady Ashburn with such a book as a gift on the year of her thirteenth birthday?”

Kat nodded. “Lady Ashburn told me. She said she adored my mother because she was always thoughtful and kind.”

“
She certainly was, little one.”