Page 15 of Tempting Mr. Townsend
Anthony drew what felt like his first full breath since he'd discovered Carey missing from Eton. Joy bubbled up inside himlike a fountain until he wanted to fling his arms around Fenella and dance into the house.
“Are they well?” she asked, to Anthony's regret withdrawing her hand. Having her on his arm gave him the same sense of rightness he'd felt when he first saw the Beeches.
“Yes, madam. They arrived tired and hungry, but nothing a good meal and some sleep won't fix.”
“Oh, thank God,” she whispered, sagging with relief. Tears glittered in her fine blue eyes. Anthony caught her elbow, as much an excuse to touch her as to stop her falling.
“Probert, this is Lady Deerham.”
She stiffened her backbone and gathered her composure. “Good morning, Probert.”
The butler bowed, giving no indication that an unchaperoned tonnish lady bowling up to the house at daybreak was unusual. When they all knew how improper it was.
Probert stepped back to allow them into the hall. Black and white tiles covered the floor. A glass dome crowned the lofty space. A curving double staircase rose to unite into one a story above. The space was breathtakingly impressive, but that didn't explain why it made Anthony's heart sing. He was a plain working man, but from the first, the Beeches had been home.
Anthony struggled to think through the storm of relief. “Please send a groom to the school to let them know that the boys are here.”
“We sent a message when they arrived, sir.”
“Thank you.” He turned to Fenella. “Shall we roust them from their beds?”
To his surprise, she shook her head. “No, they need to rest after their adventures. I can wait, now I know they're safe.”
The more he saw of her, the more he liked her. “Shall we look in on Brandon? We'll make sure we don't disturb him.”
Her grateful smile proved unsettling for Anthony's heart rate. “Oh, I would like that.”
“Where did you put them, Probert?”
“In the blue and green bedrooms, sir.”
“Excellent.”
“I'll wake cook and have her start breakfast.”
“Thank you. We've been traveling all night. Sustenance will be welcome.”
“How is Carey's nurse?” Fenella asked.
“Still poorly, I'm sorry to say, but she rallied when she saw the boys. She told young Master Carey off very sharply for running away from school. After that, she looked better than she had all week.”
Anthony laughed appreciatively. “Good for her.”
“Mr. Townsend, I may be speaking out of turn, but it was clear Master Carey's motives were good, however ill-advised his actions.”
Anthony cast Fenella a wry glance as he gestured her toward the graceful staircase. “So I understand, Probert. If someone could sort out some coffee in the next few minutes, they'll have my eternal gratitude.”
“Immediately, sir. And I'll set the fire in the morning room.”
As they climbed the stairs, Fenella was fine-drawn with tension. He knew her mind wouldn't rest until she'd seen her son with her own two eyes.
Anthony carefully opened the door to the green bedroom, grateful it didn't creak like the front door. The curtains were closed, but he made out a heap of blankets and a tuft of fair hair. This must be Brandon. Carey was as swarthy as his uncle.
Fenella released a shuddering breath as she ventured a couple of steps inside, before retreating on soundless feet. She lingered in the doorway, her face luminous with love, and Anthony had tolook away. It was like looking into her soul, and the experience was too heady for someone little more than a stranger.
Reluctance weighted her movements as she shut the door on her sleeping son. Anthony touched her arm in silent comfort, propriety be damned. Swift heat slammed him. Because inevitably, he wanted her. Even shouting at her, he'd wanted her.
He spent his life dealing in the world's finest goods. Silks. Porcelain. Glassware. Expensive trinkets to arouse the appetites of jaded rich men—and women. He'd early learned to appreciate quality.
