Page 15 of A Wicked Earl's Widow
“No, indeed he is not,” agreed Nate. Something about her demeanor, the wistfulness in her tone roused him, and he found himself wanting to be “not just any man” in her eyes.
After a final cup of tea, coffee for Nathaniel, the ladies dispersed. He stopped Lady Eliza in the hall, not ready to leave her side yet. “What are your plans for the rest of the morning?”
“I’m joining Mrs. Watkins and Althea for a walk in the gardens. If you don’t mind, that is.” Lady Eliza smoothed an invisible wrinkle from her lilac dress, not meeting his eyes. “The sun has come out, and it’s such a lovely day.
“I don’t mind under one condition.” He put on his most charming smile and was rewarded with the arch of one blonde brow. “You allow me to accompany such a lovely trio.”
“We’d be delighted.” She picked up her skirts and hurried up the stairs.
Nate rubbed his jaw as he watched her go, something about her behavior niggling the back of his brain. She was perplexing, but he no longer wondered about her sanity. He had a few questions for Sunderland—and hoped he was wrong about the answers.
Chapter Seven
Pendle Place
County Durham
Eliza huggedherself as the carriage approached. She could hear the crunch of wheels on gravel through the thick-paned glass of her bedroom. Her stomach flipped from both the excitement of seeing Grace and Kit again and anxiety of the discussion to come.
“Mama, Mama,” cried Althea, running from the next room, doll hugged to her chest. “Dey coming! Dey coming!”
Grace had given the toddler a portrait of her and Kit inside a tiny heart-shaped locket. It was a way for the little girl to remember her since they could not visit as often as they’d like. Althea had lovingly placed it on her new doll. She climbed up onto the window seat, her face pressed to the pane, giggling as her breath steamed the glass.
“Shall we go down and greet them?” Eliza held out her hand, and the two headed for the stairs.
Mrs. Watkins hurried from the adjoining room. “I’m coming, my lady. I had to put the dominoes away. She loves lining them up and watching them fall.”
“I know my cousin will want to spend time with Thea. As soon as they get settled, you may have some time to yourself.” She smiled at the governess. “I’m afraid your day off came and went. You deserve to recuperate from this rambunctious child and replenish your patience.”
“Oh, my lady, I do appreciate it, though I love her like my own. These are extenuating circumstances, and I don’t mind a bit. But a leisurely walk without chasing the little mistress would be just the thing.” She smoothed back her frizzy curls and her dimples deepened. “I’ve been eyeing those stables. You know how love horses.”
“It’s settled then. After her nap, you may take the rest of the afternoon off. Perhaps Lord Pendleton could have someone introduce you to the head groom.” Grace heard the commotion of happy voices outside as the carriage pulled up. She looked down at Althea, now pulling at her mother’s hand with a grunt. “Stay beside me. I don’t want you getting underfoot and stepped on by people or horses.”
“Pwomise,” Althea said and continued pulling.
Eliza reached the door as Grace gave Lord Pendleton an affectionate embrace. Her auburn hair was streaked with red and gold, her cheeks pink with pleasure.
“It’s so good to see you!” she cried then hugged Lady Pendleton and Lady Hannah in turn. “I’ve been champing at the bit for spring. February was a terrible month for travel, and we were in the middle of another renovation in March.
Kit stood back, a patient but droll look in his black eyes. His dark looks, which the twins had inherited from their mother, always reminded Eliza of Carson. At first, he had been a constant reminder of what she had lost. Then Grace had pointed out that Althea would always know what her papa had looked like. Over time, seeing him became a reminder that some change could bring joy. Until her father had emerged from the depths of hell again.
“Auntie Gwace! Auntie Gwace!” Althea ran to Lady Sunderland and threw her arms around her knees.
The woman picked her up, squeezing her tightly. “Oh, how I’ve missed you. Did you get my letters?”
The girl nodded and leaned back, presenting her latest toy. “I have supwise fo’ you.” She held out the doll wearing the locket.
“Oh, my. What a lovely girl. She looks just like someone I know.” Grace put a finger to her lips and tapped her foot. “Hmm, who is it she reminds me of?”
“She me! I name her Gwace!”
“I’m honored, Thea. And I see she has our locket.” Grace fingered the necklace, a wistfulness showing in her eyes, and squeezed her again.
Eliza’s heart went out to her cousin. She’d had a miscarriage the previous year. The physician had said there was no reason they would not have many more children, but so far Grace had not conceived again. In the meantime, she doted on Althea, who was now wiggling to get down. As soon as her feet hit the ground, the toddler headed full speed toward Kit and launched into his arms. The Earl of Sunderland caught her with a softhmph.
“How is my beautiful lass, hm?” he asked, kissing the top of her bouncing head. Then she threw her chubby arms around his neck and kissed him loudly on the cheek. “I didn’t get quite get that answer. Could you tell me again?”
Althea laughed, grabbed his face between her two small hands, and gave him a kiss on the other cheek. “You miss me, UnKit.”
