Page 106 of Harpy of the Ton
“That’s very generous of you, ma’am.”
Ignoring Ned’s pointed stare, he gathered the hedge clippings, set them in a neat pile in the corner of the garden, then set off for Ivy Cottage.
As he approached, animated voices came from the garden.
“You blackguard!” William cried. “I’ll run you through with my sword!”
“Not so fast, Monsieur Nelson. The fair maiden is mine!” Roberta’s voice.
“We will defend her to the death!” Jonathan said.
“Help—help!” Bella’s cries pierced the air.
“Maintain your resolve, your ladyship. I, Admiral Nelson, will rescue you from the evil Bonaparte!”
Your ladyship…
Lawrence’s blood ran cold. Had she remembered?
He broke into a run as Bella cried out again.
“Help me—I cannot bear it!”
“Take that, foul beast!”
“Die, you scoundrel!”
Clatters and cracks rang out, and Lawrence sprinted into the garden.
At the far end, tied to a tree, was Bella, struggling and wailing, while the children swung sticks in the air, shrieking as they came into contact.
“What the devil’s going on?” Lawrence roared.
The party froze, and four heads turned toward him.
“What did the children call you, Bella?”
“Your ladyship,” she said, her smile disappearing. “You deem it inappropriate that I should be titled thus?”
“She’s Lady Emma Hamilton!” Jonathan cried. “We’re rescuing her from Bonaparte.”
“You’re what?”
“I’m Captain Ralph Miller—and Billy’s Lord Nelson.”
“And I take it you’re Napoleon?” Lawrence asked his daughter.
Roberta frowned. “I wanted to be Lieutenant Hardy, but someone had to kidnap Mama.” She turned to Jonathan. “Youcan be Bonaparte next time. Just because you’re the youngest, doesn’t mean you always get your own way.”
“When do I get my way?” Jonathan asked.
“At supper last night, you took the biggest piece of bread, and Mama always reads you a story first.”
“That’s enough, children!” Bella said, laughing. “Jonathan, please untie me.”
“I’lldo it,” Roberta said. “They’re sailor’s knots. He’ll only tighten them.”
Lawrence watched as his daughter deftly untied the knots. As she coiled the rope up, Bella drew her into her arms.
