Page 54 of Tempting the Earl

But Ainsworth saw the hint of strain about his mouth and the rather forced neutrality in his eyes. She was tempted to step closer to him or offer some signal of support, but he’d released her hand from the bend of his elbow when he’d greeted his mother. And any attempt at reclaiming that wee physical connection would be too obviously noted.

So, she simply stood at his side, observing as Lady Watson, who was very possibly the most effortlessly sophisticated woman she’d ever encountered, gave her son an arched look.

“Something about a child living in your household.” Then she laughed. “A ridiculous notion which should have instantly been disregarded, but somehow, the idea is gaining traction among the gossips.”

The earl, to his benefit and Ainsworth’s undeniable gratitude, replied swiftly and decisively. “Her name is Miss Cailleach Claybourne. She will be staying at Wright House for a few months, though I hope to receive more such visits in future.”

Lady Watson’s eyes widened in obvious shock. She clearly hadn’t expected him to confirm the rumor. “Is that so? How interesting. An actual child? What on earth is she doing there?”

Ainsworth held herself still and silent as she waited to see how the earl would answer. Her stomach knotted in trepidation. She realized the lady was his mother and had a certain right to know, but Ainsworth found herself tensing for the woman’s reaction to knowing her previous husband’s illegitimate child was the earl’s guest.

The earl answered readily, but with the tiniest hint of exasperation in his tone. “I told you about this months ago, Mother. You made it clear you had no interest in the matter and no desire to hear any more on the subject.”

Of course, Ainsworth should have known the earl would have had the courtesy to discuss such a sensitive issue with his mother before taking action.

There was brief pause as the lady narrowed her gaze in thought. Then a light flashed in her gaze as a laugh bubbled to her lips. “Oh, good lord, Colin. Don’t tell me you actually went through with your ridiculous idea?”

The earl didn’t reply as his mother lifted a hand to her mouth in a belated attempt to conceal her uncontrollable humor. Tears actually started to form in her eyes.

Ainsworth was feeling rather offended by the time the lady turned her gaze back to her.

“And is this woman also a part of that little project? Is this one of your cursed father’s wretched bastards?”

Though the lady kept her voice low enough so as not to be overheard, there was still a distinct lack of concern in speaking of the issue so freely.

Before the earl could reply, Ainsworth shamelessly interjected. “I’m nobody at all, but at least I’d never speak of an innocent child in so heartless a manner. Curse your late husband all you want, my lady, but I suggest you leave his children out of it.” She finished her words with a bright smile.

Lady Watson stared at Ainsworth in silent shock for only a flashing moment before she arched her eyebrows to shift her gaze back and forth between Ainsworth and the earl. Then she gave a little shake of her perfectly coiffured head. Her laugh then was more of a throaty chuckle.

“You’re a bold one, Miss Morgan, and quite correct,” she stated simply before stepping forward to brush a light kiss across her son’s cheek. “Do bring the child round for tea before she leaves town. Miss Morgan, as well, of course.” Then she glanced about the room with an air of distraction and a weighted sigh. “I must commence with mingling. Watson hates these events and always delegates such social obligations to me.”

“Then it’s fortunate socializing happens to be one of your favorite pastimes,” the earl noted.

Lady Watson smiled and gave his arm a light pat. “So true, though I know how much you abhor it. You’d best escort your lady to the dance floor before someone decides to come chat you up.” Giving Ainsworth a sideways glance, she added, “A pleasure, Miss Morgan.”

“Indeed, my lady,” Ainsworth replied with a respectful curtsey as the older woman swept away through the growing crowd.

They stood there for a frozen moment after she left. The interaction left behind a strange residue that made the moment feel slightly surreal now that it was over.

Had she really just met the earl’s mother?

Had she really just chastised her?

She refused to regret it. The woman might be the late earl’s tormented wife and the current earl’s mother, but Ainsworth stood by what she’d said.

“Shall we?” the earl asked, breaking into her thoughts with a nod toward the dance floor.

Ainsworth replied in what she hoped was a casual tone, “We don’t have to dance, my lord.”

He gave a curt clearing of his throat. “Yes. I believe we do.”

Although he kept his gaze leveled outward, there was a faint shadow of a smile at the corner of his mouth. It surprised her. She took the arm he offered without thinking and allowed him to lead her through the crowd. After a few steps, however, he lowered his chin to add, “Unless you’ve a particular aversion to dancing.”

Though he didn’t say the words, she felt as though there was an implied with me at the end of his inquiry.

And because she had no desire at all to address that unspoken aspect of his question since it would mean she’d have to admit to wanting to dance with him very much, she decided to ignore it.

“Not at all,” she replied simply. “I may be a hoyden from the Scottish Lowlands, but I received dance lessons along with my instruction in social decorum and proper etiquette.”

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