Page 71 of Tempting the Earl

“I reckon there are a number of people who can claim to have a difficult history with the former earl, my lady.”

There was a brief pause of silence as the older woman was clearly taken aback by Caillie’s reply. Then she laughed—a bright and infectious sound. “My dear, Miss Claybourne, you’re as delightfully brazen as your Miss Morgan. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised,” she added with an unexpected wink toward Ainsworth. “Defiant females tend to inspire more of the same in others.”

Oddly, the acknowledgement sounded more like praise than censure.

“It’s exactly why I just had to get to know both of you better,” the lady added with sparkling eyes. Then she leaned forward to whisper in a dramatic fashion, “Now, tell me honestly, what do you both think of Colin’s attempt to find all my late husband’s by-blows?”

Ainsworth clenched her teeth at the intrusive inquiry, but Caillie replied readily. “I think it’s wonderful. Just because our father was heartless doesnae mean we have to continue such a legacy. We can create our own legacy built on loyalty and trust and someday...become the family our father had denied us.”

Ainsworth’s heart tightened as she recognized the earl’s sentiments in Caillie’s explanation. If she had to guess, she’d say the two of them had talked on this topic at some length.

Lady Watson listened with a faint smile and when the girl finished, she gave a heavy sigh as she smoothed unseen wrinkles from her skirts. “It’s a lovely goal, but perhaps not a very realistic one.”

“We ken well enough how challenging it’ll be,” Caillie quickly defended, “but Colin believes it’s worth the effort and so do I.”

Lady Watson’s eyes shifted to Ainsworth. “And you, Miss Morgan? Do you share this ardent optimism?”

The lady’s tone was rather tight and her gaze sharp, suggesting she was a bit more emotionally invested in the discussion than her initially nonchalant manner had suggested.

Meeting the woman’s gaze, Ainsworth answered, “When Lord Wright came to Faeglen and announced his desire to bring Caillie back to London, I resisted—nay, I refused to allow it. I couldnae understand why he’d wish to risk scandal and more to acknowledge the results of his father’s vengeful actions. No good could come of such a plan.” Lady Watson began to nod in approval and agreement, but Ainsworth held up a hand to stop her. The other woman’s eyes widened at the gesture, but Ainsworth wasn’t overly concerned with manners just then. “But it didnae take long before my convictions were overturned. If Lord Wright hopes to form bonds of loyalty and trust as Caillie says, then surely he’ll do so by example. I’ve never kent a man with such noble steadfastness. I didnae believe such a man could exist and, considering everything, I honestly cannae imagine how he came by such honorable qualities,” she added with a pertinent stare into the older woman’s narrowed eyes. “But if anyone can join a motley crew of disparate siblings into a true family, Colin can.”

A moment of heavy silence filled the room after Ainsworth’s reply. Lady Watson’s expression was tense and thoughtful, then she took a swift breath through her nose as she glanced to Caillie then back to Ainsworth to say quietly, “I deserved that.” The lady glanced down at her lap then gave a short little laugh as she looked up again. Ainsworth was surprised to see a glisten of tears that was quickly blinked away. “And I’m grateful. I’m glad Colin has you both on his side. For so many years, I couldn’t be there for him when I wanted to be. And after that, I wasn’t sure...he wanted me to be. But that’s in the past and is what it is,” she added quickly with a rapid wave of her hands.

Ainsworth realized in a flash that she might have judged Colin’s mother a bit too swiftly and harshly. It seemed very obvious that the woman would never have chosen to be separated from her son as she had been. The suffering she’d endured was buried deep but was undeniably present.

As a maid appeared in the doorway carrying a tray, Lady Watson rose to her feet in a rustle of taffeta. “I see you’re about to have your tea and I have a great many things to do today.”

“Willnae you stay and have lunch with us?” Caillie asked as she and Ainsworth both stood.

Lady Watson gave a light trill of a laugh. “Oh, I never eat so early in the day.” She smoothed had hands over her waistline. “Must keep my figure. But it was lovely to meet you, Miss Claybourne. Miss Morgan, a delight.”

“I imagine you’re rather busy, but if your schedule allows it,” Ainsworth said, “we’d welcome another visit when you have more time to stay for tea.” She was surprised to find that she meant it.

The older woman’s smile was soft as she replied, “That sounds lovely, but for now I must be gone. No need to follow, I’ll show myself out,” she added with a wave of her fingers over her shoulder as she swept from the room.

After leaving the tray on the table, the maid also left. A temporary silence fell between them as Ainsworth poured their tea and waited patiently for Caillie to speak. She didn’t have to wait long.

“I reckon I rather like Lady Watson,” the lass stated firmly.

Ainsworth lifted her brows as she met hazel eyes that were only slightly challenging. No doubt the girl expected Ainsworth to point out some negative observation of the conceits and vagaries of English countesses. And although it was certainly something she’d have done in those first days after arriving in London, today, she simply and honestly replied, “Me, too.”

Chapter Twenty-four

The earl returned shortly before dinner that night. Ainsworth only knew it because she received a short note advising that he’d be taking supper in his study and that she and Caillie could choose to enjoy their evening meal in the dining room or their sitting room, whichever was their preference.

Since they were both already dressed for dinner downstairs they followed through with the more formal setting. Sensing Caillie’s disappointment at the earl’s absence, Ainsworth made significant effort to keep the mood light and entertaining. They talked and laughed through their dinner before retiring to the parlor where they engaged in a few rousing games of whist.

By the time they made their way back upstairs, Caillie was quite ready to slip into bed and drift off to sleep.

Ainsworth, however, was not.

Still...she changed from her dress into a nightgown and robe. She released her hair from the many pins and brushed its length. Then she deliberately opened her bedroom door just a crack so she’d be able to hear movement in the hall before settling in to wait.

She wasn’t sure exactly how much time had passed—enough for her to anxiously cross into Caillie’s room twice to ensure the lass continued to sleep peacefully. The girl hadn’t woken in the night for more than a week, having acclimated to the new surroundings quite well. But of all nights, Ainsworth really hoped the lass had no need to seek her out tonight.

Finally, as she rose from her chair a third time, she heard booted footsteps. The earl’s private rooms were around a corner at the far end of the hall and as the sound receded, she felt confident the lord had finally retired for the night.

Though anticipation and excitement urged her to follow immediately, she forced herself to wait. He’d likely need to be attended by his valet and there might be other servants traversing the halls, heading to their own bedrooms now that the earl had turned in.

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