Lords, Ladies and Babies: A Regency Romance Set with Little Consequences

by Meara Platt

  Then he looked up, smiling at her. Chocolate colored eyes and classically handsome nose and cheeks gave way to a strong jaw and lips…dear lord, his lips were the most kissable she’d ever encountered. Even more so than her former fiancé Steven’s had been. The thought shocked her and parched her throat. Then air rushed from her lungs as his voice echoed through her again.

  “Miss Chase, I presume? It’s a pleasure to meet you. The Duke of Darlington has spoken very highly of your abilities. My daughter is in desperate need of aid.”

  Dear lord, she was in trouble. So very much.

  Lord Colbert Sinclair, or Sin as his friends called him, assessed the woman in front of him, noting that she was far prettier than he’d prefer. In fact, she was stunning. Daring hadn’t mentioned that fact when he’d suggested Mary as a potential tutor.

  He’d expected a woman who was older, matronly. She’d have greying hair, with a few wrinkles about the eyes that gave her a kind look. Perhaps she’d be a bit thick in the middle, which would make her excellent for the sort of hugs small girls needed.

  The woman before him now embodied none of these attributes. A petite blonde, she had eyes the color of the sky on a clear, bright summer day and the sort of small features that gave her an air of delicate beauty. The last thing he wished for was a woman of beauty in the house.

  His first wife had been beautiful. Petite like Mary, she’d brought out every protective instinct Sin possessed. In fact, Mary’s resemblance to Clara was rather alarming. Not in the details, of course, but the build, the hair.

  He’d loved his wife dearly and had tried to shield her from this harsh world. That was until he couldn’t protect her. His insides clenched as he mentally pushed the feeling aside. He didn’t need another woman to keep safe. He’d already failed at that task once with his wife and now he had a daughter who worried him constantly. More so of late.

  Besides, she was here for a teaching position, not as a candidate for his hand. And to that end, he’d wanted an elderly matron to love Anne, not a woman who was young enough to be her mother. That was essential. Mary, connected in society and beautiful as she was, would likely only be a temporary figure in their lives. He needed someone stable and constant in Anne’s life.

  And certainly not a woman so lovely.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, my lord,” she murmured, dropping into a curtsey. “Thank you for granting me this interview.”

  He grimaced. Daring had left out some key facts. Likely on purpose. But Mary was here now, he might as well conduct the interview. Anne had been a precocious child up to a few months ago. A mad woman had stolen her from his home and since then, his lovely daughter had grown fearful and had retreated into a shell. Or perhaps, he had grown overprotective and pushed her into one. “It is my pleasure.” He gestured toward the chair. “Please. Have a seat.” Either way, he needed the right person to draw her out again. There was a kindness in Mary’s eyes that suited the position and he was tempted to hire her, but something else held him back. What if Anne grew attached to the woman? Just like him, his daughter had suffered loss. He didn’t want to put either of them through that again.

  She did as he instructed, her back straight as she stared at a spot on his desk. “Thank you.”

  “Tell me. Have you ever tutored a young girl before?”

  She nodded. “I’ve lived with my aunt and uncle since I was sixteen. Grace was only nine.” Her hands tightened into a knot on her lap. “Not quite as young as your daughter but I can assure you, Grace was a handful.”

  Sin smiled. “I’ve met her. I have to agree.” He cleared his throat. “And your education?”

  Her gaze was still fixed somewhere below his. “I was a student as Lady Kitteridge’s School of Comportment. My marks were excellent.”

  He drew in a long breath. That was excellent news. While he wished for his daughter to regain her confidence, he did not want to sacrifice her future as a lady. Much as he hated to admit it, Mary suited the position well in that regard. “Did you attend a season?”

  “One,” she answered, her features tightening.

  He cocked his head to the side, assessing her. “Why just one?” With her uncle being an earl, surely she could have had several. Could still decide to rejoin society and find a fitting husband.

  “I was engaged to the second son of the Earl of Everly, but he was lost in the Napoleonic Wars four years ago.”

  He gripped his quill harder. Bloody hell that was rough. Almost as terrible as his own story. “I’m sorry for your loss. You didn’t see fit to reenter society?”

  She shook her head. “No, my lord.”

  “And you’re leaving your aunt and uncle’s house because?”

  Her eyes rose to his then. They crinkled at the corners in a bit of sadness. He understood it completely. His stomach tightened in understanding and, if he were honest, attraction. Not a feeling he welcomed. “My cousins have all married and no longer need a companion. I can’t justify being a dependent in my uncle’s house if I am not serving a purpose there.”

  He straightened, appreciation making his chin tuck back. “Surely, he would continue to support you.”

  Her delicate shoulders rose then fell. The curve of them was lovely and his fingers itched to trace their slender shape. “I’m sure he would. But I will not be a burden to my family any more than I’ve already been. I’m perfectly capable of working.”

  He blinked. He had to confess, for her small stature she was decidedly determined. He liked that. Honestly, he liked her.

  Which was dangerous. She’d be his employee, which meant he needed to remain detached from her. Besides, she looked strikingly like his first wife and that was the type of woman he’d never touch again.

  Chapter Two

  Mary pressed her hands together in her lap, hoping the desk covered her gesture. She wanted to appear confident despite the fact she was anything but.

  She’d like to blame her nerves over embarking on a new chapter in her life but even she knew her fluttering stomach was caused in part by his warmly handsome façade. She looked down into her lap. “Perhaps I should introduce you to my daughter. See how the two of you get on.”

  She nodded, still not looking up. Part of her wished to rise from the chair, thank him for the interview, and leave. She could return home but her pride demanded she stay. She’d never intended to be a spinster but this was her life now and she’d make the best of it she could. “That’s an excellent idea.”

  “Reeves,” Lord Sinclair called. “Would you fetch Anne? She’s waiting in the nursery.”

  “Of course, my lord,” the butler answered, his voice rising as though quite happy to complete the task. He sounded like a completely different man then the one who’d greeted her at the door.

  She snapped her teeth together to keep from sighing. Mr. Reeves was going to be terrible to work with if the Earl hired her.

  “I’m glad you’re here.” Sinclair pulled her from her thoughts. “We’ve had a difficult few months and I’ll be glad for the help.”

  “Difficult?” she asked, her chin snapping up. Which was a mistake. Those eyes drew her in the moment their gazes met.

  Sinclair frowned as he rubbed his forehead. “Are you aware of the special circumstances that Lady Abernath created?”

  Mary’s lips pursed. The Countess of Abernath had died but before she did, she’d made the Chase lives a living hell. Mary herself had been knocked out when the other woman had stolen her cousin, Cordelia. “Yes, of course. I too suffered at her hand.”

  The quill in Sinclair’s hand snapped. “She stole my daughter from our back alley in her plot to try and get to your cousin, Diana. My daughter hasn’t been the same since the kidnapping.”

  Mary drew in a gasp. “Poor child.”

  He rubbed his neck. “It was my intention to marry but with everything in such turmoil, I just don’t know if that’s wise. Anne, however, she needs help now. She’s terrified after what happened.” He raked hi
s hand through his hair. “She mostly appears fine during the day but at night…”

  Mary’s heart jumped in her throat. She remembered her own sense of helplessness when she’d been knocked out and Cordelia had been taken. No wonder the child was afraid. “Of course she does,” she murmured. “Truly, if that’s what you’re hoping for, I’m sure I can help you. I understand the threat and I helped my own family cope. I—” She stopped, sure she was saying too much.

  His eyebrows had lifted and he stared at her for a few moments before he finally spoke. “With all due respect, you dealt with this as a grown woman. She is a child. One who already lost her mother.”

  A flush filled her cheeks, heating her skin. He had every right to protect his daughter by choosing the best woman for this position. “As I said, I’ve worked with children and have intimate knowledge of the situation with Lady Abernath. I think I could help you.”

  “My lord,” Reeves called from the door. “Lady Anne.”

  Mary stood, as did Lord Sinclair, and she turned toward the door to see a darling girl assessing her. Large brown eyes exactly like her father’s blinked back at Mary.

  “Anne,” her father called. “This is Miss Chase. She’s applying for the position of your tutor.”

  The little girl gave a curtsey. “Pleased to meet you.”

  “And you as well.” Mary gave the girl what she hoped was a warm smile. She noted the girl was perfectly dressed, her hair impeccably groomed into symmetrical ringlets and her shoes nicely polished. “Don’t you look lovely.”

  The girl grimaced, her hands lifting out her skirt. “My nanny helps me ready for the day.”

  Inwardly, Mary cringed. She wondered if the butler had hired the nanny. The girl looked as stuffy as Reeves acted. Granted, Anne was the daughter of an earl but a child should be exploring and having fun, she wasn’t just a doll to dress up. And she’d gain confidence by playing outdoors. “I see. And what do you do with your day?”

  The girl looked to her father, nibbling on her lip. “I have lessons, I read, and practice the pianoforte.”

  Outwardly, Mary gave the girl a glowing smile, inwardly she grimaced. The child was too young for such a busy schedule. “And I bet you are excellent at all your lessons.”

  The child shook her head. “I’m not very good at music.”

  Lord Sinclair cleared his throat. “You just need practice.”

  Mary didn’t look at him. It was dangerous considering the heat that filled her every time she glanced his way. But, standing here with Anne, she was glad she hadn’t run. This child needed help and she’d thought of a few ways to give it. “And perhaps some inspiration.”

  The little girl looked at Mary, her eyes growing wider and brighter. “Inspiration?”

  Mary nodded. “One of my cousins is a wonderful pianoforte player, another a painter, a third plays the flute.”

  “Painting.” The girl clasped her hands, bobbing on her heels. “How fun.”

  Lord Sinclair cleared his throat. “It does indeed sound very entertaining. But we’ve a schedule to keep. For now, why don’t you return to your lessons?”

  Mary held her breath. What did that mean? Had she failed this portion of the interview? Did she actually want to work here? This little girl desperately needed her help. Not only had the child had a traumatic experience but she was being crushed by a schedule. Stiffening her spine, she looked back at Lord Sinclair. It was time to fight for the position.

  Sin looked back at Mary, his chest tightening. Having this woman under his roof was a terrible idea. Even now, she nibbled her lip, giving him a questioning glance. Something about her vulnerability called to him. He didn’t want a woman like this tempting him daily. There were times he thought he might never want a woman again. And Anne needed someone with an infinite amount of caring and kindness, which was why she likely wasn’t right for the position.

  Then again, he’d be a fool not to acknowledge that Anne already liked Mary and vice versa. Hell, he hadn’t seen Anne smile like that in months. Damn. Damn. Damn.

  Drawing in a deep breath, he clenched a fist at his side. If he hired her, he’d just have to control himself. Ignore her little upturned nose and generous lips. Forget the ivory tone of her skin that looked kissed by pink roses in all the right places. The apples of her cheeks, for example. And those lips.

  His nickname was Sin, and before his first wife, he’d been quite the rake. Not now. Now he was a lord and a father, and a man drowning in life’s problems and responsibilities. But back then, he’d seen his fair share of women with their clothes off. Which meant he knew with certainty that her nipples would be that same shade of frost pink and…he stopped himself. What the bloody hell was wrong with him?

  His attraction was already clouding his judgement. She wasn’t at all what he’d wanted and he still wasn’t certain she was the best woman for the job.

  Swallowing, he leaned his hands onto the desk. “I have to confess, I’d hoped for someone older, more experienced for the position.”

  She pressed her lips together, her hands gripped tightly in front of her. “I’m sure I can do the job if you’d let me try.”

  He raised a brow. Try? Anne needed security, not attempts. Especially if they failed. Then again, Daring had recommended her. “Perhaps I could hire you on a trial basis? Maybe a fortnight. We can see how you and Anne work together.” And if he could tolerate having her in the house.

  “Of course,” she murmured as she scooted closer, moving out to the end of her chair. Even a few weeks could give her the opportunity to get to know the girl, make some changes. “I’d love the opportunity. When would you like me to start? I just need a bit of time to collect a few necessities. That won’t take more than a day.”

  “Good,” he answered, straightening again. “Then I shall send a carriage for you first thing in the morning.”

  She gave a stiff nod. “May I ask…” She twisted her gloved fingers together. “What do you see as my duties?”

  That was a question that did not fill him with confidence and clenched his jaw tighter. “Your duties are to care for her. Support her to help her feel better. Daring said you’re quite good at encouraging young ladies to reach their potential.”

  She nodded. “Perhaps I should ask when I complete those duties. What does her daily schedule entail?”

  He frowned. “I see your point. It’s quite full. I thought keeping her busy might distract her from her worries.”

  She nodded. “She’ll need lessons, but I’ll need time with her too. And perhaps a different wardrobe.”

  “Wardrobe?” Her assertion made his head snap back. He forgot all about her fragile appearance, his attraction and his desire to protect her. “Her clothes are impeccable.”

  Mary nodded. “I quite agree. Lovely.”

  He relaxed for a moment glad that they understood one another. His daughter was a lovely child and he supposed he liked to see that beauty highlighted. It would have been a mother’s job but he thought he had taken the task on admirably.

  Then Mary continued. “However, I need her to have clothes that she can get dirty.”

  He nearly fell back into his chair. Was she questioning his parental decisions already? Had he just made a mistake hiring this woman? He’d done so against his better judgment and that never worked to his advantage. “I don’t think you understand what I’m looking for. I like that she is well-mannered, well-dressed, refined.”

  Mary licked her lips and for a moment, he forgot his point entirely, then she stepped closer to the desk, her hands rising in front of her. “Hear me out. A girl who sits quietly studying and never gets dirty isn’t going to become braver. She needs….” Dear lord, she did it again. Mary’s pretty pink tongue swiped across her lips. “She needs to do challenging things and become more confident.”

  His brows drew together. “She does challenging things. Pianoforte, for example.”

  It was Mary’s turn to lean across the desk. “The thing she doesn’t thin
k she’s very good at? That is going to make her more confident? Less afraid?”

  Bloody hell, that was a rather good point. His insides relaxed a hair. “What will then?”

  Mary shrugged. “That’s what I need time to discover.” She gave him a hopeful smile. “Do you think I could have her in the afternoons?”

  His mouth dropped. “All afternoon?” He shook his head. What had he done?

  She squared her shoulders. “What did you have in mind?”

  “I don’t know. Between pianoforte and Latin.” He waved his hand. “In other words, when she isn’t in other lessons.”

  Mary cocked her head to one side. “You want to fill more of her schedule? Do you think by doing so, she won’t have time to be frightened? And honestly, you’ve hired me on a temporary basis to prove myself but don’t want to give me any time to actually do the job. I’m destined to fail.”

  That irritated him. Mary might look like a slender flower but she was acting like a prickly thorn bush. He leaned down to make certain his eyes were level with hers. “You’ve been in my employ for less than a minute and you’re already insulting my parenting?”

  Chapter Three

  Mary realized her mistake and she drew back from the desk as though the wood had scalded her. “Apologies, my lord.” She dipped into a curtsey. “I am used to being a member of the family.” She’d have to learn to be an employee. But if she were going to help Anne, Lord Sinclair would also have to figure out how to hand over some measure of control. His ways weren’t working. “If you would see fit to keep me in your employ, even for this trial basis, I can assure you, I will learn my place.” If he fired her, she’d have to crawl back to her aunt and uncle’s home. She’d be a failure in every way then. Unwed and unemployable. She’d grown accustomed to the fact she wouldn’t have a fairy-tale ending but was she doomed to be a complete failure in life? If only her tongue were less sharp. But she could hardly change who she was now. And perhaps her strength would benefit Anne.