The Caress of a Commander

by Linda Rae Sande

  Donald nodded. “May I keep them? Please?” he asked, bouncing on the balls of his feet. “Aunt Hannah says I can,” he added in an imploring tone.

  Blinking, Barbara straightened on the settee. Aunt Hannah? Had he really just referred to the Countess of Gisborn as his aunt?

  She gave her head a shake. Well, Hannah was the boy’s aunt, she realized suddenly. “Then I suppose you can,” Barbara said in a quiet voice. She dared a glance in Will’s direction, stunned to find his attention on Donald, his expression one of mild amusement and... was that pride?

  Before she was able to ask as to the reason Will wanted to take a walk in the gardens, their hosts joined them. Followed by Harold, Lady Hannah breezed into the room, her blue silk deNaples gown draped over her figure so it was more apparent she was expecting another child. She curtsied to her brother’s and nephew’s bows and hurried to Donald to offer her hand as he resumed his standing position.

  “You look rather handsome this evening, Master Donald,” Hannah said as she took back her gloved hand. “I do hope my husband’s valet was to your liking.”

  Donald beamed and gave a nod as he reached out to pet Harold’s head. “Oh, very much so, my lady,” he replied. “He never once said a cross word to me.”

  Barbara’s eyes widened at hearing her son’s claim, wondering why he might have expected a servant to scold him. She thought to ask him, but Hannah had turned her attention to her, and Barbara gave the countess a nod. “Your gown is lovely,” she murmured, wondering how the fabric would feel against her skin. Wondering how she might look in the sky blue color given her blonde hair and steel gray eyes. Wondering when she might ever have an occasion to wear such a gown.

  Hannah seemed to blush at the comment. “I’m glad you like it, as I expect I’ll be giving it to you after this evening. I didn’t realize how... how small it has become,” she added with an arched eyebrow.

  Barbara shook her head. “Oh, I couldn’t accept it,” she replied.

  “Oh, but you must,” Henry Forster said as he entered the library, giving a quick bow to the ladies as he moved to readjust the toddler he held in one arm. He grinned when he caught Donald giving him a bow in return. “My wife is quite determined to take a trip to Bampton for a new gown or two, and I suppose I’m inclined to allow her the indulgence. I would appreciate it very much if you could accompany her.”

  Before Barbara could counter the earl’s comment, Will caught her attention and gave her a wink. Momentarily confused, she wasn’t able to respond with anything other than, “Of course.”

  Henry led Hannah to a chair next to where Harold and Donald had settled and then announced, “And I do believe that while the ladies are in Bampton, the rest of us shall take the opportunity to go fishing.” Randolph moved into his mother’s arms, one fist shoved into his mouth as he regarded their visitors.

  Donald grinned, knowing he wasn’t allowed to say anything but wanting it known he was looking forward to the trip. As if Harold thought it was his duty to keep the boy company, the dog had settled on the floor next to where Donald sat.

  “Have you ever been fishing before?” Will asked the young boy, seeing him in a whole new light now that he was clean and better dressed. Apparently one of the Gisborn Hall servants had seen to it he had a bath before the valet dressed him in Master Nathaniel’s cast-offs. He could certainly make out the family resemblance more easily, see how the boy sported the same cowlick on the crown of his head has he had, the same color hair and eyes that stared back at him in a looking glass.

  Donald’s eyes darted to his mother, as if he thought he needed permission to answer the question—she had told him he couldn’t speak—and finally replied, “I have not, sir. Will you please teach me?”

  Will felt something odd in his chest just then as he regarded his son. Pride? No, that couldn’t be it, he thought. He hadn’t done anything to help raise the boy. Hadn’t done anything to see to it Donald behaved as a perfect gentleman. Hadn’t done anything to see to it he was prepared for life. “I look forward to it,” Will finally answered with a nod, glancing at Barbara. Although her attention was on her son, Will knew she had been watching him the moment before. He had felt her gaze on him, although he didn’t know if she had stared at him with contempt or longing or indifference.

  “We didn’t mean to be so late in joining you,” Henry said as he moved to the sideboard and poured a glass of claret for Hannah. “We were up in the nursery with Randolph. He has moved from mere toddling to out and out running, I fear,” he explained with a shake of his head, his huge smile at odds with his comment.

  Will moved to lift the babe from Hannah and regarded the boy as he held it at arms’ length from his body. He continued to lift the babe until he was above his head. Randolph squealed in delight, especially when Will tipped him so the boy’s head lowered while his bottom was still held aloft. “I don’t suppose you’ve taught him to ride a horse yet,” Will said to his sister.

  Hannah’s eyes widened, her amusement at his antics suddenly gone. “Of course not,” she replied. “And do be careful. You are holding the heir to the Gisborn earldom!”

  Ignoring her complaint, Will lowered his nephew until he was tucked under his arm and returned to his chair. Crossing one leg over the other, he mounted Randolph so the baby’s bottom rested on the bend in his boot and his chubby legs straddled the makeshift saddle. The gown Randolph wore bunched up in the middle, exposing the baby’s stockinged feet. Holding onto the baby’s arms with his hands, Will gave him a huge grin. “Are you ready to ride in the Derby?”

  His eyes wide, Randolph stilled himself, obviously unsure of what he was supposed to do. When Will’s foot raised and lowered beneath him, though, his face split into a huge grin, a few teeth appearing. Will lifted and lowered his foot several times, making sure he had a solid hold on the baby’s arms as he did so. After bouncing a few times, Randolph burst into a fit of giggles and squealed in delight. “Horsey!” he managed to get out between giggles.

  Stunned her brother would even know how to do such a thing, Hannah glanced in Barbara’s direction and was about to ask if she had seen him do it when she realized Barbara was smiling for the first time since she had arrived earlier that day. Smiling and watching Will as if she were seeing him for the first time. Deciding not to take her attention away from Will, Hannah instead looked to Henry. “Have you been doing that with him?” she asked sotto voce.

  Henry shook his head, his attention still on his son. “No, but I believe I will be,” he replied with a grin. “I may hold him in a saddle now and again, as well,” he murmured thoughtfully.

  Not particularly pleased to hear her husband would do such a thing so early in the boy’s life, Hannah was about to put voice to her concern when Parkerhouse appeared on the threshold and bowed. “Dinner is served,” he announced in his authoritative baritone.

  Will lowered his leg until Randolph’s feet touched the ground. “And the winner of the Derby is Randy Forster riding Black Boot,” he announced in an exaggerated whisper, imitating an announcer at the race course. Extracting his foot from between the babe’s legs, he made sure the boy was able to stand on his own two feet before letting go.

  Still amused by his ride and his uncle’s antics, the suddenly shy Randolph hurried off to where his mother held out her arms for him.

  “Now you’ve got your father and your uncle spoiling you rotten,” Hannah whispered hoarsely, giving her son a kiss before the babe’s nurse appeared in the doorway.

  “He’s not eating with us, my lady?” Donald asked in a quiet voice, his query addressed to Hannah.

  Barbara gasped. “Donald!” she admonished him.

  Hannah gave a wave in Barbara’s direction, an indication she didn’t mind the boy’s query. She angled her head and regarded Donald. “Sometimes he joins us, but not when we have guests,” she said with a shake of her head.

  “Oh,” Donald replied, looking at once disappointed and then rather impressed. “Are we guests?�
� he asked suddenly.

  Sighing, Barbara covered her face with a hand before Hannah could reply with a chuckle. “Yes, as a matter of fact, you are. The first guests we have had in a very long time.”

  Donald beamed, glancing over at his mother and then at Will, who was up and offering Barbara his arm.

  “He’s doing fine,” Will whispered, leaning his head close to Barbara’s as he clasped a hand over the one that rested on his arm. “You’ve done a remarkable job raising him,” he added, hoping compliments might soften her stance toward him.

  Staring at Will with an expression of surprise, Barbara finally lowered her eyes. “Thank you,” she replied quietly, once again forced to hold her tears at bay.

  Chapter 40

  An Aunt is Put to the Test

  Meanwhile, back at Worthington House

  Stephen was just about to enter the room where the chairs had been set up for the performance when he spotted the older woman Victoria had arrived with earlier that evening. He glanced around, sure Victoria was nowhere in sight. Making his way to the woman, he managed to join her at her side as she passed into the large room.

  “Have we met?” he asked, turning his attention to the woman who at one time had probably been rather handsome. Her dark hair now displayed strands of gray and white in an elaborate coiffure probably better suited to balls twenty years in the past. She lifted her gaze to his and allowed a smile. “I’m quite sure I would remember meeting a man of your height,” she countered with a grin.

  “Stephen Slater,” he said, holding out his hand in the hope she would offer her own.

  She paused, her face taking on a blush appropriate for a chit fresh out of the schoolroom. “You’re the son of the Marquess of Devonville,” she stated, as if she remembered him from an earlier social engagement.

  “I am,” he agreed with a nod. “However, I am at a loss as to how I might know you,” he said with a quirked brow.

  “I am Mrs. Regan, wife of Dr. Anthony Regan. Perhaps you’re familiar with his older brother, Dr. William Regan, physician to the Duke of Chichester?” she replied quickly.

  Stephen blinked once. Twice. He had heard the names. Anyone in need of medical care that didn’t feature leeches and bloodletting had probably heard of the Regan brothers.

  “It’s very good to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Regan,” Stephen replied. “I had the good fortune of meeting your niece, Victoria, at a ball a few nights ago. She was a guest in our box at the theatre. I do hope we didn’t return her too late to your home,” he added, thinking perhaps Victoria had been in trouble for her late arrival.

  Mildred stared at the handsome man, wondering how her niece could decide he was unworthy of her. “She arrived exactly when I expected her,” she said with a nod. “Thank you for seeing her to my home safely.” She paused a moment. “I intended to join her, you see, but such large crowds are always a bit... intimidating for me,” she said in a low voice. “I fear I make a poor chaperone for Vicky, but there isn’t anyone else here in town for her.”

  Stephen gave a nod of understanding. “I fear I may have... offended her somehow,” he said carefully. “I know there is a good deal of confusion because I share the same appearance as my older brother,” he explained quickly, knowing they would need to take their seats at any moment.

  Mildred regarded the young man who seemed a bit too earnest. “The same appearance and the same father... but not the same mother?” she ventured.

  Stephen inhaled and let the breath out slowly. “I am not Bellingham, nor have I ever claimed to be,” he said with a shake of his head. “But we do share the same father. A man who recognizes me as his son and has given me his name.”

  The older woman angled her head to one side. “And what is it you’re wanting of my niece?” she wondered then, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Her virtue, perhaps?”

  Stephen blinked, stunned at the woman’s blunt question. He supposed she had it right, if he gave it some thought, although her question made it sound so salacious. He swallowed before he allowed a nod. “In our marriage bed, of course,” he answered with a nod, realizing he meant every word he said.

  Damnation!

  Mildred’s eyes widened in shock, but before she could say anything else, Adele Grandby, Countess of Torrington, had taken her place near the piano forté and was introducing herself and the performers she had lined up for that night’s musicale.

  Stephen gave Mildred a quick bow and made his way to the outer wall of the room, electing to stand for the performance along with several other gentlemen—there were simply not enough chairs for everyone in attendance.

  He watched as Mildred made her way to a chair next to her niece. Although he thought the two would be in quick conversation, Mildred relaying his words to her niece, she instead appeared to give her entire attention to Lady Torrington.

  Well, if he had any hope the aunt would put in a good word for him, Stephen now realized he may have placed his faith in the wrong aunt.

  Would Adele speak to Victoria on his behalf?

  He almost considered asking her when he remembered that Adele probably hadn’t yet met Victoria. Which made him wonder how the chit ended up with an invitation to attend. Certainly she wouldn’t have crashed Aunt Adele’s musicale!

  Sighing, he pretended to listen to the music, pretended to be moved by the soprano, and then pretended to be impressed by the tenor who sang in Latin, while the entire time, he found he would have preferred to be playing ‘horsey’ with Lord George in the nursery.

  Chapter 41

  Dinner and a Proposal

  Meanwhile, back in Oxfordshire

  “When will you and Lady Barbara see to your nuptials?” Henry asked from where he sat at the head of an ornate dining table in the Gisborn Hall dining room. He made sure no footmen were present when he made the query, remembering his wife had the staff thinking the two were already married.

  About to take a bite of food, Barbara gasped and turned her attention to the earl. Having just taken a drink from his wine glass, Will quickly swallowed and blinked, his attention suddenly turning to his sister. Had she been the one to broach the subject with her husband?

  For a moment, Will felt a bit of anger toward Hannah, that she would use her relationship with the earl to put him and Barbara on the spot.

  As if he couldn’t see to his own marriage proposal!

  He was about to put voice to his displeasure with Hannah when he saw her expression of shock and realized she was just as surprised by her husband’s question as he was. Before he could answer Henry’s query, though, the earl straightened in his carver.

  “I ask because I need a foreman. Someone with command experience,” Henry stated, pretending he hadn’t noticed Will’s initial reaction. “Someone who can act in my stead when I find myself preferring the company of my wife to spending the day in the fields.”

  Will blinked, as did Hannah, just before her face took on a decidedly pinkish cast. Although Henry was rather affectionate when he was behind closed doors, he had never said anything quite so inappropriate in the company of others!

  Barbara merely stared at the man, her expression not giving away how she felt about the topic, but she was aware of how Donald seemed to straighten in his seat next to her to suddenly take an interest in the adults’ conversation.

  “Are you offering me a position?” Will asked finally, his brows furrowed as his annoyance slowly turned to something else.

  “I am,” Henry replied with a nod. “You needn’t give me your answer right away, but... from our discussion earlier today, I think you may find yourself in need of an avocation. At least until you inherit.”

  Will managed a nod, realizing the earl spoke the truth. What else could he do? Especially if Barbara refused to return to London? He couldn’t leave her behind. Couldn’t leave her at all. That meant he would have to remain with her, wherever they ended up living. And they certainly couldn’t live in her cottage. He rather doubted the hovel would make it th
rough the winter!

  Then he remembered something the earl had said earlier that day. Something about considering a move to Ellsworth Park. To the manor house at the front of the property next door.

  “May I ask when you’ll be moving to the Ellsworth Park house?” Will asked, wondering why so much redecorating had taken place in Gisborn Hall if the earl intended to relocate. And if he and Hannah did move to the other house, he wondered what might become of Gisborn Hall. Would he be able to let the house from his brother-in-law?

  Henry shook his head. “The Ellsworth Park house requires a good deal of work, I’m afraid. More than I am willing to take on given the repairs would have to happen during the winter months. Although I like to tinker, I’m not much of a carpenter.” He angled his head. “Besides, your sister has already seen to turning this pile into a home. I rather doubt you can tell its prior resident was an unmarried earl who prided himself on being a miser,” he added with an arched brow.

  Will blinked at this news, suddenly intrigued by Henry’s comment. He leaned forward. “What kind of repairs does the Ellsworth Park house require?” he asked. An idea was forming. An idea that would keep him from having to return to London. An idea that might help him convince Barbara to marry him.

  Frowning, Henry gave a shrug. “Mostly woodworking. Carpentry. Probably a new roof. It needs a coat of paint inside and out, and the shutters look as if they’re about to fall off...” He allowed the list to trail off. “I’ll take you on a tour, if you’d like,” he offered, “After breakfast tomorrow morning.”

  Nodding his head, Will agreed. “I’d like that. Perhaps we can discuss it some more after dinner?” he suggested, realizing he had questions that weren’t appropriate for dinner conversation. “I’ll consider your offer of a position, certainly,” Will stated with another nod, his gaze darting to Barbara.