“I enjoyed it.” George crossed the room slowly, and she moved so that they could share her seat. She stroked his hair and noticed how his gaze kept flashing to Ganden. Then eventually, he shrugged away from her touch.
Lucy’s heart fell.
“Thank you for the toys, my lord.” George said.
“You’re welcome.” Ganden picked up his tea and sat back. “I didn’t know what sort of things a boy your age would enjoy. I myself never had toys. My father never gave me any.”
“He didn’t?” George asked with surprise.
Hearing that hurt Lucy further. She wondered how much more her heart could take.
“No, he didn’t.” Ganden said. “Neither did I have anyone who seemed to love me as much as your aunt loves you. You are a very lucky boy. Do you know that?”
George glanced at Lucy and then turned to Ganden before he nodded.
“A very lucky boy.” Ganden put down his cup and stood. “I’ve some things to look over. I assume you both will be fine on your own?”
Lucy nodded and moved to wrap her arm about George, but then stopped, fearing he’d reject her again. Being slightly fragile at the moment, she was unwilling to risk it.
A hand touched her cheek in a slow caress, and she was startled when Ganden lifted her chin. “I’ll see you both at dinner.” His eyes were warm.
“Yes.” she whispered, surprised she’d found words at all.
He nodded and then pulled his hand away slowly before leaving the room.
Lucy’s next breath was so large that she was surprised she didn’t steal all the air from the room.
“Aunt Lucy,” George called “what was the promise?”
She looked at him. Her mind was blank of all thoughts. “What?”
“The promise. Lord Ganden mentioned one earlier today when he asked if you remembered the promise he made to you.” He looked away. “You don’t have to tell me what it is.”
“He promised to protect you.” Just saying the words aloud cleared her chest. Her heart began to beat in a normal rhythm.
“He’ll protect me from Uncle Adam?” George asked.
That rhythm grew erratic again. “Has Uncle Adam hurt you?” Would the cruelty of this world never cease?
“He was not as mean as Lord Maltsby.” The boy hadn’t even been allowed to call Lord Maltsby his father, yet the man had insisted on keeping him, locking him away in rooms and not even allowing him to speak to the servants.
Lucy dared to touch him again. “You are safe here.” She had to believe that. So long as she kept her mouth closed and could keep Ganden from knowing she was keeping a secret, they would be safe.
∫ ∫ ∫
2 2
* * *
“I’ve never ridden a horse before,” George said as he stared up at the animal before him.
“I suspected as much,” Kent said. Which was why he’d not hired a thoroughbred for George but a Welsh pony.
She stood still and barely made a noise as George ran a hand over her dark fur. The animal was only slightly taller than George, which Kent had hoped would make the lad more comfortable with the idea of getting on.
He had decided the boy was dealing with enough adjustments in his life. There was no need to force the issue of riding a real horse at the moment, though most young gentlemen would have been riding for years at George’s age.
For the last three days, he’d avoided Lucy and George, allowing them to settle into the house while he busied himself with other matters. He’d also needed time to adjust himself. He’d seen them at meals, but otherwise made himself indisposed.
Lucy came to him every day and asked what he wished for her to do. He was starting to think she only did it to irritate him. But he also knew she was anxious, waiting for the moment when the rug would be pulled from under her feet and he’d finally perform his ultimate act of revenge.
He’d let her keep waiting for it.
The sun was really starting to climb in the sky over Hyde Park. An orange and blue haze was spreading through the trees. A mist rose from the ground, brought out by last evening’s rain.
George, who’d seemed wary of being alone with Kent, had brightened once they’d arrived.
“I’ve been to the park twice.” the boy had said upon their arrival. His eyes, so much like Lucy’s, warmed. “Aunt Lucy took me last week and the week before.”
The words had made it hard for Kent not to pack George back into the carriage, ride over to where Lord Maltsby was being held, and beat the life out of the man.
The boy was ten and had never been allowed to do something as simple as go to the park.
“Do you like it here?” Kent asked him.
“Oh, yes!” George said as they’d stood by the Serpentine. “Do you think I could bring my boat out next time and sail it on the water?”
A boat had been part of the collection of toys Kent had gathered for him.
“You may well lose if it goes too far, but you may bring the boat.” Kent said, simply glad that George did not seem opposed to returning with him to the park again.
In the course of half an hour, Kent had begun to wonder if all children were this great or was George simply special? He also realized how much he found himself able to control his anger, but that was likely because George was a child and it would unreasonable to lash out at someone who didn’t know better.
But George’s enthusiasm had changed when they’d approached the pony. “Do you think I’ll fall?”
Kent crossed his arms. “It is always possible. Do you fear falling?”
George shook his head. “No, my lord.”
“Are you sure?” Kent said.
George moved his mouth around and then squinted up at Kent. “What…happens if I am afraid?”
“Then we discuss the fear and see if we can work it out together.”
“You wouldn’t be upset?” George asked for clarity as he buried his hands into his pockets, which emphasized how small his pants were. Their next stop for the day would be to the tailor’s.
Kent shook his head. Speaking with George was a testament to his strength, for speaking with the boy constantly had him thinking about his own childhood. “Why would I be upset about the way you feel?”
George shrugged. “Lord Maltsby would grow angry if I was afraid or too scared to do something.”
“I’m not Lord Maltsby.” Kent said harshly.
George looked at the ground, and Kent wondered if the boy feared him again. But then George lifted his head, his chin thrusting out, reminding him of Lucy. “I’m not afraid.”
“You’re certain?” Kent asked.
“Yes, my lord.” George said. “In fact, I once wished to be a jockey.” The lad colored at his own words and ducked his head.
Kent was so surprised by the confession he threw back his head and laughed. “Did you now? But not anymore?”
George shook his head. “Lord Maltsby said—”
“Lord Maltsby has no more say.” Kent leaned down into George’s face. “Great men have raced from all walks of life. Lords and farmers alike. If you wish to be a jockey, then I see no reason you cannot.” He leaned back and looked the boy over. “You’ve got two feet, two legs, two arms, and a head with a reasonable mind. I don’t see anything holding you back.” Then he squinted his eyes. “Though, perhaps you’re missing hands.”
“I’m not missing hands!” George pulled his hands from his pockets.
Kent took the boy’s hands and pretended to examine them. “Ah, well, then I suspect that with some training, you’ll be a very good jockey.”
George smiled and turned to the pony. “I wish to get on her now and a real horse next time.”
Kent chuckled. “Very well.”
They started with Kent simply talking George through the signals he’d need to lead the horse. Then he allowed George to trot around for a bit, and George came alive on the animal.
It was an hour later when Kent finally told the boy it was time to go
.
“Now?” George asked. “Do we have to?”
“Yes, there is much to do today, but don’t worry. I’m going to get you a teacher so that you become the very best rider in England.”
“Hurrah!” George threw his fist into the air as Kent helped him down off the horse.
The breaking of sticks some distance away alerted Kent that others were about to arrive. They came out of the mist, three riders, gentlemen sitting boldly on horseback. Seeing Kent, they all stopped tipped their heads.
“Good morning, gentlemen.” Kent said. He was familiar with all their faces. Including the one who didn’t bother to pretend that he wasn’t staring at George.
Mr. Adam Maltsby turned to Kent. His piercing blue eyes glowed with tension. “How are you, Lord Ganden?”
“I’m well.” Kent felt George move closer to him.
Mr. Maltsby turned to his companions. “You both head on. I’ll join you in a moment.” He came down from his steed and approached Kent but didn’t speak until his friends were away. “I didn’t know you were acquainted with George.” He turned to George then. “I’ve been looking all over for you. Left with your aunt, did you?” He turned to Kent. “Is she working for you now?”
“I married her.” Kent placed a hand on George’s shoulder. “I’m teaching George to ride.” He hadn’t missed that the man hadn’t addressed George in the company of his friends.
Mr. Maltsby turned his blue chilling gaze to George. “Ride? Whatever for? He was hardly any use to anyone at the house. I don’t believe it wise for you to bother spending so much time and effort on the lad.”
“I stopped taking advice on my spending from your family a few weeks ago, if you recall.” Kent said. Maltsby would have known that Kent withdrew his funds from the Gentlemen’s Society. Such a great sum would have affected the bank significantly.
George tensed at his side and it was only then he realized just how tight his hold of him had become.
Mr. Maltsby’s eyes widened. “My lord, I’ve been meaning to speak to you about that. I would like to say that I am not my father, though I did learn quite a bit of business from him. Though he had his faults, you must remember that he more than tripled any money you gave him.”
Kent let George go, seeing that the conversation was building too much rage within him. “He had me locked away so he could use my funds for personal use.”
“For investments that panned out.” Mr. Maltsby frowned. “I see no reason to hold a grudge.”
Kent grabbed the man’s shirt and pushed him hard into a tree. “I wait with longing for the day your father swings from a noose.”
Mr. Maltsby turned red and his breathing was hard, but besides that, he gave no reaction. His hands were tight on Kent’s, trying and failing to fight him off. “I heard about your violent nature. Everyone knows it. They painted my father’s face in the papers after you beat him close to death. I wonder if having George in your care is the best choice.”
Kent pushed Maltsby up the tree until the man’s feet no longer touched the ground. “Threaten me or the boy again, Mr. Maltsby, and it’ll be your face they paint next in the papers.”
Maltsby’s eyes widened, but he shut his mouth.
Kent dropped him then, and Maltsby straightened his clothes before glaring at him. “Good day, my lord.” He shot a nasty look at George before he gathered himself on his horse and rode away.
Without a doubt, Kent knew he’d created an enemy. But what was one more in the world?
He turned around and found George staring at him warily. Kent hadn’t seen it before, yet though Lucy’s eyes looked at him from George’s face, the rest of him was much like his brother Mr. Maltsby and Lord Maltsby as well.
He’d not hold that against the boy.
“Don’t be afraid of me, George.” Kent said. “I’ll never hurt you on purpose.”
“I know, my lord. You’re going to protect me.” the boy said with a confidence that shook Kent. He’d never been trusted so completely by anyone.
Yet this boy had seen him close to his worst and believed in him.
George sighed. “Will you tell Aunt Lucy we saw Lord Maltsby? I don’t want her to worry.” His fear was out of concern for his aunt.
George grew in Kent’s eyes.
“I’ll tell her we saw him, but I’ll be gentle. Come on. We’ve other things to do today.”
George smiled and moved to walk by Kent’s side.
∫ ∫ ∫
2 3
* * *
“I believe I just found my governess.” Lucy said as she smiled at the woman who sat across from her.
Lady Honora Baxter blinked her bright blue eyes. “Oh. Are you certain, my lady? I mean...” Tears filled her eyes. “I’d not thought to find a position so soon after…”
Her husband had died only weeks ago and left her and her daughter penniless. Lady Baxter had come at Lady Denhallow’s recommendation. She was a young and very beautiful widow and Lucy was surprised that instead of seeking to wed again, the lady had decided to look for employment, which would ultimately lower her standing in Society.
But Lucy, having her own secrets, had decided not to pry into the matter. What did matter to Lucy was watching the woman with her eight-year-old daughter Miriam. Seeing the happiness on Miriam’s face as she’d wandered the room had sealed Lucy’s decision.
Miriam looked much like her mother with dark blond hair and large blue eyes. Her large curls fell into her face, making her look positively angelic.
“I think you’ll do an excellent job.” Lucy said.
“But I’ve never been a governess before.” Lady Baxter said. “Pardon me. I know I came here strictly for the position, but I must confess I was sure I would be the last person you’d choose.”
“Why?” Lucy asked.
“Because of my…situation.” Lady Baxter said. “I’ve my own child to tend to as well and would never be able to leave her alone as I attend to another.”
Lucy smiled. Every time Lady Baxter opened her mouth, she sealed Lucy’s decision for her further. “So long as you treat George fairly, I believe Miriam to be a wonderful addition to the household. George needs a friend. Now, he will have one.”
Lady Baxter smiled with tears in her eyes. “Bless you, my lady.”
“Call me Lucy.” Lucy had a feeling she’d need a friend as well.
“Honora,” the woman said “but everyone calls me Nora.” Then Nora swallowed and asked, “And if I might ask about the house…”
“Oh, we’re…renovating.” Lucy smiled. “But don’t worry. The house will be beautiful in short order.” One of the tutors and a few of the governesses Lucy had interviewed had left right after seeing the foyer. Lucy wondered if they’d been wise to do so. She’d have to make certain to keep Ganden calm so that he did not scare away this wonderful woman before her.
The sound of heavy footsteps had Lucy standing. George rushed in first, followed by Ganden.
“George.” Lucy’s voice trembled as the boy rushed to her and wrapped his arms around her. Had his time with Ganden been that traumatic that he needed her so?
George pulled away and grinned up at Lucy. “We had Gunther’s and Lord Ganden said I could sail my boat the next time we go to the park.”
“Oh.” Lucy’s smile came slowly. “So, you had fun today, did you?”
“And I’m going to be a jockey.” he said even brighter.
Lucy’s stilled. “A jockey?” With an arm still around George, she looked up at Ganden expectantly. His green eyes were unreadable. Had he had a good time with George or was he simply glad to be rid of the boy after such an active day?
It had been hours since they’d left. Lucy had woke to see George off, reminding the boy to be obedient and to not wander away in the park. Losing George was one of her biggest fears. The city was so big and often cruel.
“It’s what the boy told me he wanted to do.”
Lucy hadn’t known that. He patted George’s head and t
hen looked down to realize he was staring at Miriam, who’d come over to stand by her mother.
Lucy gave the introductions. “Lord Ganden, this is Lady Honora Baxter and her daughter Miss Miriam Baxter. Lady Honora is to be George’s governess.”
Ganden bowed. “My lady.”
Honora curtsied. “My lord. I will take good care of the boy.”
“See that you do.” Ganden turned to Lucy. “Might I speak to you alone?”
“I’ll take the children to the garden.” Nora said, though she wouldn’t officially start her position until the next day.
Miriam went with her mother easily, but George turned to Lucy for confirmation before following.
Once they were alone, Ganden moved closer, his gaze never shifting from hers.
Lucy’s heart tripped over itself to beat. “If you take issue that I hired a woman with a child then you should know that I did it for good reason.”
Ganden slipped his arm around her waist and dragged her body in, crashing her chest against his. “Give me your mouth.”
“What?” Lucy asked, even as her hands were already moving to his wide shoulders and then up his neck. Her body knew what it wanted.
His head came down, and she was left with no choice but to give him exactly what he asked for. He used tongue and teeth to turn her mind inside out and left her body weak, nearly limp.
His hold on her tightened. His other hand cupped the back of her head.
She moaned in his mouth. She’d missed this. She’d not had it for days. He’d avoided her.
Lucy struggled to think. “Did you have a good time with George?”
His lips stroked down her throat. “Stop talking.”
She pulled in a breath and closed her eyes. “All right.” She clung to him and silently begged him not to stop.
But then he did. She shook as his warm breath climbed back up her throat. Then he met her eyes. And finally, they were readable. Desire shone through, matching her own, but he had so much control over himself it shocked her.
“George is a fast learner.” he said. “I’m going to get him an instructor.”
“A governess, a tutor, and now a riding instructor?” She was still trying to take charge of her pulsing limbs and her obliterated mind. “You’re hiring the boy an entire staff of his own.”
Dread of The Earl (The Valiant Love Regency Romance) (A Historical Romance Book) Page 10
