by Karen Lynne
“Dinner is served, my lord.” The butler announced.
Screeching from the lawn caught the attention of the men. James trotted over and pulled his two sons’ apart, tossing the younger child onto his shoulder while the nanny reached for Master Charles marching the protesting children toward the house.
Colton could hear the lecture as they neared the terrace. “You shall act like gentlemen if you want to have your party in the nursery.” James looked down into his heir’s face. He lowered Master William and stood them face to face.
“Apologize,” James commanded.
“I am sorry.” Master Charles reached out his hand to his little brother.
“William.” James prompted.
“Me too.” Master William grasped his brother's hand and gave it a shake.
Colton noticed Susan biting her lip as she tried to suppress a smile while James continued to lecture his boys.
Miss Dalton brushed her skirt with her hands, trying to smooth the wrinkles from her activity on the lawn. Her hand flitted to her hair, trying to tuck the stray wisps back into place when her eyes met his. Her pretty cheeks slowly colored, she dropped her gaze and quickly moved next to Lady Isabella who was enjoying the scene before them.
“Now, you must apologize to the ladies for your ungentlemanly behavior.” James turned to Colton’s nieces, maneuvering his boys to face them.
Annalynn and Lisabet stared with wide eyes holding onto miss Clara's hands.
“Pardon me, Miss.” Master Charles bowed.
“Pardon me too.” Master William echoed.
“Can we have our party now?” Master William asked his father.
Lady Susan could no longer contain her mirth as a giggle escaped. James gave her a stern look then broke into a smile.
“Yes, but you must behave.” The boys agreed and ran into the house, with little George William following.
“Uncle, we are to have a dinner party in the nursery,” Lisabet informed Colton.
“That sounds very nice. I hope you will behave like ladies.”
“Yes, sir.” Lisabet curtsied to her uncle.
“Can we go now, Miss Clara?” Annalynn asked.
“May we?” She corrected.
“Yes, you may. I shall be up in a moment.” She released the girl's hands, and they ran into the house.
“Lord Egerton, Miss Clara has been taking excellent care of your nieces.” Susan nodded to Clara.
Clara gave a small curtsy. “My lord.” Her hands folded in front of her. She appeared to be in her late twenties, neat appearance in her clean gray uniform, she exuded confidence. Colton like the way she handled his nieces with a pleasant hand, yet firm, yes, she would do.
“Miss Clara, Lord Malmesbury tells me you are willing to come and be a permanent staff member at our home, taking charge of my nieces.” Colten watched her for any signs of resistance.
“Yes, my lord.”
“Good, we shall have the nurseries ready in a few days. The house is torn apart, but we are working to bring it up to a livable state.”
“Thank you, Clara, you may go to the children now.” Lady Susan dismissed her.
The others had already gone into the house as Colton looked around. He escorted Lady Susan in. “You have a dinner party for the children.” Colton had never heard of such a thing. He had always been shuffled off to bed for an early dinner and tucked in long before his parents dined. In fact, he didn’t spend much time with the adults until he was much older.
“We like to have the children with us, and these little parties give them a chance to learn proper behavior.” Susan shrugged her shoulders. “A little unconventional but it works for us.”
Chapter Nine
Colton didn’t get a chance to speak with Miss Dalton at dinner. She was seated next to Lady Eliza, and it was awkward to converse so far from each other. He was curious about how she knew Sir William’s family, for he did not recall knowing her before.
“Lady Abigale.” Colton turned to his right. “How long have you known Miss Dalton?”
“Since William and Eliza were married. William followed Eliza to Bristol when she went to visit her Aunt. Eliza’s aunt introduced them. Eliza wrote that I would like her and she was right, we have been friends ever since.”
“So she is here for your wedding?” Colten asked.
Lady Abigale gave him a funny look.
“Your brother said you are getting married. To Sir Andrew of Bathwick?”
The cloud in her eyes cleared, and a brilliant smile broke across her face. “Yes, she will be here for my wedding, I hadn’t thought of that. It’s a great bonus. Miss Dalton is residing at Fyne Court as Lady Susan’s guest.”
Fyne Court. Colton had heard about Lady Susan’s home, where she harbored ladies. He glanced down the table, and caught a view of Miss Dalton laughing at something Lady Eliza said. Was she in some kind of trouble? Isabella looked up and caught his look. She smiled, then turned her attention back to her friend.
“Isabella tells me you met at the coaching inn when she arrived.”
Colton drew his eyes back to Lady Abigale. Isabella, Miss Isabella Dalton he thought nodding.
“Yes, she was on the same coach and graciously stayed with my nieces when their chaperone abandoned them to catch the next stage.” He could hear the edge in his voice. Coughing, he hoped to change the subject.
Lady Abigale chuckled. “I can imagine your distress at being left with two young girls you had never met.”
Colton was having a hard time seeing the humor of his situation.
“Have you considered taking a wife?” Asked Lady Abigale.
Colton almost choked on his last bite. Swallowing, he slowly wiped his mouth.
“William suggested the same solution.”
“It would solve a lot of your problems.” Lady Abigale dimpled, biting into a hunk of bread, chewing slowly waiting for his reply.
“Do you have a suggestion?” A slow smile played about his lips. This would be interesting.
“Touché, Lord Egerton, as much as I would love to help, you will have to find a wife on your own.” She giggled.
“Thank you, Lady Abigale, I will take your suggestion into consideration.”
His life was stressful enough without adding the chore of courting.
The ladies excused themselves, leaving the gentleman to their private conversations.
Isabella curled her arm through Eliza’s, and they meandered to the sitting room where a servant had just finished lighting the lamps. A soft glow filled the room as dusk began to descend. Isabella had not been able to talk with Lord Egerton at dinner. She wondered what Abby, and he discussed as Abby’s soft laughter carried across the table. Isabella had caught him glancing her way a few times. She had stolen a few glances of her own when he wasn’t aware. His chiseled jaw clenched tight; the muscles rippled accentuating a small scar that ran along the right side of his face. Isabella hadn’t noticed it before, his hair styled to cover most of it. The injury didn’t distract from his ruggedly handsome features, if anything, it enhanced them. Abby tugged Isabella out of her daydream, prodding her into a corner seating them on a soft comfortable couch.
“You must tell us everything before the gentlemen appear,” Abby said. The ladies descended upon her like a hawk stocking its prey.
“But only if you want to Isabella.” Lady Susan spoke with such gentleness Isabell knew she was going to like her.
“No, you have been so gracious. You should know my plight.” Isabella took a deep breath drawing courage as she looked into Eliza’s eyes. Eliza had sat in a cushioned chair across from her. She turned to Abby taking her hand and giving it a soft squeeze.
“Benjamin was right. My parents had already signed a marriage contract for my marriage to Mr. Stone. It seems he wants an heir and was willing to make a bargain with my parents to achieve it.”
“But instead you used the money I gave you and came here.” Abby finished.
“I tried, Eliza,
your aunt even agreed to help me, but when I returned home, my mother had found the note and the money.” Isabella turned to Abby. “She locked me in my room and made it impossible to leave.”
“Oh, Isabella, how could a mother be so… so…”
“Cunning… Devious…Manipulative…” Abby’s face grew pink with irritation.
“I was going to say selfish.” Eliza gave Isabella a sympathetic smile. “But I don’t understand how your parents could be so callous.”
“I do,” whispered Susan.
“Oh, Susan, I forgot, please forgive me.” Eliza’s hand flew to her mouth.
“There is nothing to forgive. You were raised with a loving father and an aunt that adores you. How can you understand.” Susan reassured Eliza.
Isabella was surprised by this exchange. When lady Susan turned to her, it was with understanding. “My parents were happy together, and they loved each other very much, but when my mother died, things changed. My father remarried and tried to sell me to the highest bidder because his new wife didn’t want me.” Susan gave her an understanding nod.
“Then Abby gave me a safe place to live, and James offered me marriage. We soon fell in love, and as you see, it all worked out.”
“It was so romantic.” Abby sighed.
The girls laughed, and Isabella felt the warmth of their friendship.
“That is why I have made Fyne Court a safe haven for ladies like you until they move on with their lives,” Susan said.
Isabella’s finger fumble with a ribbon on her gown, her head bent.
“I am so thankful, but I fear I don’t know where to go from here. I have no marketable skills as my parents wanted me to be a gentlewoman. I feel quite useless.” Isabella’s eyes pooled. “What exactly do you do to help the young ladies at Fyne Court?”
Susan and Eliza smiled at each other. “We find them, husbands, of course.”
“Oh!” Isabella’s breath left her.
Chapter Ten
Colton noticed the women nestled in a cozy corner, talking when the gentlemen entered the sitting-room. Miss Dalton’s cheeks blushed a pretty shade when he caught her eye. Her delicate hands smoothed her skirt fiddling with a ribbon. Did he make her nervous? Susan and Eliza stood and joined their husbands, and Colton meandered over by Miss Dalton, taking his time so as not to spook her.
“Abby, will you play for us?” Asked Eliza.
Lady Abigale stood and happily seated herself at the pianoforte; her light touch coaxing a relaxing tune from the keys. She was very proficient Colton thought as he sat in her vacated spot careful to leave a respectable space between Miss Dalton and himself. She gave him a shy smile as Colton sat. Miss Dalton’s fingers continued to twist the ribbon attached to her gown, she would ruin it if she didn’t stop. Her fingers stilled and dropped the ribbon. Colton lifted his gaze to hers. Miss Dalton had caught him staring.
“I didn’t get a chance to thank you again for your care of my nieces when they arrived.” Colton watched Miss Dalton’s fingers try to tuck a stray lock that escaped from her chignon. Wispy tendrils framed her face, and bits of petals still clung to her hair.
She stilled. “What is it?” Miss Dalton touched her hair.
He reached toward her; his finger twirled.
“You have some leftover petals.” He held his breath and moved to delicately untangled the greenery from her hair. She stilled waiting till he finished. Her soft curls heated his fingers before he safely extracted the white petals keeping her hairstyle intact. Colton presented the sprigs on his open palm.
“You were very patient to let my nieces decorate you so.”
Miss Dalton relaxed; a soft giggle escaped her lips.
“They really are adorable and quite poised for ones so young. Your sister has done a good job raising them.” Miss Dalton blinked. “I’m sorry, Annalynn told me she had died, which is why they were coming to live with you.”
Colton cleared his throat, reaching for his cravat. “I hope she didn’t give away all our history.”
“No, no, she was really quite sweet and kept us entertained on our journey. She is really quite articulate for a four-year-old.”
“Annalynn is four?” Colton knew the girls were young, but… “How old is Lisabet?” He asked.
Miss Dalton raised her hand to her lips, stifling a laugh. “She is six. You don’t remember?”
He shook his head. “I recall them telling me at the station, but before you think ill of me, I have never seen them before till now. My sister married and left for India with her husband before I left for school, and then I was off to war. When I received the message from the solicitor, the girls were on their way. I feared they were of an age that I would have to sponsor their season, although having the care of such young children is just as intimidating. I’m afraid I have been in a fog.”
“It does get easier. How much time have you spent with the girls since they have been in your care?” Miss Dalton asked.
Colton dropped his head to examine his boots while guilt swept through him. He could claim the house was taking all his time, but that was only part of it. He was terrified to have charge of the girls. It was some relief that Clara was now in charge of them, but he should make an effort to get to know them before he took them from Bowood House and Lady Susan’s care. They had traveled all the way from India after the loss of their mother just to be abandoned by their chaperone at the coaching inn, and shuffled off to an unknown uncle. Colton looked up. Miss Dalton was waiting patiently, compassion in her eyes. He should make this right; he had started off badly.
“I admit you make me feel like a cad for I have not spent any time with them since I dropped them off with Lady Susan, who offered to keep them while I made my estate livable. I have eaten dinner with the earl every night, but have made little effort to talk to my nieces.” Colton gave her a weary smile. “You know more about them in the short time they have been here than I.”
“That is nonsense Lord Egerton. Why you have had a shock, that is all.” Miss Dalton laid her hand upon his arm. He stiffened and looked down as her warmth washed over him. She quickly withdrew, leaving him wanting.
“Pardon me…” Miss Dalton stumbled over her words. “I meant to say, you have lost your sister, and then you’ve found that you're an uncle and the guardian of two small girls. You are fortunate to have such friends to help you.”
“As are you, Miss Dalton.” Colton gave her a big smile.
“You are correct, Lady Susan has been most gracious.” Miss Dalton laughed. “To both of us. How soon will you be taking the girls to their new home?”
“We shall have the nursery ready in a few days. By the end of the week at the latest.” Colton estimated.
“Well, then.” Miss Dalton threw up her hands. “You have a few days to get to know them. Why don’t you spend a few hours each day, maybe eat the noon meal with them? Your nieces are very easy to like. They will be easier to manage if they feel you care.”
Colton watched Miss Dalton’s animated face as she talked about the girls. A thought formulated in his head.
“Would you help me?”
Surprise showed on her face. “Of course, what can I do?”
“Come with the three of us tomorrow. I should like to show the girls around the country. I could have Lady Susan’s cook prepare a basket. The girls like you, and it would make me feel more at ease.” Colton waited hoping she would accept. The thoughts of being alone with two small girls terrified him, but he could see the wisdom in Miss Dalton’s suggestion.
Miss Dalton bit her lovely lip contemplating his invitation.
“I should like to see the country as well. Yes, Lord Egerton, that would be lovely.”
Colton hadn’t realized how much he wanted her to come, until she accepted.
“Very good, we shall come at noon tomorrow.”
Colton spent the morning conferring with the new housekeeper which Lady Susan had hired. Mrs. Hale was a tall, imposing woman who consented to come o
ut of retirement to hire the female staff. If the work progressed as scheduled, Colton could bring Lisabet and Annalynn home in two days. Lady Susan promised her cook would have a basket ready when he came for his outing with his girls. His girls, the thought was not so daunting as it had been earlier in the week, but he was thankful Miss Dalton had consented to join them. Colton remembered Miss Dalton’s touch to his arm in her attempt to comfort him the night before. The contact lasted an instant, and yet it was odd that so simple a brush should shake his composure.
Colten kept track of the time as the morning flew by, he didn’t want to be late for the picnic as he was yesterday. He took extra time with his dress, and when he emerged into the front courtyard, his carriage was waiting.
Colton removed his hat when Lady Susan greeted him. “James is off inspecting some tenant farms this afternoon. My cook has prepared a scrumptious meal. I am sure the girls will enjoy it. They are very excited about this picnic, and I think it was an excellent idea to invite Miss Dalton, the girls like her so.” Lady Susan gave him a satisfied smile.
He couldn't be sure, but it felt like there was more meaning behind her words than what she spoke out loud. A maid entered carrying a basket which she took out to the carriage. Miss Clara appeared with his nieces neatly dressed with bonnets covering their curls. He wondered how long the hats would stay on their heads.
“Good morning.” Lisabet gave him a small curtsy. Annalynn following her sister's lead.
“Good morning, girls.” He bowed.
“Miss Clara, I shall have them back in a few hours.”
“Excellent, my lord.” She ducked her head, giving him a polite curtsy.
His little group followed him out into the sunlit afternoon where few clouds clutter the sky. The groom had roped the luncheon basket to the back of the carriage and stood at the horse's head. Colten lifted the girls one at a time into the carriage where they climbed onto the forward-facing seat. He jumped in and sat opposite. The girls waved enthusiastically to their nanny.