“Sold all the rest of the litter. He was the runt, but he’s grown up fine,” Gabe said. “He’d make a great city pet. Happy simply to be with people or even sit on your lady friend’s lap like a cat.”
“Really?” Michael couldn’t imagine the handsome animal settling onto a lap. He seemed so full of vim and vigor. But he could well imagine him on the floor playing with Harry. “You’d part with Dash?”
“For a small sum,” Gabe shot back.
Michael threw back his head and laughed. His brother was going to make a fine businessman.
“Also, I’d like to meet your lady and her son someday.”
“Oh, yes,” Camille agreed. “I would, too.”
Thinking how unlikely that was, with Ada being so prickly, he readily agreed.
“Deal,” he said.
After an excruciating meal with his parents, questioning him on what he was doing with his life, made bearable only because of his siblings’ presence, Michael decided to spend the night in his old room. Gabe could tell him all he needed to know about caring for Dash. After, Michael could share a bottle of brandy with his father while filling him in on the good news from the stock exchange, a topic too vulgar for the dinner table with females present.
After dinner, Dash was brought into the house to get acclimated to the civilized world, though Michael thought the spaniel was already better behaved than many people he knew.
“He must stay in your room,” Lady Alder said. “I don’t want my pussycats frightened.”
By the time he went to bed, with Dash on the rug by the fireplace, Michael was exhausted but excited. He felt like old Father Christmas, bringing a present. Moreover, he couldn’t wait to see the look on Ada’s face.
*
To that end, Michael went straight from Oxonholt to Belgrave Square, arriving by late afternoon.
Mr. Randall opened the door and immediately dropped his gaze to the dog sitting at Michael’s feet.
“Good day, Randall,” Michael intoned, excited by seeing Ada again. “Is she home?”
“If you’re referring to her ladyship, my lord, yes. However, once again, she isn’t seeing visitors, not uninvited ones.”
“Bathing the boy?” Michael asked.
Randall frowned. “No, my lord. I believe she is reading in the library.”
“Please tell her I’m here, and I come bearing gifts.” After all, she was probably engaged in one of those silly romance novels with which all the ladies were obsessed. Even more so if it were gothic and romantic. Nothing like a dark and freezing castle, a lady in distress acting ridiculously, and a couple of ghosts clanking around to evoke thoughts of romantic love. At least, that’s what he heard.
“Yes, my lord,” and Randall closed the door before Michael could bargain with him to let him wait in the foyer.
“Well, Dash, we wait. I don’t suppose we’ll see a glass of brandy or port out here, will we?”
No matter. Retrieving his flask from his pocket, he had a few sips, and was just putting it away when the door flew open.
It was Mrs. St. Ange, herself.
“Are you insane?” were her first words, as she stared down at the dog. “Mr. Randall told me what you’d brought, but I couldn’t credit it until I’d seen it with my own eyes.”
“Yes, a dog for you and Harry.” He thought Dash was making a good first impression.
Her mouth formed an “O” and then tears sprang to her eyes.
Michael hoped those were tears of happiness, but he started to feel doubtful as she put a hand to her mouth and shook her head.
“No, no, no.”
“I’m sorry, Ada. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Though for the life of him, he couldn’t imagine how he had.
Her eyes locked with his, and then she collected herself, narrowing her gaze.
“I never gave you leave to call me by my given name. Nor could I imagine you’d show up without warning and bring us a dog. A sweet-looking, soft dog! How dare you!”
The next thing Michael knew, he was staring at the firmly slammed, darkly painted front door. If he’d been a step closer, his nose would have paid the price. Little Dash even jumped back in alarm.
Exchanging a glance with the spaniel, Michael shrugged.
“I’m afraid, dear chap, I have no idea what that was about. I guess, for the time being, you’re coming home with me.”
Chapter Fourteen
Ada ran back to the security of her library, trying not to think of the adorable dog on the other end of Lord Vile’s leash.
“He should be the one collared and restrained,” she muttered, thinking of the arrogant man.
What an oaf! How dare he assume she’d want a dog? Moreover, how dare he do something so thoughtful for her and Harry. She could not possibly have any idea how to handle it.
He was Lord Vile, practically a drunkard and definitely a despoiler of women, including herself. After his last visit, she’d half expected him to send a note apologizing for being so forward. Instead, he brought her a dog.
She’d told Maggie he was being nice, but this! This was beyond the pale.
Her fingers had itched to reach down and touch the dog’s soft-looking fur. Now she wanted to tear her own hair out. Or Michael Alder’s.
What’s more, he’d had his charming smile upon his face, hiding the villain behind.
With a vicious oath, she cleared the table of all the business newspapers, sending them swirling to the floor with a single incensed sweep of her hand.
Each encounter with him made it harder to hold onto the darkest part of her anger, the simmering rage that gave her strength. Without it, she would find everything she was doing to ruin the man’s life a difficult burden.
Bending down, she began to pick up the papers. It wasn’t like her to have a fit of temper. She and Lord Alder had had a brief conversation about dogs, hadn’t they? Was that why he’d brought her one? Harry would adore it. Moreover, so would she? If only she could tolerate the gift bearer.
Accepting the dog would make her beholden to him, or at least, it would soften her hatred.
Blast the man!
“Mama!” It was Harry. He came bounding into the room ahead of Nanny Finn. “Doggy!” he yelled in delight before crashing into her skirts.
Crouching down, she hugged him while sending a searching look to the nanny.
Nanny Finn shrugged. “We were upstairs, and he saw his lordship approach with the dog. I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault,” Ada assured her, but Harry was looking at her with his big amber eyes, the same way his father had just looked at her before she’d slammed the door on him. No doubt Michael Alder was perplexed by her seemingly irrational and inexplicable actions.
“Mama! Where is doggy?”
Oh dear!
The boy had no siblings, no father, and now she’d deprived him of a cuddly spaniel. Of course, they could go buy a dog if she had any idea where one procured a trained one. It wasn’t as if there was a corner shop filled with pets.
Smiling at the odd notion, she straightened. Given a few minutes to think about it, she was beginning to believe she would accept the gift. Maybe it would even help with her plan to make Lord Vile fall hopelessly in love with her. Though how, she had no idea.
“Nanny Finn, I believe our household needs a dog. Shall we go to Lord Alder’s and claim that one?”
The nanny looked at her strangely. “I’m sure Harry will enjoy growing up with a dog, madam, but I must tell you, I’m not picking up after it. My responsibilities stop with the child.”
“Yes, Nanny Finn, I understand.” If need be, Ada could make Rachel or even Mr. Randall clean up after the dog until Harry became old enough in a few years. Most likely, her butler wouldn’t mind.
“All right, we’ll do it. Let’s all get changed for an outing.”
Ushering them before her from the room, she rang for Mr. Randall.
“My driver isn’t coming today, is he?”
“No, mada
m.”
“Can you hail us a Hansom cab? We’re off to Brook Street.”
Then she thought of the tight fit of her, Nanny Finn, Harry, and then a dog.
“On second thought, see if you can get us a hackney.”
“Yes, madam.”
By the time Harry was made presentable and she’d changed into a suitable day dress, the hired carriage was waiting. She’d also had the unpleasant task of sending Lucy two doors down to ask Lady Pepperton for the exact number of Lord Alder’s residence.
Showing up uninvited was bad enough. Feeling queasy at the vulgarity of her task, Ada would have to apologize for her rash behavior—apologizing to him!—which was even worse. And what if he’d already given the dog to someone else?
It was the thought the spaniel would no longer be available that spurred her on to complete this distasteful mission. Harry was bouncing excitedly at her side. If Alder hesitated due to her slamming the door in his face, she was confident he could not disappoint Harry.
In fifteen minutes, the driver, with instructions to wait, let them off at Alder’s townhouse in the heart of Mayfair.
Ada stood on the step, stomach churning with apprehension, holding Harry’s hand like a talisman, and Nanny Finn firmly at her back. She pressed the bell, then used the knocker for good measure.
In a minute, the door swung open and a tall, thin man looked down at her.
“Yes, madam?”
“We are here to see Lord V—,” she caught herself just in time, “Lord Alder. He is not expecting us exactly, but he has our dog.”
That sounded a good a reason as any to give the servant so she didn’t seem like an ill-mannered intruder.
“I see, madam. Won’t you come in. I’ll tell his lordship you’re here. For your dog,” he added, opening the door wide.
Stepping into his home, she wondered how many women had crossed the same polished wooden front hall. Doubtfully any of them had a son and his nanny in tow. Ada couldn’t help noticing the stairs to the upper floor. To Vile’s bedroom, which, if even a few of the paper’s accounts were true, saw a lot of comings and goings.
After what had occurred in her parlor, however, she realized a bed was incidental.
The butler showed them into the front room, a parlor that was not lavish yet neither sporting shabby furnishings that might make one cringe. All three of them remained standing in the center on the rug, though Harry was tugging on her hand.
One of the double doors reopened, and the first thing they saw was a streak of black and white fur rushing in, followed by Lord Alder. Harry broke free of her grasp and was on the floor with the spaniel before Alder even had a chance to greet them.
After glancing at the boy and dog already becoming playmates, he took Ada’s hand and bowed over it, just as if she hadn’t behaved abominably a short while earlier. Just as if he hadn’t had his hand up her skirts before that. Then he nodded to Nanny Finn.
“May I get you ladies anything?”
She wanted to scream. He was not only being a gracious host, he was including her nanny.
Finally, Ada found her voice. “I… I…”
Unfortunately, she couldn’t find her words. Flustered and loath to give him any satisfaction or gratitude, she snapped her mouth closed.
“Tea?” he offered, and by the slanted smile, he knew she was discomfited.
“Yes,” she ground out. “That would be lovely.”
Then she recalled the nature of their visit and her desire to keep it short. Don’t be intimidated by him, she schooled herself. Ignore appearances. He has behaved terribly in the past. Standing a little straighter, she stopped being a mincing coward.
“Actually, we came only for the spaniel. Harry saw it out of the window and assumed it was for him.”
“It is,” Lord Alder confirmed.
“We cannot stay for tea. We came in a hackney. It’s waiting, so we must go at once.”
Ada felt better already. They could attach the same leash she’d seen Alder holding and be gone in under five minutes.
“Nonsense, I’ll have Lawrence send it away,” he said smoothly. “We’re civilized people, aren’t we, Nanny Finn? We must have tea.”
Then nanny, bemused at being addressed, merely nodded.
Ada clenched her hands at the implied notion she wasn’t being civil.
“That won’t be necessary,” she said.
“I insist.” With that, Alder stuck his head out the door of the parlor and had words with his butler. When he returned, Ada was seething.
“I must protest, for we shall now have to go to the trouble of procuring another carriage.”
“Nonsense,” he said again, making her want to bop him on the head with her reticule. “Tea along with biscuits, of course, are in order while I tell you about Dash.”
“Dash?” Ada had lost control of the situation, and it galled her.
“The dog.” Lord Alder turned to Harry whose cheeks were now being washed by the spaniel’s tongue. “Your dog’s name is Dash, unless you wish it to be otherwise.”
“Dash!” Harry repeated, proving he was listening.
An easily spoken name, Ada thought, even for a boy not yet three.
“Very well, my lord. We shall stay for tea.”
Without being invited, she chose a seat on the dark blue sofa and nodded to Nanny Finn to join her. As soon as her bottom touched the damask fabric, however, she recollected what had happened on her own sofa, and nearly jumped up. She could only imagine the many scenes of sensual relations that had been played out right where she sat. Vile!
Shooting a glance at their host, she found him staring at her and wondered if his thoughts had gone where hers had. Next thing she knew, her cheeks were heating up.
Drat the man!
Taking a quick look around the room, she thought it likely a woman had never lived there. Functional furnishings included two wingback chairs, various tables dotted about, a mirror, a landscape painting, and a sideboard nearly groaning with the weight of bottles and decanters. Good God!
She stared at it, not having ever seen so much alcohol displayed.
When she looked back at Alder, she realized he had followed her gaze and a slight red flush appeared on his cheeks. Was he blushing now?
Clearing his throat, he sat in one of the chairs.
“I’m glad you came. I was about to write a note expressing my hope you would see fit to accept Dash and, naturally, I was also going to apologize for being too forward.”
Ada’s breath caught and her gaze darted to the nanny then back to him, her cheeks now scalding hot as she pressed her lips together. Was he mad bringing up what had occurred in her drawing room?
His eyebrows drew together in puzzlement at her reaction, and then, as if realizing what she might think, he added, “For bringing the dog to your home, I mean.”
Of course! She was being too sensitive. He’d probably already forgotten the incident, which, to her, loomed huge in the experiences of her life. For him, it was undoubtedly a minor trifle.
Precisely that, in fact! He had trifled with her!
“Mama,” Harry shrieked with delight, snatching her attention. He was on his back with the dog half-planted on his stomach. “Doggy!” he squealed.
Her heart melted. Truly, what a wonderful gift! Deciding to put aside her rancor for the moment, she began her questions as the tea tray was brought in.
“Where did you procure him?”
Alder picked up a biscuit and crossed his legs before answering. “My brother has a way with dogs. He trains them.”
“Yes, I believe you mentioned him before.”
“I visited my family, and Gabriel had recently trained a pack of spaniels, for flushing the birds from the bushes. He’d kept this one and said he would make a good pet. I thought of Harry.”
That made her flinch, and her heart started beating faster. She didn’t want Lord Vile thinking of Harry.
“And your brother had already named him Dash?”
>
“Yes, I believe the queen has a similar dog with the same name, and my brother has an odd sense of humor.”
“It’s a fine name,” she murmured. “Did he recommend anything in particular for feeding him?”
“Meat and vegetables,” he said, “at least twice a day, and not too much bread or biscuits.”
She tried to remember what the cook fed her dog as a child, but she couldn’t recall ever noticing.
“Until Mary gets better at cooking, I suppose Dash will have plenty of scrapings off our plates.” She hadn’t meant to make a joke, but Lord Alder laughed.
“I hope Mary is improving or the dog will grow fat.”
She wanted to laugh, too, but tamped it down.
“Luckily, you’ve got the green on your square and Hyde Park close by,” he pointed out.
“When I take Harry out to the park for a breath of air, I don’t mind if we take the dog,” said Nanny Finn, who even then had stretched out her hand to let the dog sniff it.
“Thank you,” Ada told her, sipping the tea, which was perfectly brewed. It tasted delicious except she didn’t want to enjoy his hospitality, not even his wretched tea.
“He’s got a rather plain collar,” Lord Alder pointed out. “Not like the jewel-encrusted ones I’ve seen fashionable ladies with in the park.”
Nanny Finn chuckled.
“I meant their dogs, of course, not the ladies. He’s also got a leash, a plain but sturdy one. And he is to have water available at all times, according to my brother.”
The brothers had discussed the dog and what Alder must impart to her on its care. The brothers might have even spoke about her and Harry!
Ada set her cup and saucer down and stood up. She knew she was abrupt, but she couldn’t take another moment of this domesticity in his presence. He was even charming her nanny.
Of course, Lord Alder jumped up, too. When he stood, the room seemed to shrink, and she was glad of a small table between them.
“Perhaps you could give us the dog’s trappings,” she suggested, “and we’ll leave you in peace.” Then she remembered the hackney. “Also, if you could have your butler hail us another carriage.”
Beastly Lords Collection Page 83