He shook his head. “My driver will return you to your home. I’ll get Dash’s things. First, shall I tell you what commands he knows?”
Without awaiting her answer, he went to the boy and dog.
“Come,” he said, and Dash jumped off of Harry and rushed over to Alder.
“Sit.” And the spaniel sat.
Harry clapped. “Come,” he yelled, and the dog returned to him.
“I’m impressed with your brother,” Ada admitted.
“If he starts to bark loudly, then I suggest you try, ‘hark.’ At least, that worked on the foxhounds. It made them stop and listen.”
“If he barks too loudly,” said Nanny Finn, “he’ll feel the end of my foot.”
Ada hid her smile at her no-nonsense nanny.
“We shall try ‘hark’ first, of course,” Ada said. “About his leash?”
To her relief, they were soon at the front door, Dash in collar and leash, which Ada held the end of, while Harry held his nanny’s hand.
“Your carriage awaits, Mrs. St. Ange. Incidentally, my siblings would like to meet you.”
She felt as if the floor tilted under her, and she nearly dropped the dog’s leash.
“Whyever for?” came out of her mouth before she could think. Her next thought was even less kind. Not in a hundred years!
Alder smiled, and it looked so genuine, if she didn’t know him for a cad and a libertine, rather than a kind, dog-gifting man, she might have fallen for him.
“Gabriel wants to meet the person who has his dog, of course, and Camille, she’s simply curious about my… friends.”
“I see,” Ada said. She didn’t want to tell him then how unlikely it was such a meeting would ever occur. After all, they were supposed to be forming an attachment. “Please do give your brother my thanks for parting with Dash. Good day.”
With that, she turned from his handsome face, his attractive smile, and his knowing eyes.
“Come along, let’s go home.”
*
Watching them leave, Michael felt a prick of something—perhaps envy—at her word, home. Tonight, he pictured her tucking Harry into bed before sitting in her library or drawing room, maybe a glass of port in her hand. She would pick up a book or her needlepoint, if that was her fancy. The fire would be crackling beside her, and Dash would sit on her glorious lap, where he, too, would like to lay his head.
He intended to go to White’s and play cards with strangers, some who barely tolerated him, and drink. The brandy made it bearable. In fact, enjoyable. It was always a satisfactory evening, particularly if he ran into Hemsby. Usually, in months past, he would then head over to Elizabeth’s afterward, or previously to Lilith’s.
Yet the notion of home intrigued him. He had one, he reminded himself, as he took the stairs two at a time to change for the evening ahead.
Had Mr. St. Ange appreciated what he had? Had he sat with Ada Kathryn of an evening and then taken her upstairs to the bedroom to make passionate love? Did she even now spend her evenings thinking of her dead husband, perhaps desperately missing him, still loving him?
It all seemed so grown up, compared to his existence. When he thought he might have to keep Dash, he’d been a tad nervous. Of course, he would have made his butler care for the dog, but knowing there was a creature whose responsibility ultimately fell upon his shoulders had given him pause for thought. Imagine having a child!
Recalling Ada’s words at Elizabeth’s party. “You haven’t needed to grow up,” she’d said, and she might have been correct. When his father had admonished him as a ‘truculent child,’ he’d dismissed him, too. However, Michael did do as he pleased, rather like a willful child.
Thus, why did he keep finding himself wanting to assist her in any way he could? Maybe he was maturing.
“Fenley,” he called to his valet. “Bring me some brandy. I’m becoming far too introspective.”
Soon, he would begin to reap the rewards of his generosity. After all, how could she turn him away after he’d made her son so happy? When he next kissed her and reminded her of the bliss she’d found at his touch, certainly she’d be willing to reciprocate.
Tonight, though, he would ask at the club if anyone knew of the Ellis family.
Chapter Fifteen
How had they ever lived without Dash? He kept Harry constantly amused and laughing. In fact, he kept them both happy with his dark, button eyes glistening at them, his playful nature, and his lovely tail, thankfully not docked, swishing back and forth displaying his own joy. Moreover, she loved the white streak between the black markings on his head, making it look as if Dash sported a very neat parting of his fur.
Every time she encountered this new furry member of their family, her heart warmed. Even Nanny Finn had obviously taken to the dog, never once complaining about him being under foot.
To think Lord Vile had accomplished this. The devil take him.
It had been difficult, indeed, to respond to his next missive inviting her to a concert. A little distance was needed after what had happened on her sofa.
He was too skilled at the art of seduction, and she was too inexperienced to resist. Perhaps if she’d had a few years of such sensual encounters, she would be able to easily rebuff him. Instead, her body melted under his touch and clamored for more.
Even while writing back to him from the safety of her own library, she imagined a repeat performance. Lord Alder could press her down upon her writing desk, lift her skirts, and—
A knock at the door interrupted her erotic reverie.
“Come in.”
Mr. Randall entered with a letter on a silver tray. Another unwanted letter, she was certain of it.
“How does Mrs. Randall like your quarters?” she asked, hoping it wasn’t too personal a question.
He appeared momentarily nonplussed. Then he bowed slightly. “Very well, madam. Thank you.”
“She’s working at a shop, isn’t she?”
“Yes, madam. At the Burlington Arcade at a milliner’s shop.”
What more could she say to stall receiving the letter she knew was from Lord Vile? Nothing. Holding out her hand, she accepted the missive from his gloved hand.
“Thank you.”
He left her alone to open it.
Dear Mrs. St. Ange,
I hope you are well and Dash is behaving himself.
Ha! She knew he would mention the dog at once. He thought her beholden to him and wanted the debt repaid.
It seems a long while since you came to my house. I hope soon we can meet again. I take it you are not interested in ballet at the Royal Lyceum. Perhaps your heart has a secret wish to go someplace to which I may escort you. You need only let me know.
Ever your servant,
M. Alder
Ever her servant! What rubbish. He was the most self-serving man she’d ever met. Except for finding Mr. Randall, giving Mary cooking lessons from his own cook, and, of course, Dash.
Lord Michael Alder was certainly an enigma.
Sighing, she picked up her pen. At least she didn’t have to respond to his previous invitation to a concert. She could combine her dismissals of both his invitations in one fell swoop.
Then she hesitated. Her plan had to move forward, and most advantageously before her parents came to town in a month or so.
She and Alder would have to get together again, for she wanted a declaration of love. Nothing else would do. Nothing else would allow her to toss his heart onto the ground and stomp it beneath her slipper, or rather, beneath her favorite sturdy walking boots.
Where could they go? Some very public place which allowed for little physical contact. Perhaps the upcoming Derby, heralding the true beginning of the social Season, or the Ascot. But what could they do in the next week? Perhaps a lecture at the Royal Society of which her father was a member. She could easily get tickets, and Lord Vile wouldn’t dare act up surrounded by the intellectuals of London, would he?
On the other hand, better they
do something which Harry and Nanny Finn could also attend. Their presence insured Lord Vile’s good behavior.
Smiling to herself, she wrote him a brief note inviting him to the zoo. After all, he was a beast and ought to fit right in with the lions and the lone hippopotamus on display.
Thus, two days later, he picked them up in his carriage.
His first words were, “How is Dash?” as if to remind her of his thoughtfulness. Again.
Ada let Harry answer him and continue to chatter on, barely making either sense or sentences, all the way to the zoo, which as it was in Regent’s Park, took nearly three-quarters-of-an-hour through traffic.
Since it was not a Monday, entrance cost a shilling each for the three adults and six-pence for Harry. Naturally, she let Lord Alder pay. Also, naturally, she walked beside him while Nanny Finn walked with Harry. Congratulating herself for coming up with such a benign outing, suddenly, she felt Alder take her arm and tuck it under his.
“This was a grand idea,” he told her. “Also, very wise of you not to bring the dog. I’d hate to see him slip his leash and end up being eaten by a bear.”
“Indeed,” she muttered, wondering if she could wrench her hand free while still appearing friendly. She thought not. Thus, she settled into the disconcerting situation of his closeness, his warmth, his easy chatter, his pleasant scent of sandalwood, and his undaunted effort to amuse her.
While unnecessarily keeping an eye on Harry, who was under the watchful gaze of Nanny Finn, Ada found herself enjoying the day, particularly the hummingbird exhibition. Of all the large animals on display, it was this tiny, gorgeous, jewel-toned creature which caught her admiration. What a pity they were all stuffed and mounted. And why weren’t there any in England?
“Why do you suppose we don’t have these wonderful creatures in all of Britain?”
Alder appeared to really consider her question. Finally, he shrugged.
“I suppose the beauty of an English lady is so exquisite, they cannot compete and thus do not try.”
She gaped. “That is the most ridiculous statement I’ve ever heard.”
“Really? Why, I’m positive I can come up with something far worse. Let me think a minute. Elephants were clearly put on earth to give us something to ride in India, and every British home should have a well-behaved monkey.”
“No, stop. I’m sure you can be far more ridiculous, but why don’t we have hummingbirds?”
He looked back at the exhibit, focusing on a spectacular blue and green specimen.
“I would wager the answer has to do with their wings, Mrs. St. Ange, and the size of their bodies. We are an island surrounded by water. They aren’t natives to our land and cannot get here since they can’t store up enough food in their small bodies for the journey. Moreover, they can’t have bigger bodies because their wings are so small.”
Staring at him, she felt like a child whose parent had just pointed out the obvious. In that instant, she saw him in a new light, as a thoughtful man. She swallowed an unexpected lump in her throat, thinking how nice it would have been for Harry to have a father who brought him a dog and could explain bird populations.
Harry did have such a father.
She shook her head to clear that thought.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes, fine.” She licked her suddenly dry lips. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of that myself. Obviously, they’re not like geese.”
“No,” he agreed, staring at her mouth. “Not like geese.”
His gaze remained trained on her lips until it flickered up to her eyes.
In that instant, she knew if they’d been alone, he would have kissed her. Luckily, there were hundreds of people at the zoo, as well as Nanny Finn and Harry a mere few feet away.
“Shall we?” he said, making her startle.
“Shall we what?” Ada couldn’t look away from his fine eyes.
“Move along to the next exhibit.”
What an addlepated ninny! “Yes, of course.”
Alder took her arm again, which she minded less and less.
“Let’s look at something more interesting to Harry, shall we? Perhaps the rhinoceros. I bet he’ll enjoy that.”
*
What was wrong with him? When Ada had first sent him a message about the zoo and taking Harry, Michael had been disappointed. His goal was always to get her alone. Smelly animals and hordes of families would hardly spark desire.
And yet, he found himself thoroughly enjoying the experience. Harry was a whirlwind of excitement. Every animal sparked his “Oohs” and “Ahs,” even a pigeon crossing his path. That gave Michael a good laugh.
Moreover, spending time with Ada Kathryn in a relaxed way only made him like her more. Of course, he still sought the ultimate prize of an invitation to her bed. As it turned out, though, he’d been wrong about the zoo. Desire could certainly be sparked in the ordinary moments.
He could see in her eyes only a moment ago, if they’d been alone, she would have welcomed a kiss. How wonderful! What’s more, even in a perfectly ordinary day dress, without a hint of décolletage, she was positively the most desirable woman he could imagine. The bonnet perched on her head at a jaunty angle might look silly or frumpy on anyone else. On her, it was endearing.
What was happening to his practiced rakish ways?
With that, he realized a sip of brandy was in order, and he used his free hand to slip his flask from his pocket. His choice was to use his teeth to open it or break free of Mrs. St. Ange’s lovely arm. In the end, he did neither, managing to hold the silver flagon and unscrew the cap with the same hand. Luckily, he’d had the forethought to purchase one with a secure chain, so the cap didn’t go flying off into some animal compound.
Had that been the case, he would have been forced to drink the entire contents at once.
Tilting it back, he let the liquid hit his tongue and then trickle down the back of his throat. There was hardly any more delightful flavor than good French brandy. Next time he saw Brunnel, he would ask about investing in its import.
Feeling her stiffen at his side, he realized she was watching him.
As they had clearly shared a moment with the dead hummingbirds, he felt it appropriate to offer her his flask.
He certainly didn’t expect her to blanche as if he’d held out a bucket of flaming dung.
“It’s brandy,” he explained, as she pulled free of him. “Not gin.”
The way her gaze went from the flagon to his face seemed oddly familiar, as if he’d seen her eyes do the very same before. A shiver of apprehension coursed through him.
How strange. For he was certain he hadn’t offered her a sip during any of their other meetings.
Without saying anything, she turned away, taking the necessary steps to catch up with her son.
“Are you happy, darling?” he heard her ask Harry.
The boy nodded enthusiastically and reached for her hand. They spent another hour roaming the zoo, most of it with him trailing along behind the happy threesome. What had he done wrong?
Surely the woman wasn’t a member of the temperance society. He’d seen her drink wine and champagne, and even Elizabeth’s sloe gin. Perhaps it was drinking in a public place which had put her off.
Shrugging, he decided to set his concerns aside. What he’d found with this mercurial creature was, at any moment, she might pull away from him, even seem angry or as if she couldn’t possibly stand to be near him. Then, in the next, she would let him kiss her soundly.
And since kissing her was about the finest thing he’d ever experienced, he would settle for this uneasy relationship, which kept him on edge. At least until he could slake his hunger for her.
Her shriek brought him out of his fantasy. Since she was standing next to Nanny Finn, he assumed it was to do with Harry, and his heart began to pound. Nanny Finn was bent over double. Had she been injured? Then he realized she was tying her bootlace. Where was Harry?
Ada was looking around
wildly, but as Michael hurried to her side, Nanny Finn straightened up. Lo and behold, there was the boy, safe and sound, hidden by her round body and the shape of her skirts.
“He’s fine,” he told Ada because she still seemed distraught. “Harry is safe.”
“My reticule!” she exclaimed. “A man just snatched it and ran off.” She held up the strings on her wrist. “A cut-purse at the zoo. I should have been more careful.”
How had he missed such an occurrence?
“What did he look like?”
“Why?” she asked.
“I’ll go after him.”
She rolled her eyes. “He could be miles by now.”
“He will be if you don’t hurry and tell me what he looked like.”
She crossed her arms. “He’s the one running for the zoo’s exit with a lady’s purse in his hands.”
Michael gave her a wry smile. “How about the color of his clothing? I’ll take a quick look near the ticket booth.”
Seeing he was serious, she lowered her arms. “He had on a brown cap and wore… oh, I think a dark blue coat. It happened so fast. It’s really not necessary.”
“Stay here so I can find you.”
With that, Michael took off toward the entrance to the zoo through which they’d come. No harm in trying. Theft was rampant in London, and he understood the desperate poverty causing it. Why, he would bet pickpockets had fleeced a third of the people at the theatre the night he’d attended the opera with Ada, but that didn’t make it right. Especially when it happened to the woman whom he considered in his care for the day.
Reaching the gate in record time, he went a few yards outside the park and looked around. No one was running away. No one looked the least bit suspicious.
After another moment, he showed the ticket-taker his ticket and re-entered, standing by a tree to observe the crowd.
And then he spotted the thief. Michael was certain of it. Brown hat, navy coat, strolling determinedly toward the exit. The man was clever, walking slowly, whistling to himself as if he hadn’t a care in the world. In the interim minutes, he might have even had time to steal another purse.
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