Earl of Sin: Lords of Scandal Book 6

by Tammy Andresen

  “I was talking about my wife, actually.” Vice winked. “But you shouldn’t be afraid of strong-willed staff. Your butler is a beast.”

  His butler was, in fact, a rather opinionated man. But not when it came to the areas that Sin was actually vulnerable. And besides, Reeves’ strength was part of what had carried him through the past few years. Right or wrong, he’d needed the man. “He keeps the rest of the staff in check.”

  Vice raised a brow. “He’s too familiar.”

  Sin stood, crossing to the fire. “So your point is that I should hire more people to push me around?”

  Vice chuckled. “Well said. And no. Mary is a good woman and she’ll learn her place. In the meantime, Anne will only benefit from the Chase strength of character.”

  “Is she strong?” Sin murmured. “Mary that is. She looks so—”

  “Beautiful?” Vice asked.

  Sin turned back to Vice, the other man’s eyes sparkling with mischief. “I was going to say delicate. Fragile. Perhaps…” The sort of woman Sin might grow attached to. His chest ached with the pain of the past.

  Vice shook his head. “Don’t let her size fool you. Strength of character comes from within.”

  That was a bloody good point. “If you truly think she’ll help Anne, then she’s worth trying.”

  Vice winked again, his hand lacing behind his head. “I think she’ll do a world of good in this house.”

  Sin assessed his cousin, his thoughts twisting about in his head. Did Vice also think he was failing Anne? And even if Mary was the answer, how would he survive their cohabitation?

  Chapter Four

  Mary stood as Ada entered the room. “You didn’t need to send Vice away.”

  “Yes, I did.” She pushed up her glasses and stopped just in front of Mary. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

  Mary looked at the wall to her right. Words filled her mouth, wishing to spill all her worries to Ada but then again, Ada might tell Vice, who might then share with Sin. “Nothing is wrong.”

  “Liar,” Ada reached for her hand. “You’re upset.”

  Mary rubbed her temples, shaking her head. “I insulted his parenting right to his face,” she whispered. “Lord Sinclair almost didn’t hire me. As it is, he’s going to bring me on for a fortnight to test out the arrangement.”

  “A fortnight?” Ada squeezed her fingers. “I like Lord Sinclair a great deal, but he needs major help in the parenting department and I am so glad you’re able to give it to him. Even if he might not keep you on permanently. Though if anyone can convince him to change, it’s you.”

  “What?” Mary looked at Ada.

  Ada pursed her lips. “That child needs a little freedom to overcome her fears.”

  Warmth spread through Mary. “That’s exactly what I thought.”

  Ada nodded. “He’s grief-stricken from the loss of his wife. He can’t see that path. But you’ll aid them both. I’m sure of it.”

  Mary’s eyes widened. “I don’t know, Ada. I don’t think he liked me.” Mary didn’t add that she liked him far more than was proper. Like wasn’t exactly the word. She was drawn to him in a way she had never experienced before. The tips of her fingers tingled to touch his hair, and she’d spent far too long wondering what it’d be like to share an intimate embrace with him. Shivers trickled down her spine. Maybe more than an embrace…

  “How could he not like you?” Ada wrapped her arms about Mary. “You’re smart and fun and full of zest.” Her cousin gave her a squeeze.

  “Thank you,” Mary gave Ada a hug before stepping back. “I appreciate your words of comfort.”

  “But you’re not comforted,” Ada added, her hands coming to her hips. Slowly she looked Mary up and down as though she were studying for clues. “Something else is bothering you.”

  “No,” Mary yelped but even she knew she’d said it far too quickly and much too loudly.

  Ada slowly adjusted her spectacles on her nose. “It’s his looks, isn’t it?”

  “What?” Heat filled her cheeks. “No. Of course it isn’t.”

  Ada shook her head, waving her off. Of course her cousin didn’t believe her. “They’re distracting. One man shouldn’t be allowed to be so handsome.”

  Mary’s shoulders slumped. “The same could be said for your husband.”

  Ada tapped her chin. “True. But I wasn’t considering living full time as his employee.”

  Mary shrugged. “I’ll have to keep my head down and keep to myself, I guess.”

  Ada turned and walked toward the window. “I say you be yourself. You would do him a world of good. And for that matter you could also apply yourself to marrying him.”

  Mary gasped. “I’m the tutor. And a spinster and—”

  “From good family, beautiful, motherly, and available.” Ada turned back, a flicker of interest sparkling in her eyes. “This could be your chance to have a family of your own. You don’t say it but you feel the call. I’ve seen you around infants.”

  Mary couldn’t deny her deepest yearnings, slumping in her chair, resting her head in her hands. “If I wanted the position of wife, I probably should have made a more favorable impression on the interview.”

  Ada covered her mouth with her hand, suppressing a chuckle. “Oh Mary. That is a bit funny.”

  Mary shrugged. “And true.”

  “Funny things often are.” Ada came back to her side, laying a hand on her shoulder. “But your chance isn’t finished. Prove yourself valuable and see how your future unfolds.” Ada took a step away but then came back. “And protect your virtue. He’ll have to marry you if he wants that.”

  That made Mary’s head snap up. “He doesn’t want me that way at all.” She might be ridiculously attracted to him but he’d been the picture of control.

  “Oh please. You’re stunning and just his type, or at least that’s what Vice says.” Ada gave her a sideways glance.

  Just his type? Was that true? “What sort is that?”

  Ada shrugged then waved her hand. “Lovely, petite. You might be surprised by how much he actually likes you.”

  Mary sat back in her chair. But why would he have been so cold if he’d been interested in her?

  Sin stood just outside the front door, Anne’s hand tucked into his. In the end they’d decided to give her a few days off from lessons to get to know Mary. Might as well give her trial run a real chance at success. They’d also agreed to greet Mary when she arrived to make her feel welcome.

  Which was a decision he wanted to regret. Lords did not, as a general rule, meet staff at the door on their first day. But as Anne bounced next to him, the first real smile on her lips that he’d seen in weeks, he had a difficult time regretting the choice.

  “What do you think we’ll do?” Anne asked, dancing a bit on the end of his hand. She reminded him of a kite on a string. “Do you think we’ll go to see her cousins?”

  “I don’t know,” he answered, watching for the carriage. Was it wrong that he couldn’t wait to have another look at her?

  Anne gave another wiggle. “I’d like to see the ships at the docks.”

  He crinkled his brow, looking down at his daughter. “Miss Chase is here to teach you to be a lady, not a hooligan.”

  Ann immediately stilled. “Yes, Papa.”

  He winced. He hadn’t meant to spoil her good mood. “That doesn’t mean you won’t have fun. In fact, Mary seems to think a bit of adventure would be good for you.”

  Anne’s eyes lit again. “I can’t wait.”

  He tightened his jaw, grinding his teeth together. How had Mary come in and instantly known what his daughter needed when he didn’t have a clue. Perhaps he’d been preoccupied—at first, to keep his business afloat. Then, saving Anne from the countess, and at last, dealing with her after the traumatic kidnapping. Hopefully, he’d given Mary enough time to find out.

  The carriage rumbled through the gates and started up the drive, making its way toward them. Anne gripped his hand tightly, holding her bre
ath, and he had the urge to do the same. As the carriage ground to a halt, the driver climbed down and snapped open the door. Then Mary, lifting her skirts, climbed down from the vehicle. His breath caught as he glimpsed her slender ankle.

  The skirts fell into place and Anne bolted forward, throwing her arms wide. “Miss Chase, Miss Chase you’re here! What shall we do today?”

  Mary caught his daughter up in a hug. “The possibilities are endless,” she replied, running her hand down Anne’s braid. As requested, she’d been dressed in an old gown, the child’s hair simply styled. “But why don’t you start by showing me to my room?”

  Anne let go and clapped. “Wonderful. You’re going to stay right next to me.”

  Mary’s snapped her gaze up to his. “Not with the servants?”

  He winced, rubbing his hand on the back of his neck. “I suppose I consider your position to be more like a nanny.”

  Her gaze narrowed. “But she has a nanny already.”

  “Anne,” he should have explained more yesterday. He’d gotten distracted by his attraction to her along with her decidedly strong personality. So different from Clara. “Take Miss Chase’s bag upstairs.”

  “Yes, Papa,” Anne said, taking the bag from the driver. “Reeves can help me.”

  Reeves came down the steps. “I’d be happy to, Miss Anne.” He gave the girl a soft grin. “Shall we?” And the two of them headed off, each holding a handle of her bag.

  “I didn’t expect to see a soft side to that man,” Mary said as she watched them go.

  Sin shook his head. “He’s always been like that with her. He was like that with me too as a child.”

  Mary stepped up to his side. “That makes a great deal more sense.”

  “As to why I don’t sack him?” Sin smiled, drinking in the details of her face.

  She smiled back, so sweet and lovely. “Yes.” She stepped next to him. “I assume you wanted to speak with me about the room assignment?”

  He nodded as he held out his arm to help her up the steps. She looked down, hesitating. “I’m not a lady that you need to escort.”

  She was right of course, but he didn’t drop his elbow. “We may as well accept the fact that this is not a normal arrangement.”

  She looked up at him with her lips parted in surprise. She swallowed then asked. “How so?”

  Looking down at her like that made him ache with want, and belatedly he realized what his words might have implied. “What I mean is that you are family to my family. And the role I need from you is hardly of a normal teacher.”

  Mary gave a tentative nod, slipping her hand into the crook of his elbow. “That makes sense.”

  He started up the stairs. “You should know that Anne has been having nightmares. The nanny has tried everything to get her to sleep through the night but nothing’s worked.”

  “Poor thing,” Mary murmured, drawing in a shuddering breath. “So I am next to her to help her at night as well as during the day?”

  “If you are willing,” he answered. “But even if you’re not, we both know you are not a normal servant in this house. A fact I’ll share with Reeves as well. I gather from your comment that he was less than friendly yesterday?”

  Shaking her head, she looked up to him again. “It doesn’t matter. I’m sure he was only being protective of Anne.”

  Sin stopped in the foyer, turning partially toward her. “He likely was, but it will be my job to protect you as well while you are under my roof. If I don’t, my guess is I’ll be answering to Vice.”

  Mary gave him a sidelong glance. “Did he come here yesterday? Was he meddling?” Her fingers tightened about his elbow, her grip rather firm. “Ada put him up to it. I’m sure of it. What did he say? Tell me he didn’t embarrass you or me or both of us?”

  Sin opened his mouth, not sure what to say. What did she mean by embarrass? But he didn’t get a chance to ask as Anne returned back down the stairs. “Mary,” she bounced in front of her new tutor. “Would you like to come see your room.”

  Mary’s hand slipped from his arm. He should be happy that Anne was so elated but some part of him missed Mary’s touch on his arm.

  As she glided gracefully up the stairs, he reminded himself that he didn’t need another woman like her complicating his life. But somehow, he couldn’t make his body agree.

  Chapter Five

  Mary watched the child bounce about the bedroom. Her plan was already working. At least she hoped it was. Her goal was to build Anne’s confidence during the day to help her cope with fear at night.

  “What shall we do Miss Chase?” the child sang. “Take a great adventure?”

  Mary laughed. “Yes. A fantastic one full of adventure, mystery, and activity.”

  “Where?” Anne bounced on her heels. “Where shall we go?”

  Lord Sinclair had implied the child was struggling with fear but thus far, Mary had seen no evidence of that fact. “To the garden,” she replied, suppressing a grin when Anne let out a loud groan.

  “The garden?”

  “Yes. The garden.” She crossed the room reaching for one of her bags. “But I think we’ll take this with us.”

  “What is it?” Anne asked her eyes growing larger as she stepped toward Mary.

  “Take a look,” Mary answered, unclasping the bag.

  Anne set the bag on the bed and then opened it slowly, letting out a loud gasp as she looked inside. “They’re so beautiful.”

  Mary gave one of the girl’s braids a tug. “I thought you’d like them.”

  Grace, an accomplished artist, had allowed Mary to raid her art supplies. Sketch books, charcoals, paints, and brushes graced the inside of the bag. “Today I think we’ll start with the charcoal and work our way to painting. Next week, Grace will come over to give you some lessons.”

  Anne let go of the bag to clap wildly as she spun about. “Papa, did you hear? We’re going to draw in the garden.”

  “I heard,” Lord Sinclair rumbled from the doorway.

  Her entire body tensed at the sound. She hadn’t heard him come down the hall, thanks to the carpeting, and she heated as she wondered how long he’d been watching. She turned to face him, straightening in a show of strength that she didn’t feel. “Can we picnic for the noon meal as well?”

  Anne gasped with delight. “A picnic. Oh, yes, please!” Then she danced over to her father. “Papa. You should picnic with us too. Wouldn’t that be fun?”

  Inwardly Mary groaned. She came here for Anne and despite her earlier pondering about fulfilling a few fantasies with Lord Sinclair, she’d realized the foolishness of that idea the moment she’d arrived. He was her employer. And she had a future to build.

  “It does sound fun, sweetheart.” He pushed off the doorframe and entered the room. “If that’s all right with Miss Chase?”

  “Of course.” She nodded, looking at Anne. She was going to have to overcome this attraction or her post would be short-lived. “Will the cook permit us to pack it ourselves before we go out?”

  “I’m sure she would but she could pack it for you and I could take it out.”

  His voice rumbled through her as she continued to watch the girl dance about the room. She was determined not to look at Lord Sinclair while she brought herself back under control.

  Swallowing, she drew in a deep breath. “That’s quite all right. We’ll pack it ourselves.” Then she reached for Anne’s hand as the girl slipped her fingers into Mary’s. “Anne, since your Papa will be our distinguished guest, do you know what he might like to eat or should we ask him?”

  Anne crinkled her brow. “He likes chicken. And lamb…” The child looked up to the ceiling. “And meat pies.”

  Mary gave her an appreciative smile. “Excellent. I bet you can pack him all his favorite things.”

  Anne nodded eagerly. “Wouldn’t that be grand. I’ll go tell Cook.” And with that the girl darted off.

  “Well,” Lord Sinclair rumbled as the girl disappeared. “You’ve certainly go
t her excited.”

  Mary nodded. “Indeed.”

  “Is there a method to all this enthusiasm?” He moved closer. She felt his heat through her clothes. Her fingers clenched into her skirts.

  “There is,” she answered. “Being useful. Doing for others builds confidence in ourselves.” She drew in a deep breath. “And she seems interested in drawing. I want her to be good at things. But…” This made her smile. “For our first days, I thought we would stay on the property. Test out her fears and what drives them.”

  His hand came up to her shoulder. She hadn’t expected it and a shiver raced down her spine at his touch. “Thank you for taking on the position. I’m very hopeful to see what the next few weeks bring.”

  Heat radiated from her face. “I haven’t done anything yet. Reserve your thanks until I’ve been successful.”

  He brushed his fingers down her arm. “I see a difference in her already and for my part…” He hesitated. “You were right yesterday. I thought by guiding her on proper presentation for a lady I was doing the job of a mother—”

  Her insides twisted. How difficult it must be for him to raise a daughter on his own. “I spoke out of turn and truly, you are a caring and concerned father. She couldn’t ask for more.”

  Silence fell between them, but he didn’t move away. In fact, if anything, he drifted closer. Her own breath stalled in her chest. “Thank you,” he finally whispered.

  “You’re welcome,” she replied, a lump of nerves clogging her throat. “I should go help Anne.” Then, breaking from his side, she lifted her skirts to walk more quickly to the door. She needed a bit of space because wild fantasies of kissing him and Ada’s words had begun echoing through her head.

  Mary was going to be the death of him. Sin stood in her room and did a slow circle as he assessed her bags and trunk. Nothing had been unpacked, most were neatly stacked under the window where the valet had likely left them.

  One sat open on the bed, the very one that had sent Anne into cries of elation. Why hadn’t art lessons occurred to him? And picnics?