One would think a person, having displayed such undignified behavior, would have the decency to look ashamed.
Not this one.
Putting the entire incident behind her, she began sounding more like the spinster he’d initially taken her for.
“You girls ought not to have left your father. I would be devastated if Peaches ran away from me, absolutely heartbroken. I imagine your father felt even worse.” Both girls nodded solemnly.
She glanced back at him, but only for a moment, taking the opportunity to lift Peaches from Althea’s arms and inspecting the knot on the leading string. “Now that these two are safe and sound, Peaches and I had best be on our way. You two girls be good.”
And then one more glance in his direction. “The girls really ought to have a nanny, or a governess, my lord. They’re naturally curious and a good teacher will keep their minds occupied and less likely to find trouble.”
Willoughby straightened his spine, irritated at being advised by a perfect stranger. Not that it was any of her business, but a new governess awaited the girls in London. What manner of idiot did she take him for?
He merely tipped his hat. “Nonetheless, madam, I thank you for your assistance.”
She held his gaze, only for a moment. Her lips parted as though she had something more to say, but then closed tight again.
She nodded. “You are quite welcome.”
And then, after allowing the girls to say goodbye to her absurd excuse for a dog, head held high with that ridiculous hat, she marched away from them all.
Reminiscing
Holding both his girls’ hands, Willoughby shook the sense of melancholy threatening to settle over him.
“We’d best get ourselves back to the carriage now.” He’d had enough of this particular village and carnival.
“But Papa, we only just arrived!” Eloise complained.
“And took ten years off my life for disappearing like that.” Willoughby never had any trouble at any time, other than in his dealings with his daughters. With this in mind, he deepened his scowl.
And it made no difference to his daughter whatsoever.
“It wasn’t my fault. I simply had to go after Althea. Would you have preferred I didn’t bother following Althea when I noticed that she’d slipped off?”
“You should simply have told me.”
“But you were speaking with Coachman John.”
It seemed he never would win any arguments with this little one. Nonetheless, taking one of their hands into each of his, he began leading them between the cacophony of exhibits and tents.
“A penny to hear your fortune!” A woman draped in colorful scarves beckoned to passersby. He lengthened his stride, practically dragging the girls beside him. Then woman lifted her hand and pointed. “You, sir. Wouldn’t you like to know what lies ahead for you and your daughters?"
Utter nonsense.
And yet, a chill ran down his spine.
And of course, Eloise began jumping up and down. “Do it, Papa! And then we can leave! Look at her dress. Isn’t it pretty? You need to find out what our futures are, Papa. And then can we get a puppy? One like Peaches?”
Althea remained silent but tugged at his other arm. He paused in his steps and exhaled a long slow breath.
Daughters.
The fortune was only a penny. If he appeased them in this one thing, they could then be on their way.
“We’ll do the fortune, but not the puppy.”
Eloise squealed and Althea frowned.
