This was exactly the right thing to bring into the conversation and both boys became animated and asked questions. His initial unease about Rupert's character was hopefully incorrect.
He sent them off to speak to his head groom who'd hopefully guide them to suitable mounts once he'd seen how well they rode. There was still no sign of the other two girls and he was slightly concerned, then thought they'd already eaten in their rooms.
Eloise hadn't spoken a single word to anyone but Lucille. She made no eye contact and flinched every time he spoke to her.
'Eloise, sweetheart, would you like to come with us to my study? I've got paper and pencils if you wish to draw.'
She didn't look at him but he saw a faint nodding movement which was a start.
'Are you ready for this conversation, Charlotte, or do you wish to return to your apartment and we'll talk later?'
Before she could answer Sofia came in followed by her sister and Annabel and also by his dogs who were forbidden anywhere but the study. He was on his feet ready to step between them and the little girl but there was no need.
'Look at the dogs, Mama, they're as big as me. I like doggies.'
Sofia dropped to her knees and beckoned the little girl across. 'This one with the darker coat is Caliban, the other's called Othello. They are gentle giants and will be delighted to make your acquaintance.'
*
Sofia was aware of the earl's disapproval without having to look up and see his formidable expression. She pushed that aside and continued to interact with the child. She wished that her inexcusable suggestion had not been uttered, but it couldn't be retracted and she must live with the consequences. The only positive benefit she could see was that now she didn't have to marry him.
'Why don't you take the dogs into the corridor, Eloise, and you can play with them out there? They shouldn't really be somewhere people are eating.'
A pair of polished hessians appeared beside her – the objectionable wearer of these boots had walked over to join them. She braced herself for another scorching set down.
'Miss Brotherton, my dogs are not allowed anywhere in the house apart from my study.'
'Your niece's enjoying their company, sir, and it would be unkind to deprive her of that but, of course, this is your home and your word is law.'
She stood up and took the little girl's hand deliberately avoiding looking at him. 'Come along, dearest, we'll take the dogs outside. I'm sure I saw there's a stick or two we could throw to see if they'll fetch it for us.'
The dogs followed her ignoring their master and Sofia wasn't sure if this was something to rejoice or not. She'd already caused enough disruption in his life without alienating his beloved pets.
'There's no need for you to miss your breakfast, Miss Brotherton, I'll take the dogs into the garden with my niece.'
Immediately she stepped aside not sure if Eloise would agree to go with him.
'Would you care to hold my hand, sweetheart, or would you like to travel on my back?'
Eloise didn't answer but slipped her tiny hand into his. Sofia wasn't surprised really, after all it was only she that he no longer liked. He was a good, kind man and she'd recognised that at once.
Still with her back to him she headed for the laden sideboard. She was indeed hungry, even disappointment, disapproval and disaster had failed to dampen her appetite.
Something cold and wet pressed into her hand. Her heart flipped. The dogs had decided to remain with her. She fondled both heads and spoke firmly, but quietly to them.
'No, my lovely boys, you should be outside with Eloise and Lord Brotherton not in here upsetting the status quo.'
Instead of doing as she asked they sat down as if guarding her. This had now become an awkward circumstance. Their behaviour was exacerbating the situation between herself and James. There was only one thing she could do and that was go with them and hopefully avoid further unpleasantness.
'Then it seems I must accompany you to the garden.'
Her heart was hammering behind her bodice and she dreaded to think what he might be about to say to her. She turned, her eyes widened and her mouth literally dropped open.
He was leaning against the door frame, a smile playing over his mobile lips, his eyes laughing at her. Why was he not angry that she'd somehow become the favourite of his dogs?
Eloise was watching, her hand still in his and not at all upset which meant that he wasn't either. Children and animals picked up on that sort of thing.
'I thought I was to remain here indefinitely, Miss Brotherton, as to go outside without the dogs would somewhat defeat the purpose, don't you think?'
