Fortunately, she didn’t fall. Sadie was sure-footed and quick as she made it high enough in the branches that she could stand up and whisper in Lacy’s ear.
He had no idea what she said. What would he have said if he were up there? Something soothing, something that bribed Lacy to come down, something about wrapping her arms around his neck and holding on tight as he climbed down.
Whatever Sadie said, it wasn’t that last part because a few minutes later, the Scotswoman started to climb back down.
“What are you doing?” he gasped. “Carry her down!”
Miss Allen frowned. “Are you crazy? I’m strong, but not that strong. And it would end this dress for sure.”
“I’ll pay for another dress,” he growled, but now he was very worried about her strength. “Never mind. I’ll get her.”
“You’ll do no such thing,” she countered as she waited a good two feet below his daughter. “Lacy made her way up there, she’s strong enough to come down.”
“Down is harder!”
“And Lacy is smarter!” She shot a harsh look at him. “Don’t make her think she’s fragile. She can climb down on her own. She doesn’t need anyone to save her.”
He could tell that that was a phrase she used often. No one to save her. And he wondered what kind of people—or lack thereof—had colored her life that she didn’t depend on anyone.
He stored that question away to ask later. His first priority was to see that both females got to the ground safely.
“Come on down, Lacy. I’m here to catch you if you need.”
“I don’t,” came his daughter’s firm voice. It wasn’t very loud, but he heard the determination in it as if it had come straight from the Scotswoman’s mouth.
He held his breath as the two females descended. To his relief, he saw that Miss Allen stayed close enough below his daughter to help if Lacy needed it.
Neither of them did.
And when Lacy came low enough to grab off the tree, he reached out only to be pushed aside by Miss Allen.
“What—” he began but she cut him off.
“She’ll reach the ground by herself,” she said.
The fury in her face made him back up a step, but only a step. He could catch Lacy now, even with Minette wrapped around his neck.
He didn’t need to. Lacy made it to the ground and the pride in her face when she finally stood on the grass made his heart swell. My God, what a fierce child she was!
Then he glanced at Miss Allen who was equally proud. She squatted down in front of Lacy—clearly oblivious to the stains she was putting in her skirt—and gave the child a hug.
“You did it. You are a strong girl. Next time you climb, pick a bigger tree.” She glanced at Heath. “And choose a time when your father can watch you go all the way up and all the way down.”
His daughter grinned at Miss Allen, then she turned to her father. “I did it by myself,” she said.
“Yes, you did.”
“And what a naughty girl you are!” cried Nanny as she ran forward. “Climbing a tree when you know better. Ladies don’t climb trees!”
“Miss Allen did!”
“Because she’s no lady,” Nanny declared tartly.
And to Heath’s shock, he saw the onlookers—all society ladies and gentleman—nod their agreement. Good God, they believed that drivel?
“Nanny,” he said coldly.
“Yes, my lord. I’m so sorry—”
