Mr. Diard’s pursuit of her had increased, and Dimity may not feel for him what she did for the earl, but surely respect would lead to that?
“I will have tea brought at once and speak with Mrs. Liall to see who can help care for the child while her father is unwell,” Fairfax said as they entered a room.
“We need some cloths and blankets, please, Fairfax,” Dimity added.
“Very good, Miss Brown. I shall see to it at once.”
Dimity looked at the piano. It was the second one in the household; the other was in the small music parlor. This one, she’d learned, had been played by the late Countess of Raine. She’d never used it.
“Please use the piano, Dimity,” Lord Raine said, as if sensing her thoughts.
“I can go to the music room, as I will feel more comfortable there.”
“Sit,” he said in that voice that set her teeth on edge. It was filled with authority, and she was sure everyone but his siblings jumped when he used it.
Remember, he is an earl. It is not your place to agree or disagree with him. Only to obey, she reminded herself.
“As you wish, my lord.”
“Dimity,” he warned. “Stop whatever this is.”
“If you’ll allow it, my lord, I will remove her outer clothing.”
“Why would I not allow it?” he growled.
She sat with the babe on her lap, ignoring him, and began to take off Ella’s bonnet and gloves. Next came the shoes.
“You’re a man, and what’s more, a pompous nobleman,” the duchess said from her position beside the bookshelf. “There is every chance you may object to seeing the girl not fully dressed.”
“Which means what exactly?” he snapped. “She’s wearing her dress, isn’t she?”
“If you rise to every insult I hurl at you, it will make me extremely happy, Lord Raine,” the duchess crowed.
“Vixen,” Dimity heard him say.
“It is my fondest wish to be so,” the duchess replied.
“What?” He looked at Dimity.
“I did not speak, my lord—as is befitting my station,” she added serenely.
“God’s blood, stop this nonsense now, Dimity.”
Ignoring him, she made her way to the piano with Ella.
“I am not reading to you, and there will be no impromptu literary salon,” she heard him say to the duchess. “Now if you will excuse me, I will check on my cousin.”
Dimity sat on the piano stool and lifted the child to her lap. She then eased out a slow breath as the earl left the room.
She played whatever came to mind and sang several nursery rhythms. Ella clapped, clearly enjoying the performance.
“Forrest would like to see Ella.”
She’d not noticed his return, as she’d been caught up in the music.
“You play and sing beautifully, Dimity. I don’t believe I’ve told you that before.”
“It’s very gracious of you to say so, my lord.” His lips thinned at her words, but he said nothing, simply taking Ella and leaving again.
