Ruby began to tidy the room while Ella chattered about her upcoming outing.
Two weeks ago, Forrest Howarth had told her it had been he who saved her and Adam that night six months ago. If she had needed another reason to feel indebted to that man, those words had been it. He had then kissed her.
A mere brush of his lips, which was highly improper, but she could not find it in her to regret it. Of course, she’d told him that it must never happen again, but the truth was, that fleeting kiss had felt wonderful.
She’d never wanted the cold loveless marriage her parents had. Deep inside she’d wished to love a man one day. A man like Forrest Howarth. Kind, caring, and respected by those he called family.
He would be easy to love.
He had kept his distance from her since; in fact, it was almost like that interlude had not happened. His words were impersonal if they did speak, and he usually did not stay overlong when she was in the room. Whatever that moment in time had been, it was now well and truly behind him. In fact, she believed he regretted his actions.
Ruby had told herself this was a good thing, but that kiss unsettled her. That single meeting of lips in the park that day made her feel something she’d never felt before. A yearning for more.
It was just a few seconds, you fool.
“Ruby, you must make haste!”
“I’m sure you will have a wonderful time, Ella. I will stay here.”
“But you are coming also. Uncle Michael said it was so.” Ella frowned. “You do wish to have a Gunter’s ice, don’t you? I have heard that the orange blossom is wonderful also!”
“I’m sure your nanny will go with you, Ella.”
“It is her afternoon off. She is to visit her mother who is ill, but will return by the time we are back from our outing.” Ella could be fiercely determined when required. “Uncle Zach and the others are riding with us, and said to tell you to collect your coat and bonnet, and mine, then we shall meet downstairs.”
That smile often wrapped her uncles around her finger. Ruby had seen it happen. Each of the Deville brothers always found a reason to visit the nursery daily. Even Lord and Lady Raine when they were here. The love they felt for this little girl was obvious.
She often felt a stab of jealousy when she watched how much Ella was loved. How Mr. Howarth adored his child. Adam should have been loved like that. Instead, he’d been shunned by the very people whose blood he carried.
“Ruby, hurry,” Ella said.
“Very well. Let us collect our things.”
Soon they were dressed and ready for their outing.
“Ready?” she asked Ella, who looked sweet in her chipped bonnet and white dress. She hadn’t wanted to put on her coat, so Ruby carried it.
“Yes, let’s go.” She took Ruby’s hand and tugged her out the door.
They arrived downstairs to find quite a crowd outside. Mr. Michael Deville and Miss MacDougall. On horseback was Miss Carlow, the blond beauty who was to marry Mr. Deville, who stood at her side. Mr. Zachariel Deville was also there. Mr. Howarth held the carriage door open.
“Shall we be off?” He was looking at Ruby.
Climbing inside, she moved into the corner. Ella sat beside her, and Mr. Howarth next to her. Mr. Michael Deville and his fiancée took the seat opposite.
She looked out the window as the carriage started moving, wondering what Adam was doing. She hated that the only day he could leave the house was on her day off.
Yesterday Beatrice had paid Mr. Robins the rent in full for all the residents of 11 Nobby Lane for the entire month. Ruby had been with her, watching the transaction to ensure he or his wife did not try to do anything underhanded. Mrs. Robins had clucked her tongue and said she had no idea where that money came from but had happily walked away with it clenched in her fist.
If only they knew.
“Is my niece the most intelligent student you have ever taught, Miss Knight?”
“Oh, indeed.” Ruby looked at Michael Deville. “I have come across no one who excels quite like Ella does.”
Mr. Howarth snorted. “You do realize she has enough adoration. I employed you in the hopes you would keep her grounded.”
His smile hit her hard in the chest. It was the first genuine one he’d given her since the kiss.
