“Problem?” Mr. Howarth stopped until they caught up to him. He held Ella’s hand, her little one engulfed in his large warm one. A hand that would hold and care for a child.
“No.” She managed a tight smile. “Please carry on.”
His blue eyes went from her to Zach, then a dark brow rose.
“I was attempting to move Ruby closer to the rest of us, as I was getting a crick in my neck looking over my shoulder to speak with her. However, she says it is the proper course of action for her to walk behind us.”
“We are not really a family that stands on ceremony. Come along.” She felt Mr. Howarth’s long fingers wrap around her upper arm, and then she was being propelled forward.
“Release me,” she whispered, eyes shooting left and right.
He did, but only when they drew level with the others.
“How is your brother, Miss Knight?”
“Pardon?”
“Adam. How is he? Gabe, Dimity, and Abby spoke highly of him and your friends,” Mr. Zachariel Deville said.
“Well, thank you.”
“You must one day bring him to meet us at the townhouse. Perhaps he could spend the day with Ella and help with lessons?”
“I don’t think that will be possible, sir.” She shot a side look at Mr. Howarth.
“Ella was quite taken with Adam and would love him to join her in the nursery. If he wishes to come, that is,” Mr. Howarth said. “I could send a carriage for him if you feel the distance is too great to walk?” She felt his eyes on her.
“I don’t—”
“We are being waved forward by a gaggle of Sinclairs and a Ryder.” Mr. Zachariel Deville interrupted her.
“Excellent,” Mr. Howarth propelled Ruby forward with a hand in her spine.
“The Sinclair and Raven families are like us, Ruby, and do not give a fig about making a spectacle in public,” Mr. Michael Deville said.
Ruby watched him raise a hand and wave.
“We are being summoned, therefore we must acquiesce,” Mr. Howarth said. “Come along, Miss Knight.”
She couldn’t very well refuse as he still had her arm.
“Mr. Howarth, it really is not right for you to be doing this.”
“Would you rather I leave you standing alone behind us then? Where would you wait while we partake of refreshments?”
“Yes. I can watch over Ella from”—her eyes looked around them and found a small patch of grass and a few trees—“there.” She pointed.
“Why? You are a person, and as such deserve to be treated with respect. Surely that kiss is now forgotten and we can move on.” He said the last softly so only she could hear.
It would never be forgotten by Ruby.
“Yes, of course, but this familiarity is just not right.”
His sigh was loud as he turned her to face him.
“Ruby… Miss Knight. Please leave worrying about our reputation to us. You are part of our household on a daily basis, surely that suggests we treat you with respect?”
He wore a jacket of deep midnight blue and a waistcoat the same color. His shirt was white, as was his necktie. He was dressed like any number of men wandering about the place. But for some reason, this man was the one who made her heart flutter.
