He made a clucking sound under his breath that had her back stiffening. Really, was there anyone who could annoy you more than a sibling you loved with every fiber of your being?
“Well, it is highly irregular for a woman to want to challenge, as we have never before allowed—”
“I’ll do it,” Liberty said before she could stop herself.
“I thought you might,” Edward said, looking smug. “I knew that highly irregular and women comment would do it,” he added, leaning in to whisper the words into her ear.
“You are a sneaky rodent,” she whispered back.
“It’s extremely lucky you love me then,” he said, wriggling his nose.
“Come along, Lady Liberty,” Mr. Hasslebach said, looking uncomfortable.
“She is a duke’s daughter, sir, if that makes the pain of her competingin your chess competition easier to bear,” Edward said in a hard tone.
“It’s all right, brother.” Liberty patted his arm. “I’m used to men believing women are a distant second to them.”
“They’re not,” he said. “Beat them, sister.”
She leaned in to kiss his cheek.
They took her name and then she stood in line behind a man who smiled at her, which settled her nerves slightly.
“I’m not sure I should do this, Edward. Mother will not be pleased.”
“She is not here, and don’t tell me you constantly don’t do things she has no wish for you to.”
“Someone could see and report back to her.”
“We will say it’s your look alike. Now you need to do this for your fellow womankind, I will find an excellent vantage point where I can glare at people if they question your right to be here.”
“And I suppose it will be close to where that vendor is selling bags of roasted chestnuts?”
“Very likely.”
She stood there watching the four tables set up. All occupied by men. She would definitely need her glasses for this one. Opening her reticule, she put them on and felt the tightness in her temples ease. If there were indeed hell to pay when her mother found out, which she surely would, she may as well get told off for wearing her glasses, too.
Ten minutes later Liberty was seated across from a bear of a man who smirked at her. She smiled back sweetly, and then focused on everything she’d learned in all those chess books her father had in his office. The ones she’d pored over for hours, and then sat at his chess board and put into action.
“I will go easy on you, madam.”
She simpered, well, thought she did, as it wasn’t something she’d ever mastered. “You are too kind.”
Liberty then set about beating him soundly.
Chapter Seventeen
Toby had introducedAnthony, Jamie, and Evie to Florence this morning. She had been shy, but happy enough to take tea with everyone. He’d explained they were his friends, which seemed to relax her slightly. Barnaby had also been a success, and coaxed food out of Anthony and Jamie, which was no easy task.
After they’d left, Toby did what Evie had told him to. With trepidation, and a touch of fear, he’d gone to the nursery to ask Miss Haigh if he could take Florence and Barnaby out for a walk. The nanny seemed pleased and offered to come. He’d said he would be fine and hoped he was right.
Toby wasn’t sure if he should be alone with this child’s welfare in his hands, but Evie said for them to truly bond, he needed to show her he could look after her alone. He’d protested, but she’d shut every one of his objections down, until finally Toby had given in.
Since the night he’d gone to the nursery after the ball, things had changed for the better between them. He knew that. Florence talked to him now. Not a lot, but if he asked her a question, she answered. She also let him read a bedtime story to her every evening. Toby treasured those moments.
He liked to see her smile and decided it would be his life’s work to continue making her happy. Another thing he’d realized for certain was he now did indeed need a wife, but he would have to make that selection carefully, as Florence’s happiness was paramount to any decision.
“It’s a nice day for a walk in the park,” Toby said as they left the house. Holding out his hand, he held his breath until her little fingers slipped into his. Her hand was the most precious thing he’d ever held.
