“I agree wholeheartedly,” his mother returned. “I have some connections in London myself. Allow me to set matters to rights.”
Mrs. Givens inclined her head. “That would be most appreciated, my lady.”
The glance his mother sent toward him told him everything that he needed to know. She had given her approval.
“Granmama! Look what I did!”
Brandt held his breath, because although he intended to convince Ada to meet his ward, he had hoped she might feel comfortable around his parents first.
“What is it, darling?” his mother cooed as the child appeared oblivious to the fact they had a guest. She skipped right up to her with dark curls bouncing and blue eyes shining bright and held up a sheet of paper with a proud expression on her face.
“I drew a horse!”
“Did you?” his mother exclaimed. She glanced toward the doorway, which remained empty. “And have you shown this masterpiece to Nanny?”
Those dark curls danced as she shook her head. “No. She’s resting, but she thinks I don’t know it.” She grinned widely and then held up a hand to her cheek as if imparting a great secret. Brandt had to smile, because the whisper that followed was quite clearly heard by all. “She naps in her chair a lot.”
“Oh, I see,” his mother said. “We might have to do something about that.”
“No!” Arabella said emphatically. “Then I wouldn’t be able to sneak down to the kitchens anymore and—” She quickly clamped a hand over her mouth, her eyes growing wide. “Cook told me I wasn’t supposed to tell. I spoiled the secret, and now I shouldn’t get any more sweetmeats!”
She looked as though she might burst into tears at any moment, but to his surprise, it was Mrs. Givens who stepped in. She reached into her reticule and held out a coin. “Maybe you can buy some of your own instead,” she suggested.
Arabella wiped her nose with the back of her hand, which made his mother roll her eyes in distress, but she was ignored as she walked tentatively over to Mrs. Givens. If there was one thing he could say about her, she wasn’t shy around people she didn’t know. “Who are you?” she asked boldly.
“Arabella,” he chided gently. “That was impolite. You should say, how do you do and then wait to be introduced.”
She scrunched up her nose but gave a slight curtsy. “How do you do?” Then she turned to him and demanded. “Who is she?”
Brandt couldn’t help but chuckle. “Arabella, this is Mrs. Ada Givens.” He looked at Ada. “This is Miss Arabella Jenkins, my ward.”
Chapter 5
The instant the small child made her way into the room, Ada’s breath hitched. She had often longed for a daughter with the same, bright personality. To see what she might have had with Archie had their own children survived birth, was like having a razor cut out her heart.
Ada hadn’t intended on speaking to the child, but she hadn’t been able to resist drying the unshed tears that glimmered in those big, blue eyes. She had to smile at the bold manner she had, and the open, innocent curiosity that was evident in her direct stare. She was too young to know proper comportment, and yet, Ada found her demeanor refreshing.
As Mr. Clarke performed the introductions, she couldn’t help but recall his proposal. If she accepted it, she could spend all the time she wanted with Miss Jenkins and raise her with all the love and devotion she would have given to her own daughter. But when it came to giving up her freedom, it was a lofty price to pay. At this point, even for little Arabella, she wasn’t sure she could do it.
“Can I have the coin now?”
Ada snapped out of her reverie and held out the coin to her small hand. She eagerly grasped it with chubby little fingers. “Thank you!” She gave a giggle of excitement, before she turned to her father. “Look, Papa!”
“I see that,” he said softly. “Why don’t you go show it to Nanny? And maybe remind her that she needs to stay awake while she is supposed to be watching you.”
She nodded eagerly and scurried out the door.
His mother sank back down on the settee and put a hand on her forehead. “That child is much too energetic.”
Brandt snorted. “No, you are just getting older.”
She glared at him. “Perish the thought.”
Ada enjoyed the easy comradery they shared. It wasn’t often that families were so openly caring, nor able to jest in such a friendly manner. She was impressed with his family so far, and thankful that she’d made the trip into the city.
“Have I missed the first course yet?”
Ada turned to see an older version of Mr. Clarke, which told her this could only be the baron. With his boisterous laugh and wide grin, she could easily picture him as a rogue in his youth. And when he approached his wife after introductions were made, he bussed a kiss on her cheek, which told Ada that theirs was a love match. While it might not have started out that way, since most aristocratic marriages did not, it had turned into something fulfilling and true.
