“She brought me some fresh scones and coffee.”
“Gad, she is such a little kitten.” Gideon could not suppress his smile. “Why in blazes did she do that?”
Bonham shrugged. “She noticed I was alone in that big house, guarding it all by myself, not a cook or other servant in sight. She was concerned you had abandoned me there with nothing to eat.”
“Dear heaven, is this girl for real?” Gideon muttered.
“She is quite the do-gooder,” Bonham said with a chuckle. “I told her the glass doors would be going in tomorrow. That’s the last of the structural work to be done. Next is painting and decorating. Have you done anything about that?”
Gideon leaned back in his chair and groaned. “No.”
“I thought not. You ought to ask for Lady Berry’s help. I know she wants to give it, and I think she is very good at this sort of thing. She understands elegance. That is the way to show up those fancy nobs. It is not about shoving your wealth in their faces. They will only mock you for it. No, you need to be subtle and show them that an orphan out of St. Brigid’s can match them in refinement.”
“Is this your idea or Lady Berry’s?”
“She may have mentioned it to me over coffee.”
Gideon was surprised. “So, the two of you conversed? Does she no longer think you are hard of hearing?”
“Oh, she still thinks I am deaf as a post,” Bonham said, once more chuckling. “Honestly, Gideon. She’s just…so adorably gullible. I know I will have to tell her sometime soon, or else I will truly go deaf. My ears are still ringing from this morning’sconversation because she was shouting her opinions and ideas into them the entire time I showed her around the house.”
Gideon’s eyes widened in surprise. “You gave her a tour of my house?”
“Yes, why not? She’s been there many times. Have you forgotten that she and the Duchess of Durham were good friends? To be honest, she offered some very helpful advice.” Bonham winced. “Of course, she shouted all of it into my ears.”
Gideon gave a hearty burst of laughter. “She is going to hate us when we tell her the truth.”
“I’ll confess it, if you want me to.”
“No, not yet. I’ll tell her myself in my own good time.”
“Just do it before my ears start bleeding.”
He shook his head and laughed again. “All right, but you must admit it is fun. Harmless fun. Since I am encouraging this prank, I’ll shoulder responsibility for the consequences.”
“You had better.” Bonham shrugged. “But I’m sure she’ll forgive you. She has a heart of gold, doesn’t she?”
“Yes.”
Which was what worried Gideon. She was a lamb who needed protecting from all the wolves out there. It could be said that he was the most dangerous of all. Not merely a wolf but a fearsome black dragon, as was now imprinted on his skin.
He was dangerous, but Berry should never fear him.
She was his to protect.
And protect her he would.
The more serious concern was that Lord Berwick getting too old to look after her would have thosetonvultures sensing it and starting to circle her.
Mrs. Garland was already of no use, merely a warm body residing with Berry for the sake of respectability. It seemed the roles had been reversed for months now, Berry assuming the task of caring for her.
“I think I will invite Lady Berry and Lord Berwick to dine with me at the Denby Arms this evening. I know Berwick wants to involve me as soon as possible in matters concerning the orphanage fund. I can ask Lady Berry’s opinion on decorating at that time.”
“What about Jasmine? Or Chloe? You haven’t gone near them since meeting Lady Berry. Weren’t they supposed to attend somedemimondesalon with you?”
“Let Pudge escort them. Or let him guard my Duchess Square property tonight, and you take the ladies to that party. Test your diction on the upper-class nobs who will be there.”
“Not a bad idea. I think it’s time I tried my hand at passing as a gentleman. Fine. I’ll escort them. I’ll need proper evening attire.”
