A frown creased her brow. “That’s true. I do hope she hasn’t taken ill. Of course, the new Earl of Maudsley has been sniffing about. Perhaps he’s put her off.” Her delicate shudder reached through to him.
“You’re not fond of the new earl, I take it?”
“Nor would you be if you were a woman within reaching distance of his late cousin.”
Loren permitted a small smile. “Yes, I see your point.” Maudsley had been abhorrent. His death had been a service for all humanity, but most especially, for women and children.You’re welcome, he acknowledged silently.
He returned Lady Alymer to Lady Ingleby’s side only to find his own mother had flitted to another group surrounded by empty-headed debutantes. He made his way to the terrace for much needed air, pulling out a cheroot, then jerked back as the trees seemed to mock him with their incoherent words.
He strolled back in, aiming for the interior walls, barely able to contain his rage. His mother would be lucky to live out the night.
Fourteen
T
he girls are sleeping, Lady Maudsley.”
It was an effort not to rush up the three flights of stairs, wake them, and take them home. “Thank you, Peg. Perhaps I’ll just look in on them,” Ginny said.
“Very good, m’lady.”
“Why don’t you stay the night, Ginny?” Lorelei said, handing off her cloak and bonnet to her staid butler, Oswald. “You know we’ve plenty of room.”
Brock stiffened beside her.
“Thank you, Lorelei. I’d like to look in on the children before deciding.” She handed over her pelisse. Brock’s gaze bored through her shoulders, but she refused to look back at him.
Upstairs, outside the nursery, Ginny pushed on the door. Silvery moonbeams sliced the room. Someone stirred in the bed closest to the windows. “Mama?” It was Irene. “You’re not due to return until tomorrow. Is all well?”
The sound of her voice filled Ginny with relief and joy. “Of course.” She made her way to Irene’s side and perched on the edge of the bed. “I couldn’t wait another day to see you. Perhaps a hug would be in order?” she said softly.
In a move of the sweetest pain, Irene launched her small body into Ginny, her tiny arms almost choking her. Ginny buried her wet eyes in her stoic daughter’s neck and hugged her back as hard as she could. “Have you missed me, pet?”
Irene pulled back, taking a piece of Ginny’s heart with her. She tugged at the top sheet and dabbed at her eyes before folding her hands in her lap. “Frankly, Mama, Nathan has strained my last nerve. I’m ready to return home and begin our stay-safe lessons in earnest.”
“Mama?” Celia sat up in the other bed.
“It’s me, poppet.”
“Can we go home?”
That settled it. “Yes.” Ginny stood up. “Let’s get you girls dressed. Hurry now. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
The Kimpton carriage was dark but for the low glow of one interior lamp.
“I thought you would have left by the time I came back downstairs,” Ginny told Brock.
The moon enhanced the translucent skin of her neck. Brock kept a protective hold on Cecilia’s sleeping form to keep her from bouncing to the floor in the rocking buggy. “I had an inkling. Hence the reason I asked Thorne to leave his carriage available. Strongly going against his wife’s wishes, I might add.” Cecilia was leaning against him with her eyes closed, her thumb solidly embedded in her mouth. Next to Ginny, Irene sat upright and as prim and proper as one of the Almack’s staunches patronesses.
“Will you be starting our safe-guard lessons in the morning, Lord Brockway? I’ll admit, I was wary when Mama first mentioned them, but after Celia’s run-in at the park—”
The atmosphere in the carriage vibrated to blood-red, but he held his tongue. “Celia’s run-in?” he said lightly.
Ginny cleared her throat. “Remember? I mentioned it to you. It was nothing, really.”
“Lord Griston pulled the thief up by the scruff of his neck and turned him over to his man. I worry for the small boy.” Irene let out a soft, heartfelt sigh. “I fear for his life.”
Brock shifted his attention to Irene, contemplated the depths of her statement, and refrained from commenting on the boy’s fate. He suspected the child had been nicely and quietly disposed of. He sliced a piercing gaze back on Ginny, though addressing Irene. “I’m happy to begin your safeguard lessons in the morning, Lady Irene. If your mother doesn’t object, of course.”
