“I would like the black one,” Jeremy announced.
“But Jeremy, you won’t be here often,” Carrie protested. “Besides, it’s rude to make such a demand.”
“You may have the black one. It will be kept for you until you return.” Nicholas turned to Carrie with a smile. “Do you also want a pup?”
She laughed. “No, but thank you.”
“Shall we walk back? Give the puppy back to Bevans, Bella. Bevans will bring them to the house in a day or so. I shall alert the housekeeper, Mrs. Phillips. We will need a place to keep them. We can’t have two puppies running riot in the house.”
Jeremy and Bella walked on ahead, their voices drifting back as they discussed names for their puppies.
“That was kind of you, Nicholas,” Carrie said. “Bella will miss me. The puppy gives her something to love.” She looked up at his face. “And we all need someone to love, do we not?”
“Indeed. I am very fond of my horse.”
She frowned at him. “But surely you must intend to marry and have children?”
“One day, perhaps.”
“Why do many men marry so late in life?”
He cocked an amused eyebrow, but his gaze roamed over her as if memorizing every part of her. “I imagine one waits to feel the urge.”
She drew in a slow breath. “Perhaps you dislike the idea of marriage.”
There was something lazily seductive in his smile, which quickened her pulse. “When I choose the lady, I shall be very keen on the idea.”
Was there a lady in London? The flash of jealousy was unlike her. “You’ll make a good father,” she said hastily.
“If I am not prematurely aged by your brother and sister, I suppose I would become quite an old hand at it,” Nicholas said wryly as Bella ran back along the path to reach them.
“My puppy’s name is Daisy because she has a white patch on her forehead in the shape of a flower, and Jeremy calls his Bandit because he looks like a rascal.”
“I approve of them both,” Nicholas said. “But I see Miss Scotsdale is waiting for you.”
Scotty stood on the porch, arms folded, looking purposeful.
“Oh. I forgot about my French lesson,” Bella said casually and ran over the path.
“Bella!” Carrie shook her head.
“Your sister is happy. Don’t be too hard on her.”
“I can see you will be entirely too lenient, Nicholas,” Carrie said to help banish the disturbing emotions churning her stomach. “I shall come home for a visit and find her running riot.”
“Bella needs to trust me. It’s best to allow her a certain amount of freedom. And we may not see you here for a while. Your circumstances are likely to change.” Nicholas clasped her arm as they stepped up on the porch.
She twisted away and glared up at him, seeking an emotional outlet for her uncomfortable feelings. “You think I’d forget those I care for most, Bella…and Jeremy...and…”
His lips lifted in a half-smile. “Not for a minute. And I have every intention of taking Bella to London to see you. I’ve promised your brother a trip to see the animals in the Tower.”
“Oh, you are good,” she said, pleased he’d offered. But was she also pleased because she would see him in London? She’d almost included him in those she cared about. Had he noticed? He’d shown no sign of it.
After Nicholas left her, Carrie gazed around at the walls of the great hall, the marble fireplace, the elegant furniture, the portraits. She had called this home. How foolish it wasn’t her home and never would be.
Carrie entered the music room while trying to come to terms with her troubling emotions. She shut the door and drew up the piano stool. Selecting a piece of music, her heart full of unfulfilled desire, she began to play.
Chapter Ten
