Leave it to Mother…Trevor wondered what part ofdon’t tell anyonehis mother didn’t understand when they had discussed this subject. “I know not what she told you,” Trevor replied, “but she is the girl I nearly killed when my vehicle hit her.” He prayed Louisa wouldn’t turn toward the house and witness the three of them gawking like spectators watching a horse race.
Hawthorne shook his head while rubbing his chin. “I swear to you she looks familiar, but I cannot decide where I have seen her before.”
Trevor clapped his hand on Hawthorne’s shoulder. “I doubt she is who you think. By the way she was dressed that evening when I hit her, I can assure you she had probably made Seven Dials her home.”
“How utterly sad,” Hawthorne mumbled. “She does not have the appearance of one of those varmints. In fact, by the delicate way she moves and her tiny build, I would have assumed she was born of Quality.”
Trey chuckled. “Dominic, my good man, I know you are desperate to find a willing maid, but really, you need not look at my brother’s servants.” He motioned his hand toward the flower garden. “I’m quite certain you can find them anywhere.”
Trevor rolled his eyes. Trey would always think this way, even though he had a lovely wife at home. Thankfully, Judith kept Trey under her thumb—which was where Trey wanted to be anyhow. Unfortunately, Dominic Lawrence was still a confirmed bachelor.
“Gentlemen,” Trevor began, “I think we can forget this matter and begin our ride—”
“Is it true she lost her memory?” Hawthorne asked.
Silently, Trevor groaned. “Yes, it is. The girl has yet to remember anything. Not even the accident.”
“Amazing, don’t you agree?” Trey ran his fingers through his dark hair as he narrowed his gaze out the window. “I cannot fathom what it could possibly be for that girl not to remember anything.”
Trevor folded his arms. “Believe me, the girl cannot even remember her last name. My housekeeper had her help in the kitchen last evening, and Louisa messed up her duties terribly. I’m quite certain it was because she just could not remember her upbringing. The girl does not even know how to cook.”
Dominic grinned and tapped his finger on his bottom lip. “Gentlemen, we are forgetting one thing. Louisa isnota girl.”
Although Hawthorne ogled her like a sweetmeat, Trevor couldn’t stop gaping at the way the servant’s dress fit snug against her. Now that her hair had been wound into a bun, he could see more of her slender neck. He didn’t need to close his eyes to remember what she looked like standing in her nightdress with her hair long and flowing over her shoulders and down her back. Interest stirred inside him and he wished ithadn’t. In fact, it had been stirring inside him quite a bit lately, even at night in his dreams.
Blowing out an irritated breath, Trevor turned away from the window and walked toward the door. “Gentlemen, are you coming? I’m in the mood for a ride around the estate. I do not want to stand in front of a window all day ogling a servant girl.” When Hawthorne whipped an accusing scowl Trevor’s way, he retorted, “Forgive me. I meanwoman.”
Finally, Trey and Hawthorne pulled away from the window and followed Trevor outside. As he headed toward the stables, Dominic ventured toward the flower garden. Trevor groaned. What was wrong with that man? He couldn’t bethatdesperate for a wench.
As Trevor approached Lord Hawthorne, Dominic had just introduced himself to Louisa, and raised her hand to brush his lips across her knuckles. Inwardly, Trevor seethed.The rake.Was his friend seducing Trevor’s servant right here in front of everyone?
“And this is Lord Trey, His Grace’s younger brother,” Hawthorne finished introductions.
Louisa smiled and curtsied. Thankfully, Trey didn’t kiss the woman’s hand like Hawthorne did, or Trevor would have reprimanded his brother.
Trevor took a deep breath and exhaled, trying to calm his impatience. When Louisa’s gaze met his, her green eyes twinkled. Her eyes hadn’t done this when her attention had been on Hawthorne or Trey. Trevor wished she’d stop looking at him this way…and he wished his heart didn’t leap with excitement when she did.
He smiled. “Louisa, it does me good to see you out in the garden today.”
“Well, Your Grace, Mrs. Smythe thought I needed to be outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, so she turned me over to the good graces of Mrs. Fitzwilliam and the gardener.”
He tilted his head, studying her complexion. “Mrs. Smythe is correct. You do need a bit more color to your face. I trust you are feeling better today?”
“Yes. Much better.”
Trey nudged him with his elbow. “Oh, Trevor, old boy, clearly you can see how well she looks. Her face is positively glowing.”
Her smile widened, making her amazing eyes glisten more.
“Splendid, now if you will excuse us Louisa—”
“Miss Louisa,” Hawthorne cut him off. “I must say, you do look a bit familiar to me. Have you ever been in Mayfair, by chance?”
Her cheeks turned pink. “I cannot say, my lord. Even though I’m recovered from my accident, my memory still has yet to return.” She stepped closer and hesitantly laid her finger on Hawthorne’s gloved hand. “But please, tell me if you know who I am. I feel so lost without my memory.”
“I fear, I cannot say whether I know you or not. You just look familiar.”
Frowning, she dropped her hand and stepped back.
