“Suitable? What would that entail?”
“I want a man who is sensible.”Who will adore me. “A man who wants children.”Who I can give all my love to. “I want a home of my own.”Where I know I truly belong, and no one can send me away. “I want what only a family can give me. Purpose.”
He nodded. “Purpose is what we all strive for. I am sure with the help of my mother and sister we can help you get your heart’s desire.”
“Thank you,” she said, and she meant it. “I was so sure you were going to ship me off to another finishing school.”
“You wound me,” he said, clutching at his heart dramatically. “Would you have gone if I did?”
She could not help but smile. “No. I would have fought it with all my might. You would have had to bind and gag me.”
He was about to laugh when he realized she was referring to last night. “Please tell me Beckett did not do that to you?”
“He did gag me at first just until we were in the carriage. Then he told me my life was about to change. I was terrified at first and I did worry about what Miss Covington might think.”
“Beckett can be a touch insensitive. I apologize again for the manner of your journey here.”
“You had no idea I was coming so it is hardly your fault.”
“It has been a shock for both of us. I think you should write a letter to Miss Covington to let her know all is well. You may inform her you will not be returning.”
“Thank you. Will you frank it for me?”
“Of course. In any case, you are far too old now for finishing schools, are you not?”
She gasped in mock outrage. “Not quite on the shelf, my lord.”
“I do beg pardon.” He laughed. “Do you know, I just realized that other than your name I know nothing about you. Not even your age.”
“Turning up in the middle of the night is not conducive to proper introductions, is it? I know little of you or the family I have been foisted upon either.” Other than what May had told her this morning.
“In that at least we are in the same boat. Perhaps we should start over.” He stood and offered his arm. “Strolling the garden is more conducive to getting to know one another, I think.”
She took his offered arm, and they walked towards the fountain in the middle of the garden.
“I am Anthony. The youngest brother to the Duke of Warrington. I am six and twenty and you are?”
“Lucinda and I am eight and ten. The only child of Viscount Foxton.”
“Foxton?” He frowned and tapped his chin.
Hope flared in her chest. “Have you heard of him? Of my father?”
“No. I can’t say that I have.”
She sighed. “I fear that the title may have died with my father. He was an only child as am I.”
“It may have reverted to the crown if there was no one to inherit,” he explained.
“I guess that may be why no one came for me. Perhaps I am the last of my family. There simply was no one else.”
“Hmm, that would also explain why your guardian was not a family member. However, there must be other Sterlings out there who are related or perhaps on your mother’s side?”
“I do not even know my mother’s name and I remember little of her. I am a nobody wanted by no one and that is all.” Why had she said that? If he had not pitied her before, he surely did now.Poor Miss Sterling.
He stopped and turned to face her. “Nonsense. You are Lucinda Sterling, the daughter of Lord Foxton. Also, as my ward you are in a very privileged position.”
“I am?”
