Page 35 of The Gambler Wagers Her Baron

The baron’s gaze met Payton’s, and they both knew it was exactly what the boy needed to hear. Something that could form a connection with Abram’s lost mother. Lord Ashford’s interest in the same subjects mattered not a whit in the moment, only his remembrance of Sarah.

When the last plates were removed, both children groaned with satisfaction as the baron pushed back his chair as if, with the meal done, he was ready to return to his secluded study.

However, he didn’t move toward the door but stared down at his two fair-haired children, a gleam in his eye.

“I have an announcement.” He punctuated the word announcement with a clap of his hands.

“An announcement?” Joy squealed with delight, bouncing in her seat. So quickly, the child forgot the years of avoidance and distance at the mere mention of something special.

“Yes.” He leaned slightly forward and held his arm out wide. “We are going to see the traveling menagerie at Pall Mall tomorrow.”

“We?” Payton exhaled. Her stomach fluttered with—anticipation? Unease? Confusion?

Perhaps all three…

The baron turned to her, his smile broad as he nodded. “My dear sister has been berating me of late about my cloistered lifestyle. I think an adventure will be grand for us all.”

If Payton had been taken aback by the degree of the baron’s announcement, the children were outright stunned—and seemingly skeptical—as they both froze in their seats, their excitement fleeing. A meal with their father was one thing, but an entire afternoon in his company?

Payton had thought about more time with Lord Ashford, but an afternoon outside the townhouse was far more than she’d expected.

She could not show her surprise and risk adding to the children’s hesitancy around their father. That would benefit no one. If the baron insisted on accompanying them to Pall Mall, then she would do her best to appear enthusiastic.

She smiled. “Isn’t that a wonderful announcement?”

Joy nibbled at her bottom lip. “You mean to spend the entire day with us?”

The girl’s tone made it clear that the baron had never spent an entire day in his children’s company, at least not within their memory.

The baron’s eyes narrowed, and the tenseness returned to his shoulders. “Most certainly.”

“It has been some years since we’ve enjoyed an outing together.” Lord Ashford’s voice was strained, as if he heard the meaning behind Joy’s question, as well. “The excursion will be fun. Your governess has explained how much you both want to go.”

Joy and Abram shared a familiar, silent glance, neither looking confident in their father’s use of the word fun.

“Very well.” Abram shrugged, his indifference mirroring his father’s nature.

“Wonderful.” Payton infused as much joy as she could into the single word. “Now that everything is settled, I think the children should find their beds and get a good night’s rest before tomorrow.”

Abram and Joy slid from their chairs.

“Say goodnight.” Payton gestured toward their father, and the pair obediently mumbled goodnight before starting for the door. “Have a pleasant slumber, my lord. Thank you for agreeing to the excursion.”

He glanced over Payton’s shoulder, likely watching the children depart. “They don’t want me to come, do they?” he mumbled low enough to keep the children from hearing.

It had been what she was thinking, but she’d never thought to verbalize it, especially to the baron. “I think they are anxious, Lord Ashford.” She paused, knowing if she chose the wrong words, it would hurt the baron. Or worse, return the distance between him and the children. Payton thought back to the way Joy had asked why her father didn’t love her or her brother. It had broken her heart to hear the uncertainty in the child’s voice. “I think they are just hesitant. You are not accustomed to having them underfoot, and neither are they overly familiar with you.”

He grimaced and averted his stare. She’d hurt him. Perhaps there was no other way to put into words Joy’s and Abram’s adverse reaction to the news of him accompanying them on their outing.

“We will depart at eleven o’clock. Sharp.” His gruff tone did nothing to hide his disappointment. “I will have the carriage ready and a meal prepared. Do you think they would enjoy a picnic in St. James’s Park?”

“I think they would enjoy that very much, my lord.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “It is that…”

“What?” The question came on a breathless whisper, and for a moment, Payton longed to be back in the baron’s study without the listening ears of servants.

“I fear that no matter what I do, this outing will cause Joy and Abram disappointment.” His head lowered as he fell silent.