Page 59
Berkeley Square
An hour later
Almost sighing with delight, Mercy dabbed her mouth with her handkerchief. The lemon sorbet had been heavenly, particularly refreshing given the afternoon’s warmth. Despite her oath to herself to maintain a respectful, professional distance from Ronan, she couldn’t help but offer him a grateful smile.
“That was the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted,” she said, setting aside her dish and spoon for a waiter to collect.
“I confess, I could easily eat two or three,” Ronan said with a self-deprecating chuckle. “We are most fortunate our French chef has several recipes for ices, cream ice, sorbets, and bombs. He indulges the family at least once a month.”
She laughed, quite pleased by that news. “The girls will be delighted, I’m sure.”
“You too, I should think.” Ronan winked, then wriggled his eyebrows playfully. “Escoffier always makes sure there is plenty.” He patted his hard, flat stomach. “We Brockmans all have sweet tooths.”
On the pretense of keeping an eye upon her charges, Mercy swept a covert glance around them.
He shouldn’t wink at her. Someone might see and jump to the wrong conclusion. Take the gesture for more than an employer’s teasing.
The tea shop overflowed with overheated patrons eager to sample the sweets. At Ronan’s suggestion, Mercy and the others had opted to eat inside the landau conveniently parked beneath a cluster of stately oaks’ welcoming shade.
It was cooler outside than in the overcrowded shop anyway.
Unlike Bellamy and Arabelle, who’d gobbled their chocolate cream ices like starving urchins and now wandered nearby with Marissa, laughing at squirrels and chattering with other children, Mercy had relished every scrumptious bite.
Such a rare treat was to be savored.
Ronan had chosen burnt filbert cream ice, which had disappeared with nearly the swiftness of the girls’ treats. He still sat beside her in the landau, and she sent another surreptitious glance around them to see if anyone had noted the unusual arrangement.
Perhaps she ought to move to the vehicle’s other side. But that might cause even more speculation. In truth, no matter what she did, if a chinwag wanted to find something to gossip about, they would find a morsel.
A governess ought not to be quite so friendly with her employer. It led to undesirable speculation.
Her perusal revealed no one seemed to be paying them any particular mind, and she relaxed a trifle.
One arm thrown across the back of the seat, Ronan angled toward her until their knees touched. He seemed not to notice, but Mercy discreetly drew away.
“I intend to purchase gowns for each of the girls in colors more befitting children,” he said. “Since Mademoiselle De la Cour has already taken their measurements, I had hoped you would assist me in selecting fabrics and all of the other necessities a young girl requires.”
“But my lord, your mother has already commissioned several gowns for them.”
She hadn’t expected he’d be such a generous man. Truth be told, she still didn’t know if he was magnanimous with his own monies or his fathers. Not that it was any of her business. Except…one exemplified a considerate, caring, kindhearted man and the other a privileged opportunist.
“I’m aware, Mercy, but being mindful of their mourning period, Mother probably selected somber shades, didn’t she?” He crossed his legs, drawing her attention to their buff-colored masculine length.
Averting her gaze—moral young women did not stare at men’s rippling thigh muscles—Mercy said, “She did. It’s appropriate for mourning. You needn’t go to further expense.”
His derisive snort startled her, and she barely resisted peering around to see who had noticed. Hopefully, no one had.
“Miss Feathers, I assure you, I can well afford to clothe my wards. They will never go without anything while under my care.”
That answered the question about his funds.
“Bellamy and Arabelle are my responsibility,” Ronan went on. “It’s only because I don’t wish to offend my parents that I permit them the indulgence of making purchases on behalf of the girls.”
“I understand.” Another piece of Mercy’s heart dropped at his feet. Ronan was truly one of the most thoughtful people she’d ever met.
Gazing at them laughing with a group of children several feet away, a fond smile bent his mouth. “I would have them wear bright colors that prompt memories of happier things rather than have their attire constantly remind them of their loss.”
She brought her gaze up to meet his, unable to hide her appreciation.
