Page 27
Ten
Carriageride from Gunter’sTeaShop
BerkeleySquare – MayfairLondon
THE NEXT AFTERNOON
Siobhantried not to notice the many curious stares or shared whispers directed toward the elegant landau as Baldwin expertly guided the burgundy coach down a cobbled street. WithKimber sitting on one side of her and Paddy on the other, Siobhan pointed her attention to somewhere beyond Fletcher’s head.
Thetemperate July sun bathed the carriage occupants in pleasantly warm rays, from which her pink silk and ivory fringed parasol protected her complexion. As if suddenly wearing wide-ribbed bonnets and holding a sunshade would erase the smattering of freckles across her cheeks and nose.
This is a fairytale outing in a fairytale carriage, she reminded herself. This is not my life or the children’s. Do not get caught up in the excitement and forget your humble origins, SiobhanMoyaNeasaKenney.
Kimberand Paddy thought it great fun to pretend to have a different surname to help Fletcher catch a criminal, but they were expressly forbidden to speak to strangers. Siobhan still held considerable doubts about whether it had been wise to be so straightforward with her siblings, but as Fletcher had pointed out, they weren’t toddlers.
“The chocolate ice was delicious, but I want to try pineapple next time.” Paddy grinned and bent forward to catch his sister’s eye. “What kind do you wish to taste next, Kimber?”
“Lemon,” Kimber answered without hesitation, a small smear of strawberry ice at the corner of her lip.
Siobhanquelched the worry that tried to rise at their innocent assumption that there would be a next time. “Let’s be grateful for the treats we enjoyed and not want more already.”
Thechildren could not become accustomed to a life of privilege.
Evenif Siobhan continued to work for Fletcher after the debacle with the Huxleys was resolved, her little family must live within their means, and visits to Gunter’s for ices could not be indulged with any regularity.
Andyet, this was the happiest Siobhan had seen her brother and sister since their parents’ disappearance. Fletcher had told her he’d asked his cousin to look into the matter, but since Siobhan had no information to impart to him regarding where Da and Maura had gone or who they had seen, she had little hope he would be successful.
“What about you, Mr. Westbrook? LordDarius?” Paddy's enthusiasm and broad grin proved catching.
“Oh, I always order bergamot.” LordDarius winked. “I’ve tried all the flavors—coriander, cinnamon, violet, parmesan, and the rest, and nothing compares.”
“I disagree.” Fletcher turned his penetrating, verdant gaze on Siobhan. “I’m rather fond of vanilla.”
Whichjust so happened to be the flavor she and Fletcher had chosen.
Alittle thrill of delight tunneled through her blood.
Aflush heating her cheeks, Siobhan glanced to the side. She immediately regretted it when two regal matrons in a passing carriage pointed at their landau, put their heads together, and spoke rapidly.
Fletcherdidn’t appear the least concerned about the attention they drew as the vehicle rumbled over the cobblestones. Likely as a duke’s sons, he and LordDarius had become accustomed to the rude gawking as if the Westbrooks should expect and accept people examining them in public like curious oddities on display at a museum, the circus, or a traveling show.
Soaccustomed to being invisible, Siobhan found it hard to keep her face impassive and feign indifference. She would never become accustomed to the scrutiny.
Thankfully, no one approached their carriage while they ate their ices beneath a maple tree’s welcome shade. Fletcher’s formidable frowns directed toward anyone who looked in their way might’ve accounted for that reprieve.
“Kimber darling, you have a bit of strawberry ice just here.” Siobhan pointed to her mouth.
Kimberdarted her tongue out and dutifully licked the spot clean. “Better?”
“Much.” Siobhan patted her knee.
“Mr. Westbrook?” Kimber pumped her legs against the plum-colored seat.
“Yes, Kimber?”
Fletcherremained unfailingly patient with the children, and Siobhan fought to keep her resolve strong and her battlements raised against any foolish softening toward him.
Too late.
