Promise Me (25 page)

“
I didn’t know you were a fortune teller, my lord.” Lady Westwood strolled into the drawing room ahead of the duke and Mister O’Connell. “Do you read palms or crystal balls?”

“
Neither, madam, for I’d not be able to keep a straight face.”

“
Nor I.” Lady Westwood chose to sit on the sofa beside Lady Chase.

“
Nicolas,” his grandmother called. “Come see what you’ve done. And Edwin, you must thank your uncle properly for giving you such fine companions.”

Edwin got to his feet and with his little arms open wide, he hobbled across the room. “Unca! Pup-pies!”

Chase swept him up. “Are you enjoying your surprise, lad?”

The boy grinned then twisted around and pointed toward Rebecca. “Mac,” he said before his aim shifted to the puppy Katrina held. “Bur-ney.”

Laughter floated around the room.

“
Very good, lad. I am indeed impressed.” The duke’s tender gaze fell upon Leah. “Do I rate your approval as well, Miss Sheridan?”

Warmth spread inside her chest. Acutely aware that the others stared, Leah nodded once.

Chase smiled.

This man infuriated her one moment and fascinated her the next. Right now she stood in awe.

You are drowning! Save yourself!

“
It appears young Edwin has adjusted well,” Lady Westwood commented.

“
Yes, and he’s a clever child,” Lady Chase pointed out. “He didn’t say much when he first came to us, but now he chats often, and his comprehension and speech have both improved immensely.”

“
Already he possesses the mannerisms of a gentleman,” Anne bragged.

“
He kisses my hand,” said Katrina.

“
And he can count to five,” Becca pointed out.

Chase lightly tapped Edwin on the end of his nose. “Becca, how would you and Kat like to accompany this fine gentleman to the nursery?”

“
Can we bring Maxwell and Barnabas?”

“
Of course.” The duke set Edwin down, and the child hurried back to the pups. “And please inform Miss Wharton that her charge may stay up one hour past his bedtime.”

“
We will, your Grace,” Katrina promised.

She picked up Edwin while Becca scooped up the pups, and they rushed out of the drawing room giggling.

“
Oh, Nicky...”

“
Gran, it will do no harm for the boy to lose a bit of sleep just this once.”

“
I see. You can spoil him, but I cannot?”

“
I’m not spoiling the child. I’m simply trying to be a bit more flexible, as you requested.”

“
You’ll make a fine father someday, Chase,” Lady Westwood remarked. “Do you not agree, Miss Sheridan?”

Heat flushed Leah’s cheeks. “I’ve no doubt, my lady.”

To her relief, the gentlemen soon engaged in a variety of subjects ranging from the current debate in the House of Commons to the inevitable disappearance of the American Indian, while Lady Chase and Lady Westwood reminisced about their younger years.

Leah steered Anne toward an unoccupied corner of the drawing room and whispered, “The duke and I are affianced.”

Shock flashed across her friend’s face.

“
But only until Edwin’s adoption is settled.”

“
Leah, this is serious. Nicolas is asking you to lie to the courts.”

“
No, he isn’t, but if one insignificant fib secures Edwin’s future, then so be it.”

“
Have you considered the harm that this meaningless betrothal might do to your reputation?”

“
Why is everyone so concerned about my reputation?”

“
Because obviously you are not.”

Leah glanced around, but no one seemed to be paying them any attention.

“
You might consider how this news will affect Katrina,” Anne stated. “Adrian’s death practically devastated her. What happens when your betrothal to Nicolas ends unexpectedly?”

“
Since it will last only a few weeks, there’s no reason to tell Kat.”

“
I find it difficult to believe your father agreed.”

“
It was not his decision.”

“
Well that explains things. In my opinion--”

“
Shhh,” Leah warned. “The duke is headed our way.”

“
Forgive the intrusion, ladies. Annie, I’d like a word with Miss Sheridan. Would you be so kind as to entertain O’Connell?”

“
Certainly, Cousin. Should I sing to him?”

“
Would you? That way we’re sure to be rid of him in no time.”

“
Nicolas, you are a horrid, ill-mannered scoundrel.”

“
I completely agree, my lady, now run along.” Finally he turned his smile on Leah. “Am I forgiven for our little altercation this afternoon?”

“
I’ve come to realize the mud fight was mostly my fault, your Grace.”

His black eyes twinkled. “It was, wasn’t it?”

“
Yes, and I sincerely apologize.”

“
Apology accepted. Have you brought my invitation?”

“
I feared I might forget, so earlier this afternoon I sent a servant to deliver it.”

“
You deliberately disobeyed me?”

“
I had no idea I was required to obey you.”

Amusement resurfaced in his eyes.

She suspected that each and every moment spent with this man, good or bad, would be forever locked inside her heart. And when he no longer needed her, those memories would have to suffice.

Leah pushed the depressing thought aside. “I’m told Edwin adores his new nanny. Miss Wharton, is it?”

“
Yes. He seems genuinely fond of her.”

“
I’m glad then. And the beagles…that was extremely thoughtful of you.”

He shrugged. “Every lad should have a loyal dog to keep him company.”

“
Yes, but poor Winston. He might have managed one eager pup nipping at his tail, but two?”

The duke’s gaze lingered. “Maxwell and Barnabas are brothers. I couldn’t take one and leave the other.”

Brothers. Not to be separated.

Adrian’s death would forever stand between them.

Leah found her voice. “I see no reason to tell Kat of our pretend betrothal.”

“
I agree. She wouldn’t understand.”

“
Have you explained the matter to your grandmother?”

“
Yes. Your reputation concerned her. In retrospect, perhaps it should’ve concerned me. I’m sorry if I seemed insensitive to your circumstances.”

“
You were focused on Edwin. Nothing else mattered.”

His gaze softened. “I realize I may have given you that impression, Miss Sheridan, but I hope you know that’s not entirely true.”

“
I...I didn’t mean that the way it must’ve sounded.”

“
I’m glad.” The duke’s expression grew serious. “In a few days, all of Kent will be wagging their tongues about Edwin, and they will realize that Adrian betrayed you.” Laughter from the other guests momentarily distracted him. “While I’m disappointed with my brother’s lack of honor, I’ll not hide his illegitimate child in a corner of the attic. Still, I wouldn’t care to cause you any more pain or for others to think I’m openly parading Adrian’s indiscretion.”

“
Edwin and I are not made of thin paper. We will survive.”

“
I’ve no doubt. You know, Edwin has given Gran’s life a new purpose. Her smile is the same as it was when my mother and father were alive.”

“
And what has he given you?”

“
The chance to spoil a little boy who clearly wants nothing more than to be loved.”

“
Edwin is indeed most fortunate.”

He hesitated slightly. “I’ve asked the parson to perform the reading of the bans this Sunday.”

Her heart flip-flopped. “When do you meet with the magistrate?”

“
The week after your father announces our betrothal.”

“
Speaking of Father,” Leah said. “He appears in deep conversation with your grandmother.”

Chase followed her gaze. “Yes, and they’re strolling out into the gardens.”

“
I can well imagine that you and I are the topic of conversation.”

He laughed. “Does the thought disturb you?”

“
Quite.”

O’Connell chose that moment to join them. “Miss Sheridan, Lady Ashburn swears you’re a talented artist.”

“
Her ladyship is too kind.”

“
She said you painted that portrait of Lady Chase hanging over the fireplace mantel.”

“
O’Connell,” Chase snapped. “Can you not see that Miss Sheridan and I are engaged in a private conversation?”

“
Yeah, I noticed. You know, interrupting you two seems to be an unfortunate habit of mine.”

The duke’s mouth tightened. “Indeed.”

“
All right, your lordship. I’ll go as soon as I ask Miss Sheridan a question.” He smiled at Leah. “You think you’d be interested in painting my portrait?”

“
No,” the duke intervened. “She would not.”

O’Connell grinned. “I fail to see how this concerns you, your Grace.”

“
Then allow me to explain things. The lady and I are recently affianced.”

The blunt declaration surprised Leah.

O’Connell’s attention shifted to her. “Did he just make that up to get rid of me?”

“
No. It’s true.”

“
Well shoot, that was fast. I mean, congratulations, Miss Sheridan, but I must say you don’t look too pleased.”

“
Do I not?”

“
No, but I could be mistaken. When’s the wedding?”

“
Soon,” Chase replied. “
Very
soon.”

He sounded jealous. But that couldn’t be.

Leah clasped her hands together to keep them from trembling. “We haven’t discussed that yet, Mister O’Connell.”

“
Which leaves plenty of time for my portrait.”

“
You want a portrait, O’Connell? Look in the mirror.”

“
I do, your Grace. Quite often.”

“
Yes, I’d wager you do.”

Leah stepped between them. “You would be sitting for several uncomfortable hours, Mister O’Connell.”

“
As long as you’re keeping me company, I wouldn’t mind.”

Chase gently pushed Leah behind him. “Well I would.”

Did the duke think an invalid betrothal gave him the right to speak for her?

She peered around Chase. “Mister O’Connell, I would love to paint your portrait. Lady Westwood, would you like me to paint your portrait as well?”

“
Heavens no, my dear.”

“
Oh, but Lady Westwood,” Anne persisted. “Miss Sheridan is quite gifted.”

“
I have no doubt she is, but I don’t possess the delicate beauty of your Aunt Margaret. And unlike Trinity, I wouldn’t care to leave my likeness on eternal display.”

“
That’s a shame, my lady,” Leah said. “For you truly have lovely features.”

Her expression softened for a second. “Thank you, Miss Sheridan, but I suspect your brush and easel might disagree.”

Chase snapped his fingers. “I completely forgot,” he said to Leah. “I have something for you.”

Her heart fluttered. “For me?”

He hurried out of the room and returned moments later with a sketchpad. “I believe this belongs to you.”

Disappointment rushed over Leah. What had she expected? An expensive betrothal ring? “How did you acquire my sketchpad?”

“
You left it on the pier this afternoon.”

“
How did it end up at Chase Manor?”

“
Isn’t it obvious?”

“
Quite. You stole it.”

He looked offended. “No, I rescued it from the rain.”

“
You were less than a hundred yards from Greyson Manor. Why not return it?”

“
So you can throw solid objects at my back instead of mud?”

They glared at one another.

O’Connell whistled low. “That must’ve been some argument. I sure am sorry I missed it.”

Leah had forgotten the man stood within earshot.

Chase stared him down. “Do you mind?”

“
Not at all. Say, Miss Sheridan, would you object if I looked through that sketchbook of yours?”

Leah thrust it at his chest, and he walked off toward the sofa. “Admit it,” she whispered to the duke. “By taking what belonged to me, you thought to cause more trouble.”

“
Trouble?” Lightning flashed in his dark eyes. “My dear Miss Sheridan, I suspect you know a great deal more about that subject than me.”

“
You are absolutely correct, your Grace, and do you know why?” Leah paused for effect. “You,” she said as loud as she dared. “
You
stand at the very beginning to all my troubles. You are the cause of every ounce of frustration.”

“
Me?”

“
You.”

Chase placed his hands on his hips. “That’s strange, Miss Sheridan, because I could swear you offered to paint O’Connell’s portrait simply to annoy me.”