For the Love of the Lady Read online

  She would have to dip into her savings to compensate Lady Penrose for her kindness in allowing them to stay. Henry had tried to insist on paying Lady Penrose, but she could not allow that. For heaven’s sake, that would make her a kept woman!

  So many times she had struggled with the thought that she had barely enough money to purchase even an ice at Gunters, but very soon she could walk into any exclusive modiste shop with Prudence and Phoebe and order up as many gowns for their come-out as she liked. Working as Marigold and Juliet’s chaperone and companion had at least given her the freedom to spend a bit of money on herself.

  She’d tucked away almost a hundred pounds in the past four years, so hopefully she would not have to seek employment any time soon. If she were careful with her coins, she might be able to forestall having to take a position until after the girls’ come-out.

  Unless Henry waited for her to become free, then she would not need employment. She blinked away the tears at the thought of him taking up with another woman. One who was free to marry him.

  The carriage came to a rolling stop in front of the tidy townhouse with the teal blue door. The colorful summer flowers in front of Lady Penrose’s townhouse were in full bloom as she climbed from the carriage and made her way up the steps.

  She drew in a quick breath when the front door opened, and a man stepped out. For the first time in four years she came face-to-face with the new Lord Crampton. She had rarely seen him because rumor was he spent a great deal of time in Greece, where he had been living when he came into her deceased husband’s title.

  Once or twice over the years, they had been at the same events, but he had never approached her, nor she him. Their last interaction had been at the reading of Lord Crampton’s will when the new Viscount had stormed out of the library after discovering he’d inherited the title, but the fortune was tied up for the girls’ Season and dowries.

  He bowed and tipped his hat. “Good morning, my lady. How nice to see you.” He looked around and smiled, then took her hand in his. “A lovely day, is it not?” Before she could stop him, he kissed the back of her glove and continued down the steps swinging his cane.

  What the devil is he doing here?

  Chapter 2

  Henry walked to the window in his study as he awaited the arrival of his solicitor, Mr. Barnes. The sound of Selina running up and down the stairs as she packed for the move to Mrs. Penrose’s home gave him a sense of urgency to get the matter straightened out as quickly as possible.

  His thoughts drifted back to when Selina had first appeared in his life four years prior. It had been a lovely day such as the present one when his butler stepped into the library and held out his hand. “You have a visitor, my lord. She awaits you in the drawing room.”

  “Thank you, Mason.” He glanced at the card, already knowing what it would say since he had been expecting Lady Crampton to arrive, and it appeared the woman was punctual. “Please ring for tea.”

  Mason bowed and left the room. Henry stood, rolled down his sleeves and shrugged into his jacket. During the short walk from his library to the drawing room, he looked once again at the card.

  The Right Honble. The Viscountess Crampton

  London, England

  Henry was in dire need of a chaperone and companion for his two younger daughters. This year was Juliet’s turn to marry—since he’d decided last year the girls marrying in their birth order would work quite well—and his lackadaisical chaperonage of Elise last year had ended with her marrying, already in a family way. Happily and much in love, but nevertheless, he hadn’t done a proper job of watching over her.

  What he needed was a stout, stern, ample-bodied woman who would guard his girls like a goaler and keep the rakes at bay with a mere glance. This one had been referred to him by Mrs. Benson, a lovely lady who had acted as chaperone for his girls on occasion.

  He opened the door to the drawing room. His eyes widened at the sight of the beautiful woman in her prime—black as the night hair, creamy skin, and piercing blue eyes—standing right there in his drawing room. She could not have seen much more than thirty years. Her deep lavender morning gown fit her curves to perfection.

  He felt a stir in his lower parts that he hadn’t felt in a long while. Not that he’d been a monk since his dear wife passed on—it had been more than thirteen years—but no woman had caused such an immediate reaction in him since he’d buried Mary Margaret.

  “Lady Crampton, I assume?” He walked farther into the room and waved at the settee near the window. “Please have a seat.”

  She sat on the edge of the settee, her shoulders straight, her back stiff, both of her gloved hands folded neatly in her lap on top of her cream-colored lace reticule. She regarded him with a poised, confident manner. He, on the other hand, felt like a youth chasing after the dairy maid. “I sent for tea.”

  She nodded, only making him feel even more foolish. Here he was, the potential employer, and she the prospective employee, yet he felt as though she were assessing him. Wishing he had thought to bring something to write with so he could appear as though he knew what he was doing, he cleared his throat. “I hope you had no trouble finding us?”

  “No, not at all.”

  Her voice.

  It fit her perfectly, and he found himself mesmerized by the tone. Not too deep to be sultry, but with enough depth and melody that he could listen to her talk for hours. “Yes. Well, then.”

  Thankfully, before he could appear even more ridiculous by stumbling over his words, the door opened, and Mason entered, carrying a tray with a tea pot, two cups and saucers, and an array of sweet and savory treats. The butler placed it on the table between them, bowed, and left the room.

  “Would you pour, Lady Crampton?”

  She seemed startled by his request. “Certainly. How do you like your tea, Lord Pomeroy?”

  “Two lumps and a bit of cream.”

  She did as he bid as gracefully as he knew she would. Her delicate hands poured the tea, fixed it to his liking, and handed it to him. She then placed a few of the treats on a small plate and passed that to him.

  After fixing her own tea and taking one small lemon tart, she took a sip of the liquid and then regarded him. “I am quite interested in your position, my lord. I don’t know how much Lady Benson told you about my situation, so I think I should be honest with you from the start.”

  “Please do.” He placed his tea cup on the table.

  “I am a widow.”

  He dipped his head. “I am sorry for your loss, Lady Crampton. I didn’t know your husband very well, but we did rub elbows in Parliament on occasion. That was quite some time ago.”

  “Yes. About seven years ago, Lord Crampton moved us all, him, myself and our two daughters, to his country estate where we remained until he passed away a few months ago. Once the new viscount took over the estate, my daughters and I came to London where we reside with an old family friend, Lady Penrose.”

  “I don’t wish to be intrusive, but why are you seeking employment? Did Lord Crampton not make a provision for you?”

  She hesitated and then shook her head. “Everything he left was entailed.”

  There was no need to push her further. Her hesitation told him there was more to it, but nevertheless, the scoundrel had obviously left his family in dire straits or Lady Crampton would not be seeking a position.

  “Family?”

  Again she shook her head. “No. In fact, his heir is a third cousin for whom my husband held no regard.”

  “I was not aware that you had two daughters. Their ages?”

  Although he would have said it was impossible, her bright, motherly smile brought even more beauty to her face. “Yes, Lady Prudence and Lady Phoebe are twins. They are twelve years.”

  “Ah. Daughters. Lovely things. They make one’s life fulfilling. I have three. One married, and two still to find their true loves.”

  “I assume they are the ladies you wish to hire a companion and chaperone for?”r />
  He took a swallow of his tea, wishing it were brandy. He eyed the wretched little sandwiches Cook had sent in and wondered again how he was still being served these ridiculous ladies’ treats now that Elise had married and was most likely providing such sad fare for her husband. He must have a word with Cook and impress upon her that he wanted real food when tea trays were sent in.

  “Yes, I had Lady Dearborn chaperone my darling daughters last Season, but I fear she fell short of her duties.”

  “I am sorry to hear that.”

  He perked up and smiled brightly. “Yes, well, the good news is I am to be a grandfather.”

  The poor woman had almost spit out her tea. He’d been amused at the slight blush rising from her neckline to her face at his casual words. A widow and mother herself, her discomfort at his forthright words was charming.

  “C-c-congratulations.” She dabbed her lovely lips with her serviette.

  “Thank you. I do hope it’s a boy.”

  He picked up a small sandwich of some sort of cheese spread and watercress, frowned, and dropped it on his plate. “I don’t like this ladies’ food.” He brushed his hands and sat back.

  “My dear wife passed onto her eternal reward”—he crossed himself—“about fourteen or so years ago. My wonderful daughter, Lady St. George—hard to get used to calling her that, don’t you know—practically raised her sisters and did a fine job of running my household. Now that she has her own husband and home to apply her managing skills to,” he grinned, “I need someone to look after Lady Juliet and Lady Marigold.”

  “My lord, I feel I would be quite adept in the role of companion and chaperone. I am, myself, a former young lady of the ton, and, as the mother of two daughters, I am more than qualified to deal with feminine matters.”

  “Yes, yes. I’m sure you are.” He studied her for a moment, then stood, anxious to get the matter of her moving in settled.

  She scrambled to stand as well, knocking the tea tray and dropping her serviette and reticule which had been on her lap to the floor. For some reason, she’d looked confused and flustered. “I am happy to have met you, my lord. I hope you find the perfect person to fill your position.”

  “I already have.” Now he was confused.

  She raised her chin. “I see.” She picked up her reticule from the floor and moved toward the door.

  Once she reached the entrance, she turned and offered her hand. “Thank you for your time, my lord.”

  “Good, good. I will send my carriage first thing in the morning.”

  Her jaw dropped. “What?”

  “Is that too soon? I really would like to get you and your daughters settled before the Season starts.”

  “But I thought—”

  He waved his hand. “No matter. Whatever your problem is, we can right it.” He tapped his lips. “Although, it might take me some time to find a governess for your girls.” He perked up and smiled. “That can be your first assignment.”

  The poor woman obviously had trouble following conversations because she stared at him with that confused look again. Nevertheless, she was the perfect companion and chaperone for his girls. And not hard to look at, either.

  “A governess?”

  He frowned. “Yes, of course.”

  “A governess is not necessary, my lord. I have rooms at Lady Penrose’s home. If I am being offered this position, I can assure you my daughters will be well supervised there while I am taking care of your daughters.”

  “Nonsense. Girls belong with their mother. We have a fine nursery. I’ll have my housekeeper, Mrs. Woolford, see that it’s aired out and freshened up.”

  She opened and closed her mouth several times as though she wanted to say something but could not think of the words. Hopefully, her inability to hold normal conversations would not affect her dealing with the girls.

  “I did not realize this position would require me to live here.”

  “Why not?

  “I don’t know, exactly. I’m not sure it is proper.”

  “Of course, it’s proper. You are chaperoning my daughters, and I have a housekeeper, and soon your young girls’ governess, who will chaperone you.”

  “You will have a chaperone for your chaperone?”

  Ah, she was finally following the conversation. “Yes.”

  “I just assumed…”

  Choosing to move forward and get her installed in the house to free him up from the burden of supervising Marigold and Juliet, he looked out the door the butler held open. “Did you arrive in your own carriage?”

  She shook her head, still appearing a bit dazed. “No. I hired a hackney.”

  “Mason, see that my carriage is brought around.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  “Now, I will send you home, but please be ready by, say, ten tomorrow morning.”

  She nodded and looked as though she were fighting female giggles. She was, indeed, a most charming woman.

  “Good, good. I will have my precious girls ready to meet you once you arrive.” He gave her a bow worthy of a queen and turned on his heel.

  He returned to the library, poured himself a bit of brandy, and saluted his new freedom from chaperone duties.

  Chapter 3

  Every item Selina directed the new lady’s maid to pack was like a stab in her heart. She’d hired Jenny, with the solicitor’s approval, in preparation for the girls’ come-outs, along with a dancing master and finishing governess. She hated having to leave Pomeroy House, but there was no choice. If she were to uphold her reputation, she had to move back in with Lady Penrose.

  She kept herself from completely falling apart by reminding herself that once the girls were married, she and Henry could marry. Clinging to that expectation kept the tears at bay. On the other hand, she had no intention of forcing Phoebe and Prudence to make quick matches just to allow her the freedom to direct her own life.

  Henry.

  Even though she hadn’t even left the house yet, she already missed him. She loved him for his unique personality, kindness, and caring. As she helped the girls decide on which garments to take and which to donate to a worthy cause, she remembered when he’d first hired her.

  She had been taken aback by Lord Pomeroy. Not sure exactly what she had expected, she’d certainly been surprised when the energetic man had strode through the door of his drawing room. He stopped so abruptly she had the desire to pat her hair and smooth her gown. The way he stared at her, she thought sometime was amiss.

  As the father of three girls, one married and two ready for their Seasons, she had expected the typical rotund, slightly balding man who graced the ballrooms of the ton when their daughters had their come-outs.

  Lord Pomeroy was none of these things. Quite tall, he made her feel like a small child. His wavy, dark brown hair with only a slight dusting of gray at the temples had been combed straight back, almost as if daring the curls to drop onto his forehead. Aging had certainly not affected his body in a detrimental manner. The man must have kept up his appointments at Gentleman Jackson’s since his lithe frame filled out his jacket and pantaloons quite well.

  It had taken her a bit of time to come to terms with the fact that the handsome gentleman who had entered the room was the girls’ father and her potential employer. Finally, her heart had settled down and she took tea with him, pouring without mishap and acquitting herself quite well.

  His strange way of telling her she’d been hired had rattled her somewhat, but she felt she had handled the interview quite well after she realized his way of speaking and how his thoughts ran through his head and out of his mouth.

  She smiled. So many times in the four years she’d spent living under his roof she had to stop and just let his words replay in her head so she understood what he wanted. But she had no trouble loving him or knowing he loved her.

  She’d been in his household for less than a year the first time he took her to bed. It had been the night of Juliet’s wedding. She and Henry had been celebratin
g in the library with a final glass of champagne when they’d looked at each other and came together in a frenzy of passion.

  Clothes flew everywhere, and it was pure luck that he’d had the presence of mind to stumble over the pantaloons puddled around his ankles to lock the library door. They’d made love by the fireplace. Twice. Remarkable for a man past his so-called prime.

  Ever since that first time, he’d asked her to marry him at least once a month. Embarrassed at how poorly her husband had treated her, she danced around his proposals, and eventually they settled into a comfortable routine quite similar to married couples.

  If only.

  “Milady, Lord Pomeroy requests your presence in the library.” Jenny entered the room carrying a large satchel and tried her best to hide her grin, which no doubt someone had told her was improper when dealing with her employer. The girl reminded Selina of an elf. Small, red curly hair, freckles, and green eyes, she was right off the farm in Ireland but had trained for her position with Lady Penrose’s lady’s maid, and so far, Selina had found her to be quite competent.

  “Thank you, Jenny.” Selina swept past her and descended the stairs.

  Henry stood as she entered the room, as did the man seated in front of the desk. “My lady, I would like to make known to you Mr. Jacob Barnes, who is my solicitor.”

  “Lady Crampton, it is my pleasure to meet you.” Mr. Barnes bowed and offered a warm smile.

  “Thank you, Mr. Barnes.”

  “If you will take a seat, Selina.” Henry waved to the chair alongside Mr. Barnes. “I have been discussing your situation with Mr. Barnes to see if he is able to help us in any way.”

  If she didn’t love the man so much and want to see a happy solution to her situation, she would have let Henry know how she felt about bringing his solicitor into her personal business without receiving her permission. But he only meant well, and she really would like to see what could be done. She merely nodded at the solicitor.

  “My lady, I have no idea if there is a way to bring a happy conclusion to this matter, but I will need to begin by reviewing your late husband’s will.” He reached into a satchel sitting alongside him and pulled out papers. “This document will grant me permission to speak with your solicitor.”