“Twelve would be better, Miss Lacey.”
She thought quickly. If her mother had a morning engagement, she’d be gone from the house by then. It gave Bella little time, as she would have to be home by two o’clock for luncheon. “I shall see you at twelve, sir.” She reached into the tiny reticule dangling from her wrist and handed him her card with the address of the orphanage printed in silver lettering and, in case he discovered a prior engagement, gathered up her skirts and hurried inside.
As expected, her father drew her aside, none too pleased. “I was about to fetch you! You spent far too long a time on the terrace with that bounder, Bella! Lord Maudling commented on it.”
Bella tried to hide her glee. Perhaps Maudling would consider her a flirt and decide not to offer for her after all.
“Lord Eaglestone has shown some interest in supporting my charity.”
“That ridiculous charity of yours. You know how distasteful I find it when you immerse yourself in matters beneath your station. Your mother’s illness has allowed you to run rampant. Now that she is blessedly restored to good health, things must change.”
“You know my charity is important to me, Father.” She raised her chin. “Grandfather supported me. He bequeathed Hartnoll House to me for this very purpose.”
“I’ve watched your inheritance evaporate. A most appalling waste. Your grandfather must have lost his mind. The property is not worth a penny.”
She hated disappointing him but was equally determined to continue. “I cannot turn my back on those who are less fortunate than I.” She wished she could scoop up every orphan in London.
If she’d hoped to shame him into agreeing with her, she’d failed. He merely lifted an eyebrow. “You’ll find a world of unfortunates out there, my dear girl. We cannot help them all without becoming destitute ourselves.”
“There are many in society who don’t think as you do, Father.”
His eyes shadowed, he rubbed his furrowed forehead. She hadn’t noticed his sideburns had greyed. He’d never looked as vulnerable as he did now, as if he carried the world on his shoulders. The sight tugged at her heart and, for a moment, made her question herself.
He put up a hand to cup her cheek. “You are so pretty, my dear, with your glorious fair curls. I don’t know why you can’t be like other young women and involve yourself in gowns and balls, marrying, raising children. It is what nature intended after all. You must wed while the gloss is on the rose. And, of course, you must marry well.” He gave her a gentle push. “Go and be pleasant to Lord Maudling.”
Anger made her compassion for him evaporate. “Surely it would be better if Lord Maudling came to find me. Men like—”
He held up a hand. “Don’t tell me what men like. I am a man, am I not? Go.”
CHAPTER THREE
DERRICK LEFT EARLY. He grew quickly bored at these affairs, especially when the host was a hypocrite of the worst kind. Maudling had made it clear that Derrick wasn’t entirely welcome at his table but acceptable enough to advise him in his investments. Derrick was glad he’d come however. He’d been tempted by the charming Miss Lacey at the ball some weeks ago. That full bottom lip of hers promised much. After their dance, he’d mused for a pleasurable few moments, visualizing a riot of wheat-colored curls tumbled over his pillow. With a tinge of regret, he’d decided it was foolish to pursue her and turned to ladies who knew what was what and welcomed his advances.
When his secretary showed him her letter, he’d thought he’d read a subtle invitation behind the words. She was an innocent, of course, but instinct told him there was more to this than she revealed. He still held that view, even though tonight she’d succeeded in holding him at arm’s length while extolling the virtues of becoming a patron of her cause. A most interesting young woman who would prove an absorbing challenge for a brief time.
***
Cheapside, where Hartnoll House was located, was shabby and, only a few blocks away, degenerated into dangerous slums. Fortuitously, her mother did have a prior engagement. Annoyed, she insisted her maid, Mary, accompany Bella. The coachman was to bring them home at two o’clock after a detour to collect two new hats from the milliner. She would have little time to spend with Lord Eaglestone and gain his promise of assistance.