DERRICK’S GAZE ROAMED over Miss Lacey’s pleasing form. Her demure dress with the high ruffled collar failed to conceal her full rounded bosom and neat waist. Her small hat pitched forward over her brow with lavender ribbons tied under her chin. Caught by the gentle sway of her hips in her lavender-grey gown, he applauded the demise of the bustle and followed her up the stairs, impatient to get the business over with so that they might be alone.
She led him from shabby rooms to rooms in even worst stages of decay, her enthusiasm never waning. Remarkable. Her eyes shone as she espoused her ideas for improvements. In his opinion, the place should be pulled down, but she made the whole thing so appealing it was infectious. He actually began to take note of the rotten timbers and sagging ceilings while considering what workmen could do to restore them. Some waifs with grubby faces followed them around like unruly puppies. The children unsettled him and pulled at his heartstrings. He found himself admiring Miss Lacey in an entirely different manner. Any lustful thoughts concerning her were in danger of fading, but he was confident, as he admired her bottom on the stairs, the small ruffled train of her dress sweeping behind her, that such urges would soon return.
***
Lord Eaglestone offered no comment as she led him through the house while explaining the children’s needs. After a dispiriting visit to the sour-smelling cellars, where she pointed out the need for proper drainage, she led him upstairs into the light and waited, holding her breath, for some indication of his intentions. Annoyingly, he was still not forthcoming.
When they reached the front hall, he turned to her. “Now, shall we take that drive?”
“Certainly.” It seemed she would need more time to gain his promise. “I’ll fetch my maid.”
He frowned. “I prefer to discuss business privately. Perhaps your maid could wait here for your return?”
Bella paused. Bringing Mary along might prove awkward and stifle conversation. She smoothed her collar. “Of course.”
Mary expressed her pleasure at remaining with the children. She was teaching them a game of hopscotch on the garden path with the use of chalk. Bella bid goodbye, running a quick eye over each of them, before Eaglestone assisted her into his sparkling, royal blue brougham.
Bella looked back. “I wish I could afford a nurse. Abbie has a nasty cold sore on her lip.”
“The children seem well nourished.”
“Yes. That’s something I insist on.”
The brougham rolled away through the streets, and she raised her lacy white parasol to shade her face.
“Allow me.” Lord Eaglestone reached across and tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear. “You have pretty hair.”
“Thank you, my lord.” While she welcomed his compliment, she thrust it away, determined for things to remain on a business footing, at least until his patronage was assured. “You’ve not expressed an opinion of Hartnoll House.”
“It’s a huge undertaking.”
She frowned. “Not an impossible one, however.”
“The need to do good works has become more popular but surprising in one so young, Miss Lacey. Most young ladies of my acquaintance seem focused on finding a husband.”
“I expect to marry in due course and hope for children of my own.” She glanced at the elegant man beside her. At least, while in his company, she could successfully banish Lord Maudling from her thoughts.
Lord Eaglestone fired several pertinent questions concerning Hartnoll House at her as the carriage threaded its way through traffic.
Bella took the opportunity to seek his opinion on certain matters. By the time they reached the clean, quiet streets of Mayfair with their expensive houses and squares and drove to Hyde Park, she had gained some helpful advice.
Having the children taught to read and write, and for a doctor to call routinely and check their health, might be one step closer, if only he agreed. He had yet to give any indication that he would, however. Was he was merely a hard-hearted rake and toying with her? Her father said where there was smoke fire was sure to be found. Was she foolish to spend time alone with Eaglestone before she had his word? She had to admit he was hard to read, but so far, his conduct had remained within the bounds of propriety.
The carriage pulled up at the park gates, and the groom leapt down to open the door. She checked her watch again. “Are we to get out and walk?” she asked. “Oh, I’m not at all sure I have time…”
“Nonsense.” His lordship took her hand and helped her down.
The groom removed a large wicker picnic basket and a rug from the storage compartment. If she didn’t arrive home in time, any freedoms allowed her would end.
“I don’t believe I—”