Mary gave him a sidelong glance. “Did he come here yesterday? Was he meddling?” Her fingers tightened about his elbow, her grip rather firm. “Ada put him up to it. I’m sure of it. What did he say? Tell me he didn’t embarrass you or me or both of us?”
Sin opened his mouth, not sure what to say. What did she mean by embarrass? But he didn’t get a chance to ask as Anne returned back down the stairs. “Mary,” she bounced in front of her new tutor. “Would you like to come see your room.”
Mary’s hand slipped from his arm. He should be happy that Anne was so elated but some part of him missed Mary’s touch on his arm.
As she glided gracefully up the stairs, he reminded himself that he didn’t need another woman like her complicating his life. But somehow, he couldn’t make his body agree.
Chapter Five
Mary watched the child bounce about the bedroom. Her plan was already working. At least she hoped it was. Her goal was to build Anne’s confidence during the day to help her cope with fear at night.
“What shall we do Miss Chase?” the child sang. “Take a great adventure?”
Mary laughed. “Yes. A fantastic one full of adventure, mystery, and activity.”
“Where?” Anne bounced on her heels. “Where shall we go?”
Lord Sinclair had implied the child was struggling with fear but thus far, Mary had seen no evidence of that fact. “To the garden,” she replied, suppressing a grin when Anne let out a loud groan.
“The garden?”
“Yes. The garden.” She crossed the room reaching for one of her bags. “But I think we’ll take this with us.”
“What is it?” Anne asked her eyes growing larger as she stepped toward Mary.
“Take a look,” Mary answered, unclasping the bag.
Anne set the bag on the bed and then opened it slowly, letting out a loud gasp as she looked inside. “They’re so beautiful.”
Mary gave one of the girl’s braids a tug. “I thought you’d like them.”
Grace, an accomplished artist, had allowed Mary to raid her art supplies. Sketch books, charcoals, paints, and brushes graced the inside of the bag. “Today I think we’ll start with the charcoal and work our way to painting. Next week, Grace will come over to give you some lessons.”
Anne let go of the bag to clap wildly as she spun about. “Papa, did you hear? We’re going to draw in the garden.”
“I heard,” Lord Sinclair rumbled from the doorway.
Her entire body tensed at the sound. She hadn’t heard him come down the hall, thanks to the carpeting, and she heated as she wondered how long he’d been watching. She turned to face him, straightening in a show of strength that she didn’t feel. “Can we picnic for the noon meal as well?”
Anne gasped with delight. “A picnic. Oh, yes, please!” Then she danced over to her father. “Papa. You should picnic with us too. Wouldn’t that be fun?”
Inwardly Mary groaned. She came here for Anne and despite her earlier pondering about fulfilling a few fantasies with Lord Sinclair, she’d realized the foolishness of that idea the moment she’d arrived. He was her employer. And she had a future to build.
“It does sound fun, sweetheart.” He pushed off the doorframe and entered the room. “If that’s all right with Miss Chase?”
“Of course.” She nodded, looking at Anne. She was going to have to overcome this attraction or her post would be short-lived. “Will the cook permit us to pack it ourselves before we go out?”
“I’m sure she would but she could pack it for you and I could take it out.”
His voice rumbled through her as she continued to watch the girl dance about the room. She was determined not to look at Lord Sinclair while she brought herself back under control.
Swallowing, she drew in a deep breath. “That’s quite all right. We’ll pack it ourselves.” Then she reached for Anne’s hand as the girl slipped her fingers into Mary’s. “Anne, since your Papa will be our distinguished guest, do you know what he might like to eat or should we ask him?”
Anne crinkled her brow. “He likes chicken. And lamb…” The child looked up to the ceiling. “And meat pies.”
Mary gave her an appreciative smile. “Excellent. I bet you can pack him all his favorite things.”
Anne nodded eagerly. “Wouldn’t that be grand. I’ll go tell Cook.” And with that the girl darted off.
“Well,” Lord Sinclair rumbled as the girl disappeared. “You’ve certainly got her excited.”
Mary nodded. “Indeed.”
“Is there a method to all this enthusiasm?” He moved closer. She felt his heat through her clothes. Her fingers clenched into her skirts.
“There is,” she answered. “Being useful. Doing for others builds confidence in ourselves.” She drew in a deep breath. “And she seems interested in drawing. I want her to be good at things. But…” This made her smile. “For our first days, I thought we would stay on the property. Test out her fears and what drives them.”
His hand came up to her shoulder. She hadn’t expected it and a shiver raced down her spine at his touch. “Thank you for taking on the position. I’m very hopeful to see what the next few weeks bring.”
Heat radiated from her face. “I haven’t done anything yet. Reserve your thanks until I’ve been successful.”
He brushed his fingers down her arm. “I see a difference in her already and for my part…” He hesitated. “You were right yesterday. I thought by guiding her on proper presentation for a lady I was doing the job of a mother—”
Her insides twisted. How difficult it must be for him to raise a daughter on his own. “I spoke out of turn and truly, you are a caring and concerned father. She couldn’t ask for more.”
Silence fell between them, but he didn’t move away. In fact, if anything, he drifted closer. Her own breath stalled in her chest. “Thank you,” he finally whispered.
“You’re welcome,” she replied, a lump of nerves clogging her throat. “I
