“Mary told us you would keep us safe,” she said, sniffling from tears.
“Who is this man?” Colin asked from behind, pushing down annoyance at having to reassert his presence.
With an exaggerated sigh, Nora turned to him. “I will have to tell you in a few minutes.”
Something in her eyes told him she could not speak of it in front of the children.
“Who are these pretty little girls,” he persisted, crouching down to their level.
Miss Mason gave him that questioning and exasperated look she seemed to have perfected. Admittedly, she challenged him more than any other female had ever done before, and found it amusing. He also found her intelligence stimulating, and imagined loosening the tight chignon that bound her blonde mane.
“Lord Shefford, these curly-headed beauties are part of our family. This is Alice,” she said, nodding to the taller one, “and this is Amy.” The smaller child turned and hid her face inside the folds of Miss Mason’s skirt.
Still crouching, he leaned over and held his hand out to Amy. “My name is Lord Shefford, but you have leave to address me as Uncle Colin,” he said, thus reminding himself he was not on a first name basis with Miss Mason. “It is nice to meet you, Amy, and you, Alice.” He observed that Alice was scrutinizing him closely.
“You don’t look nasty like that other man,” she offered as she took his hand.
“Miss Mason…” He looked up at her. “I feel the need to learn more about this man. He has upset the children greatly and that will not do at all.” He turned to Alice. “Where did you say you saw him?” He really wanted to know. He would not have a criminal sort watching these children. There could be a need for more security.
“I will show you, my lord,” Miss Mason interrupted brusquely. “First, let me help Mary get these two sweetings off to bed. ‘Tis been a while since they ate. They need a wee nap.”
He watched Miss Mason pick up Amy and hold her close, cooing to her as she walked the girls away. Alice held her free hand. Suddenly, he realized he had been there almost an hour and still had not struck the bargain that the Countess had asked of him. Annoyed with himself, he determined to do so when Miss Mason returned.
A few minutes later, she walked back into the room.
“Your day has varying levels of unpredictability to it,” he offered in solicitous tones, “and yet you do not believe my sincerity.”
She stared at him. “You are quite right. I wonder at your surprise, sir. After the way we met, and the proposal you have, with such grace and consideration, just proffered, I cannot believe you to care. Nevertheless, I appreciate your kindness to the children.”
“Did you think I was just being kind for show?” His chest lifted with indignation. Catching himself before he uttered an unforgivable retort, he swiftly composed his features. “I beg your pardon. I truly wish to help. What can you tell me about the man?” Colin realized he was sincere. He was genuinely concerned for this woman and her children.
“Very well, if you insist,” she sighed. “I received a note earlier from a friend of Amy’s mother. When Amy’s mother died, leaving the child alone, this woman brought her to us. Amy knows her as Aunt Gemma.” She fished in her reticule and withdrew a note, passing it to him. “This note says a man is trying to claim Amy. However, Gemma is certain he is not the child’s father. I believe her. Hearing Alice say she has seen him, confirms it for me.”
“In the eyes of the law, fathers have rights,” he said calmly. “I would like to have this man investigated. If he means Amy, Alice or any of the other children harm, I will ensure we keep him away from the premises.”
“How can you stop him?” she asked. “If Gemma and Alice are right, this is a man who could not care a straw for the law. And he has already located Amy. He aims to take her away from me, I know it.” Her voice rose to a high pitch.
“Your grandmother is a countess and a powerful figure in Society. How can you ask me that?” He could not prevent the jeering tone. “You may recall, I am an earl.”
“I do not rely on my grandmother, and since I have little or no involvement with the ton, I am not familiar with the power of an earl,” she responded tartly.
“Does all this mean you need my help?” He found himself becoming irritated with the minx, again! “What is it about my proposal that you find so offensive? Is there any likelihood of our coming to a mutual agreement?”
“In a word, sir—no. That is not to say I do not welcome your help. However, as far as the proposition goes, I fear that would not be possible, sir. We both know the orphanage is merely your momentary charity. Something new will claim your attention and you will be away!” She waved her hands in a sign of irritated display. “To you, this… my orphanage… is only a building, a trophy for your winnings.” She actually glared at him. “Now, if you will forgive me, I must be on my way. Is there anything else?” She retrieved her hat, which had somehow found its way to the hall tree, placed it on her head without recourse to a mirror and picked up her reticule.
“That is palpably untrue. I came here in the spirit of friendship in the hope we could work together, for a short period, in order that I might learn more,” he argued.
“Not that it is any of your business,” she said scathingly, pulling on her gloves, “I am off to visit my grandmother—if you will but allow me to
