Mrs. Simpkins hesitantly stepped towards the window and peered outside. “He was right there… I don’t see him now, my lord,” she whispered. “He was so close he could see me own icy breath in this room, and I could see his.” She leaned down and unsteadily picked up her soup pot and placed it in the sink.
“Could you more fully describe him to me, Mrs. Simpkins?” Lord Shefford asked, his voice soothing.
“M’lord, he was tall and looked cruel. His hair was dark, and I think his eyes are black. Big black eyes they looked.” She puffed out a tremulous breath before continuing, “His face has pimply scars and a black moustache.”
Lord Shefford stepped back inside the room, looking around. “I believe you, Mrs. Simpkins. Where is Woods?”
“I expect he has gone back upstairs to work on the classrooms.” Nora spoke up.
“I came straight away to find you, Miss Mason,” the housekeeper added.
“Thank you, Mrs. Simpkins. I will see what can be done. Please fetch Woods and ask him to look around the premises. Do as Miss Mason suggests and keep the children within sight.” He turned to Nora. “Unless I am wrong, this man has determined that the orphanage offers more than one opportunity. I know the fear you feel is for little Amy. However, I would suggest you treat all the children as if they are in danger. I think you are safe for now.”
Luckily, the younger children were taking a nap and the older ones were practicing their letters, so she did not have to worry about their whereabouts. Saying nary a word, Nora listened cautiously. Lord Shefford had become protective. He cares. There was still so much that she needed to ask him, but the orphanage and the children were vastly more important to her. She bit her lip and inclined her head, refusing to allow her own nerves to show.
“There are things I can do to help. Nevertheless, there is only so much I can do while here. Although I need to leave, I will return. Might I have a few moments of your time before I go, Miss Mason?”
She turned to Mrs. Simpkins. “Please make sure the latches on the doors and windows in the kitchen are fastened securely. Keep the light down. I will come down shortly, to assist you.”
“Yes, Miss Mason.”
Nora did not miss the small iron frying pan the cook held within her skirts. Barely holding in an inopportune giggle, she remarked:
“I can see you are well-armed.”
“Yes, ma’am. The man looked like the Devil himself, with eyes black as coal. I don’t intend to let him near our little Amy.”
“I am certain you will acquit yourself well with the frying pan, should the challenge present itself,” Nora responded, her voice as solemn as she could muster. “I will accompany Lord Shefford to the door.”
She and Lord Shefford walked in silence to the front entrance.
“I plan to return later with more men, Miss Mason.” His eyes glimmered, challenging and teasing her. “And I would like to meet the other children.”
She nodded, unable to speak and suddenly unsure of what to say.
“I would ask that you call me Colin, as we are now betrothed,” he added, leaning closer.
Nora worried her bottom lip. The man’s nearness excited and flustered her. Shyness gripped her throat as she struggled to speak.
“You may call me Nora… Colin,” she said, looking into his eyes. Would he kiss her? She hoped so.
He leaned forward, but just as quickly, pulled back again. An easy smile spread across his handsome features.
“I am sincere about my offer. May we speak of it tomorrow?”
“I would like that.” She reached into her pocket and withdrew the note she had placed there in what now, seemed an eon ago. “Here. Take this with you. It is the note we received this morning, about Mr. Sneed. You may need it.” I trust him. She could not have imagined such a thing only a day ago—or even this morning. Truthfully, no one could have imagined any of this. “Thank you.”
He placed the note in his pocket and tugged her closer. “This is a different side to you,” he observed. “I enjoyed the fiery side, but this new side is nice. I find I want to know you better.” His eyes blazed down at her. “I would like to kiss you once more.”
She could not resist and softly lifted onto her toes, moving her arms about his neck as his mouth covered hers. A now familiar flutter shot down her spine to her center, eliciting a small shiver.
“Are you cold?” he murmured, his lips hovering above hers.
She gave a slight shake to her head, her eyes fixed on his. “This is the warmest I have ever felt in my life,” she whispered.
Chapter 11
Colin took the steps to his front door two at a time. Franklin opened the door for him to pass through and accepted his gloves, hat, and cape as he entered.
“My lord, Lord Bergen awaits you in your study. He has just arrived,” the retainer said.
“Thank you, Franklin.” Colin turned. “Please send a footman to my study. Send Davis. I have a task which needs to be done quickly. Wait,” he interrupted himself. “Send Davis and two more footmen.”
“Yes, my lord.” The retainer bowed. “At once.”
His mother’s laughter tinkled from upstairs and Colin shook his head as he hurried to his study. He would never tire of the sound of her laugh. It warmed him. Mother would dearly love the tangle he had just created for himself, he knew, yet he had no plans to tell her. Wisdom dictated he first accept it himself. Try as he might, he could not regret it. Swiftly walking into the room, he moved behind his desk and picking up the decanter of brandy from the library table, poured himself a healthy measure. He swallowed it when he heard Bergen’s voice behind him.
“What has given you such a thirst?” he asked
