“Yes, that was in my mind, too. There are men whose financial existence depends on the backs of children—who they consider disposable.” His instinct told him there could be much more to these men. He decided to speak with Morray as soon as possible.
Colin found he was enjoying this time with Nora. They were already joining in concern for the children, something that he would never have envisioned.
“I have a favorite spot here and thought we might go there today.” he ventured, seeking a lighter note.
She smiled. “That sounds perfect. I had hoped we might discuss our… betrothal.”
Chapter 15
It pleased Nora that Colin had taken the trouble to select a pleasant spot for their outing, even if it was to discuss the facets of their arrangement, although she could not help but worry what the particulars would be.
As a child, she had indulged her fancy over a love match when she married. Yet she had agreed to this arrangement and would see it to the end, resolving to make the best of it. Lord Shefford’s interest in the children astonished her—she had not expected that he would truly be interested when he asked to take part. He had been earnest in his request. He had asked nothing mundane and seemed truly concerned about the children’s well-being, particularly with respect to Benjamin, who seemed to have gained special favor with the Earl.
“Gerard will set us down and take the carriage and horses to wait beyond those trees. There is not enough room for him to draw up here,” the Earl said, stirring Nora from her musings.
“I have never picnicked by a brook before.” Nora spoke before she realized her intention. There had not been many opportunities to attend frivolous functions, far less enjoy a picnic. She had worked in the family’s mercantile whenever her parents needed her. The store had sold all sorts of sundries, including fabrics, notions, and other household items. Since her grandfather’s death, her father had struggled to keep the family business afloat. He recently moved his law office to the top floor of the mercantile, and his clients had not seemed to mind. Mother had once commented on the number of new clients found once he moved his office to the mercantile. When she was young, she wondered why Grandmama or Grandpapa had not intervened and helped. As she grew older, she realized pride was a powerful antagonist.
“I find that hard to believe,” he answered. “My governess introduced me to picnics as a small child. She would trick me into thinking it was playtime and so I would learn French or Italian while eating the fruits and cheeses she brought along.”
Nora liked the way his smile filled his face and his eyes sparkled when he spoke of things that made him happy.
“Did you bring cheese?” she asked. His smile was contagious.
“I did, as well as lemonade and wine. I believe Mrs. Simpkins has packed everything.”
“Both lemonade and wine?” She laughed. “Not only does she like you, she would do anything for those gifts of sweets.”
The groom opened the door. “My lord. I have placed the blanket and the basket on the ground near the water. Please let me know if there is anything else you require.” He bowed, pivoted, and went to the front of the carriage, where the driver sat.
“I shall return in a moment,” Colin said as he alighted from the carriage.
Two minutes later, the door opened again, and Colin waited, his hand held out for her. Nora accepted his hand and stepped from the conveyance. Once they had walked away from the carriage, she heard it pull away.
“That is lovely!” She stared in wonder at the display before her. A large blue cloth covered the ground between two trees. On the top rested an open basket and two stout pillows—one resting against each of the trees.
“Allow me.” Colin guided her to the blanket and gave her time to sit down. She tucked her legs underneath her skirt and smoothed the folds about her.
Nora looked around and noticed, for the first time, that they appeared to be alone. A hint of unease crept up her neck. While she was not uneasy with Lord Shefford, her grandmother would not appreciate having to defray commentary from the ton, should they be discovered in this clandestine position. She nibbled her lower lip, suddenly feeling anxious and short-sighted. Perhaps she should have brought Mary along to serve as a chaperone. Yet that would have left Mrs. Simpkins as the primary caregiver with the children. Woods and Marsh would be busy working on renovations on the upper floors. She would simply have to make this a short picnic. There was nothing else for it.
“A penny for your thoughts,” Colin asked, rousing her from her contemplation.
“I am afraid I was fretting. ’Tis something I seem to do more of since the orphanage opened,” she replied.
“I sense something is wrong. Pray enlighten me and allow me to share in your concerns.”
“I daresay I might…” Her voice sounded tentative, even to her own ears. “Would you think me dreadfully ungrateful if I asked you to find a less private place? It is a delightful spot, and in different circumstances I should love to sit here and enjoy the day. However, if we are discovered here, unchaperoned…”
“Say no more,” he said. “I understand completely. I should have given more thought to this. I had been thinking of my own needs—that is, I wanted us to have a place where we might speak uninterrupted. I did not consider your reputation. I know somewhere which might feel more suitable.” He turned and gave a quick whistle. Immediately, she heard horses and a carriage moving towards them.
“Gerard, drive on to the lake. There is a pretty prospect close to the palace gardens, with a statue and some benches.”
“At once, my lord.”
Within minutes, they had collected up the basket and blanket, and returned them, with themselves, into the carriage.
Nora was not sure
