A Season to Be Sinful (28 page)

Yes. Lady Rivendale freed one of her hands from his so that she might pat his cheek. How well you understand me. She looked past his shoulder to where her maid stood in the doorway of the dressing room. Yes?

Its your ladyships bath. Its been drawn.

And still too hot by half. You can attend me in a moment, Digby. She waited until Digby disappeared again, then said to her godson, I am favorably disposed to these rooms, Sherry. I dont recall that Ive ever stayed in them before. I believe Ive always had accommodations in the east wing.

Im glad you approve.

You still have your rooms here, do you not?

Sherry could feel that strawberry seed wedging itself between his teeth. I do. I thought you should like to be close.

You will not find that inconvenient?

In what way? As a child he would have broken under her scrutiny, much in the way Midge had surrendered to Lily at breakfast, but he had had considerable practice in the intervening years shuttering his expression and was able to hold his own.

Bah! She freed her other hand and waved him off as cavalierly as she had her maid. I see there will be nothing forthcoming from you. You always were a deep one, Sherry, but I used to be able to plumb those depths. I will tell you straightaway that I have every intention of meeting these lads you told Arthur about. I cannot imagine what you were thinking taking three creatures from the Holborn slums and putting them up in your home. They might come upon you in the middle of the night and slit your throat.

Sherry was very aware of the maids presence in the adjoining room. Please have a care, Aunt Georgia. Only the servants that came up from London with me know the precise origins of the boys, and they are under threat of being dismissed if it becomes fodder for all. If you have already made your distress known to Digby, then I would ask you to caution her as well.

Why? She lifted her chin a fraction, and her gray eyes flashed silver. Why shouldnt people know what a good heart you have? In any event, there must be suspicion about them, or are their manners and speech so improved they can pass for children such as you and dear Cybelline were?

Her point was well taken, though Sherry did not say so. I will let you judge, Aunt. They will dine with us this evening.

Oh, surely not.

You would prefer to dine in your room?

I would prefer they dined in theirs. It is not the done thing, Sherry, for children to sit with the adults.

It is done here at Granville. Not always, certainly, but on special occasions my own parents permitted Cybelline and me to join them. I seem to recall that you were present more than once.

That was entirely different. We indulged you both, and you had the advantage of not being raised by wolves.

Are you afraid they will snap and growl at you?

Do not be impertinent. She pursed her lips and leveled a reproving glance at him. You might at least tell me their names, Sherry. Arthur said you were closed mouth there.

Pinch, Dash, and Midgethe diminutive of Smidgen, not Midget.

You cannot be serious.

He shrugged.

Oh, Sherry, it is far worse than I imagined. In every way that can be conceived, this is a ramshackle affair. She breathed deeply through her nose, nostrils flaring slightly, and released the breath slowly. What can you have been thinking?

Since she had posed the same question before, Sherry believed this one was strictly rhetorical. In any event, he had no intention of answering. Then you will not approve of this either, Aunt, but I am making arrangements to make them my wards.

Sherry had never considered his godmother faint of heart, but he was tempted to call Digby to fetch the smelling salts. He judged the moment as passing quickly and encouraged her to sit on the chaise longue to collect herself.

It was at the exact point of color returning to her face that the door to her room swung open hard and Pinch and Midge skidded breathlessly to a stop on the edge of the carpet.

Beggin yer pardon, but its Miss Rose! Midge cried. Shes taken a spill from the top o the chestnut! Ye must come, mlord! I fear she is broken!

Lady Rivendale ignored the urchins dancing with anxiety on the perimeter of the room. She had eyes only for her godsons pale countenance, and upon seeing it, saw her greatest fears confirmed. Her dear boy wasnt thinking at all; he was besotted.

It required some effort of will for Sherry not to run. He had a view of the chestnut treeall seventy-five feet of itas he passed one of the arched windows on the main staircase landing. He could not see Lily because she was already surrounded by servants. Dash was visible, though, darting in and out of the servants circle, anxiously looking toward the house.

Pinch and Midge slid past him on the banister and were out the door before the housekeeper finished scolding them. Sherry paused long enough to give her instructions, then he continued in the boys wake.

When he was still better than twenty feet from Lily, he slowed the brisk pace hed set and forced calm. It was not merely for himself that he did this, but for Lily. What reputation she had been able to establish with his retainersand by all accounts it seemed to be a respected onewould be forever changed if it was suspected she was the recipient of some special feeling from him. Because his own reputation was sterling in regard to dalliances with those in his employ, and because he was the master of Granville Hall, Sherry knew he would be acquitted of wrongdoing, while seductress might be the kindest name she could expect.

When the circle of servants parted for Sherry, he saw that it was Mr. Penn, the groundskeeper, who was kneeling beside Lily. She was still sprawled awkwardly on the ground, her face devoid of color but not lacking for expression. What Sherry spied there was at least as much chagrin as pain. Mr. Penn released Lilys hand when Sherry hunkered down beside him. Sherry did not pick it up.

Can you tell if anything is broken? he asked, credibly composed now.

My right ankle hurts abominably, but I think it is a sprain. When he glanced at her foot she rotated it slowly for him. I do not believe I could do that if it were broken.

No, he said. I dont believe you could

No one has allowed me to move.

He nodded, understanding the servants reserve. That is because you have dislocated your left shoulder. That is, if it is not broken.

Lily twisted her head to look down at herself. She grimaced with the pain this small movement caused her. I thought it was bruised. Im afraid I somersaulted rather awkwardly when I landed. I think my shoulder took the brunt of the fall.

That you rolled at all is most likely why you have a sprained ankle instead of a broken one. Lets have a look at the shoulder, shall we? He explored the line of her collarbone and the ball and socket joint of her shoulder. Kennedy. Sherry waved the head groom forward. The man had more experience than anyone with broken and shattered bones, albeit with four-legged creatures. Tell me what you think.

The groom dropped to his knees and made his own assessment. His examination was less gentle than Sherrys and also more thorough, but his judgment was the same. Its popped the socket, Kennerly said, sitting back. No break, so thats a bit of luck.

Then you wont have to put me down, Mr. Kennerly, Lily said. Id hoped youd be more relieved.

Neither Sherry nor Kennedy responded to her wry humor. They merely exchanged dark glances, communicating what was to be done without a word passing between them.

Sherry slipped his hands under Lilys shoulders, raising her just enough for the groom to get the grip he needed. I hope you will scream as loudly as you like.

Lily did not have time to ask him what he meant. Kennerly wrenched her shoulder and arm so hard that she nearly lost consciousness from the pain of it. She had no sense of herself screaming, but the vision of Dash and Midge clamping their hands over their ears was proof that she had.

Sorry, Miss, Kennerly said. It had to be done.

Her shoulder throbbed, but she was no longer being skewered by needles of pain. Im sure it did, she said, her voice still reed thin. May I sit up now?

Thatd be his lordships decision.

Are you able? Sherry asked.

I think it will make it easier to catch my breath.

Sherry gestured to everyone to step back. Did you lose your breath in the fall? he asked.

She nodded. And again when Mr. Kennerly offered his cure. Out of the corner of her eye she saw two footmen approaching carrying a litter between them. 1 wont need that. I am certain I will be able to walk.

That is only because you havent tried. Sherry instructed the footmen to place the litter on the grass beside Lily, then he and Kennerly gingerly lifted her just enough for the litter to be pushed under her. The onlookers dispersed to return to their duties, and Sherry and the boys accompanied Lily back to the house, taking up positions on both sides of the litter to make certain she didnt fall off.

Who is going to tell me how this happened? Sherry asked. Midge?

For once the youngest of the trio remained silent and stared at the ground.

Its for me to tell, Dash said. He ran his fingers through his pale hair and glanced sideways at Sheridan. We were in the tree, lookin out for er ladyship. Like a regular crows nest it is up there and wi us bein pirates and all, well

You are not pirates, Sherry said in crushing accents.

Right, but we were playin at it, and my ship was the Alf Moon, and Pinch ad the

Sherry remained unamused. I understand the game. I want to hear that portion of the story that pertains to Miss Rose falling out of the tree.

Dashs feet were beginning to drag. Miss Rose came lookin for us to wash up so we could put on a good face for Lady Rivendale. Pinch and Midge, they climbed down wi nary a problem, but I was never a till frisker wot could do the roof work. My ead gets muzzy, and its like the ground is comin up to

Vertigo, Sherry said. Its called vertigo.

Dash nodded. Thats the same wot Miss Rose called it. Cant say if its what caused er to fall, though. He quickened his pace and looked over at Lily. Was it, Miss Rose?

She smiled weakly. No. Climbing a tree in a dress is what caused me to fall. Her grip around the poles of the litter tightened when the lead footman stumbled.

Sherry bit off the sharp rebuke he had for the clumsy footman and merely said, Careful, man. We cannot manage two on the litter.

Lilys attention wasnt for her bearers. She was watching Dashs lower lip tremble as he fought tears. Sheridan had had occasion to discipline the boys before, but he had never been angry with them. There was no mistaking that he was angry now. His stride was deliberate, his jaw set, and it was evident that he was still restraining himself. He was angry with her as well, perhaps more so, but Lily suspected that her narrow brush with serious injury or even death was forcing him to find another target for it. The boys were convenient and, in a very small way, culpable. Pinch and Midge, she noticed, were looking every bit as morose as their compatriot.

When they reached the house. Sherry sent the boys to their rooms with instructions to decide what their punishment should be. Lilys heart went out to them. They hadnt the least idea of what might be reasonable or fair. She tried to catch Sherrys eye and implore him to mete out his own correction, but he was careful not to attend to her too closely. He ordered the footmen to carry her to her room, sent one of the maids to look after her, then dispatched a servant to bring the doctor from the village.

It was Lilys opinion that fetching the doctor was rather more than was needed, but she kept this to herself as Sheridan appeared unwilling to entertain any ideas but his own. She noticed that he stood back while the maid and the housekeeper fussed over her and often glanced toward the door as though anticipating a visitor. At first she thought it was the physician he was in expectation of seeing, then she realized his vigilance was for Lady Rivendale.

Only a few days ago, Lily might have inquired after her ladyship as she had never been unduly cautious of her remarks to Sheridan in front of the servants. It was being borne home to her anew how last nights intimacy had altered communication between them. They were self-conscious of their changed circumstances and, in not wanting to bring attention to themselves, were perhaps doing just that. Still, Lily thought she should follow Sheridans lead in this regard, and though she chafed at not being able to speak as freely as before, she accepted it as the consequence of sharing his bed.

Like the boys would surely do, she and Sheridan had crafted a punishment for themselves that was neither reasonable nor fair. She was actually relieved when he left her in the care of others and did not return upon the arrival of the physician, though she felt vaguely guilty for being so.

It was Dr. Clarksons judgment following his examination that Lilys injury was a sprain, and she was directed to keep her ankle elevated and given a small amount of laudanum for the pain. One of the footmen remembered a pair of crutches hed seen tucked away in the lamp room and brought them to her. The maid who had first attended her found a stool suitable for raising her foot, and the housekeeper brought a pillow to lay under her heel.

Lily was overwhelmed by the attention the servants paid her. Governesses, she had reason to know, were neither up nor down, but more in the way of betweenstairs. It could, in fact, be an awkward position, one that engaged the resentment of the household staff and the indifference of the employer. It was what she had expected upon agreeing to accept the position at Granville Hall, yet she seemed to have engendered neither resentment nor indifference.

That this was the case, Lily suspected, had very little to do with her and almost everything to do with the scoundrels. With no conscious effort on their part. Pinch. Dash, and Midge had come to be accepted by everyone. Their antics were tolerated, their incessant questions answered. In equal measures they were coddled and disciplined, fussed over and shooed away. They had been taken into the heart and hearth of Granville Hall, and as the one charged with their care, Lily had been taken in as well.

Lying back on the bed, Lily could feel the laudanum begin to dull the throbbing in her foot and all her other senses besides. She yawned widely and curled on her side, slipping one arm under her pillow. It occurred to her that she should seek out the boys and help them arrive at a just punishment, but the lethargy that made her yawn a second time also stole her will.

Burrowing deeply under the covers, Lily knew only a profound sense of contentment as she closed her eyes.

Sherry escorted his godmother from the music salon to the dining room on his arm. At her request, he had played several Mozart pieces on the pianoforte. To his own ears his fingers had lacked the lightness of touch that was sometimes remarked upon when he was pressed to play in London. It was not surprising that he had stumbled over some of the more difficult passages; since returning to Granville, he had entertained himself at the keys only late at night when restlessness compelled him to leave his bed. What was unexpected was that he had not felt the restlessness so keenlyuntil Lily.

You are very quiet, Sherry, Lady Rivendale said as she was seated at the table. I cannot help thinking that you have not been attending to me.

There was no point in dissembling. Indeed, Aunt, I have not heard a word. Forgive me. Sherry refused the chair the footman offered. He stood beside it instead, looking toward the door where the butler stood. I expected the children to be here, Wolfe. Why are they not?

I will find out at once. With a discreet wave of his hand, Mr. Wolfe dispatched one of the maids.

Lady Rivendale looked across the beautifully set table, then up at her godson. You are scowling, she told him. I hope you will find another expression before you sit, as that one is perfectly disagreeable.

I do not scowl.

You have never been kept waiting before.

Grunting softly, Sherry took measure of his features and discovered they were indeed set disagreeably. He was not so out of sorts that he could not find humor in it. The line of his jaw relaxed, and one corner of his mouth lifted in a smile rich with self-mockery. It was not so very long ago that the scoundrels accused me of having but one expression.

And I know it very well. Absolutely maddening, the way you can be so self-possessed and secretive. The scowl, though, is not an improvement.

His grin widened. Your point is taken.

Her ladyship glanced toward the door. I freely admit I was not in favor of the children dining with us, so it surprises me that I am She broke off as the maid returned, flushed in the face and out of breath.

Sherry gave no outward sign that he was concerned by the maids excitement. His voice was mild, even detached, as he asked, What have you discovered?

The scoundrels, mlord, the maid said, bobbing her head.

Theyre not in their rooms. I found this in Master Dashs bedchamber. I thought it might be important. She quickly stepped forward and placed a folded paper in Sherrys upturned palm. I think thats your name there, mlord. Is it?

Yes. Did you inquire of Miss Rose?

She shook her head. I looked in her room, but she was sleeping and the boys werent there.

You did well. He unfolded the missive and read, aware that everyone in the dining room would be gauging his reaction. He recognized Dashs hand. The script was painstakingly neat, and there had been a good effort made at spelling. Sherry read it silently, then read the whole of it aloud for his audience.

My LordSheridan,

We are hardily hartily heartily sorry for the trouble we cozed you and for the hurt we cozed Miss Rose. We wood would like to make a most sincere promice that it wont appen agin again but Pinch thinks it will anyway. Midge and me dont fide it much but Pinch is probly problly mostly right. Midge says if you had a dunjun it would be a good punishment. Since you dont we will bannish ourselfs and go to Lunnon Lundon.