Page 24 of Charity

“And better not giggle this time,” Oscar chimed in.

The little sprite flashed a quick smile in his direction. “Do you know where I could hide so even Simon can’t find me?”

Oscar considered it while Agatha tucked a stray curl behind the child’s ear. Mabel was light, small. She’d fit easily atop a high piece of furniture. “Come with me, Mabel, I know just the place. Miss Birkenstock, if your tour is finished, I’ll be heading back to the office.”

Agatha frowned when Oscar held his hand out for Mabel to take. The little girl let him lead her toward the office, lift her up in his arms, and then place her atop a tall bureau. Her eyes widened a bit, but then her smile turned beatific. If she kept her giggles in check, she’d be very hard to find up there. For good measure, he collected a short stack of books and set them so Mabel’s peeking head could hide behind.

“Is that acceptable, my lady?”

“Oh, you are the best lord I have ever met. Will you marry me someday?”

Oscar choked. “No. Of all the ridiculous notions.” But this girl had them by the dozen. She’d be easy pickings if she found herself in the street, should the orphanage close. The notion made him shudder but he ignored it, turned back to his papers to await the confused searchers looking for Mabel.

CHAPTER TEN

The cream of London society swirled about Estella as she stood with her friends on the boundary of the dance floor. She smiled at the happy faces about her and preened as more than one eye cast an envious glance toward her circle. Oscar stood with Lady Penelope’s arm wrapped about his. He seemed in a good mood at long last, possessiveness clear as his hand covered Lady Penelope’s. He looked down upon her with an air of satisfaction.

“They make an interesting pair,” a deep voice murmured in her ear.

Estella turned and dropped into a deep curtsy. “Your Grace, such an honor.”

The Ambrose Manning, Duke of Staines, shook his finger at her. “Now, now, Essy. No need to take that tone with me. We’ve known each other far too long for you to ply me up with insipid affection and think I’ll be satisfied.”

Although Estella scowled, she did rise up on her toes and press her lips against the duke’s clean-shaven cheek when he offered it. He smacked his lips against her cheek in return.

Estella blushed. “Beastly man. Now the tongues will wag.”

And indeed, the rise in chatter around them seemed to confirm that all eyes and tongues had taken in their affectionate exchange.

When he straightened, his eyes had creased with mirth. “They like nothing better than a good gossip about nothing. Besides, it will make Lynton livid with jealousy.”

Estella glanced away. The duke’s habit of annoying his younger brother was none of her concern. What did it matter if Lynton knew of that kiss? The duke meant nothing by it, aside from stirring up attention for himself. Lynton Manning could go to the devil. “I thought you would have grown out of teasing your brother.”

Staines threaded her arm through his and moved them away from her group. “You mean you’d thought I would finally grow up and behave like a real duke. Don’t pretend you don’t think it. It is the primary charge my brother levels at me during his weekly sermons. I must have some form of revenge. He used to have a fine sense of humor before he took orders.”

Estella could remember that, although Lynton’s smiles and laughter seemed a lifetime ago now. “And how do you like being preached at?”

He shrugged. “In one ear and out the other. But I have my man, Redding, pay attention and he nudges me, should I fall asleep during any important bits.”

Estella glanced behind them. Redding, the duke’s long-suffering footman, offered a courteous nod, but remained three paces behind. “That man must know a great deal of secrets about you,” she laughed. “Do you think he could be bribed so your brother could trip you up on occasion?”

The duke’s expression changed. He glanced at his footman, a slow smile tugging at his mouth. “You would have no chance with Redding. He is utterly incorruptible.”

Estella shuddered. “No one is incorruptible.”

“I take it you have learned that from experience.” The duke waved his cane toward Oscar. “I see your boy has finally filled out from a stick. Thought he’d never sprout outward.”

Thankful for the change of subject, Estella admired her son’s face. He was a little more drawn than usual, but he was certainly larger than when the duke had last lain eyes on him. Staines usually kept to less polite circles and, to her knowledge, had little cause to know her son in recent years. “He eats nonstop,” she confessed. “But where it all goes is beyond me.”

The duke laughed. “I swear I had to protect my interests from Lynton’s incessant appetite when he was that age. To this day, I still believe he lightened my breakfast tray every morning while our valet’s back was turned.”

“Such habits didn’t do him any lasting harm. He seems trim enough.”

The duke chuckled again. “I’ll be sure to mention your warm admiration for Lynton’s figure the next time he comes to berate me for my sins. That should prove very amusing.”

Estella’s mouth fell open. She closed it swiftly. “You will do no such thing. I merely said he had not run to fat. There was nothing warm in my comment.”

The duke stroked her hand where it had curled into a fist. “Settle your feathers, Essy. You are too much fun to tease. Might I convince you to dance with me? There’s a waltz starting up, and I’m growing restless with this party.”