Page 9 of A Rogue to Cherish

“He is.” Lucinda’s eyes narrowed. “I do not see a mar on your face. A blessing, I am sure.”

After a discreet knock, an older man with muddied boots stood at the doorway. It was shocking to see Lucinda’s expression relax at seeing the man. “The garden outside this window. I would like to ensure the flowers are pruned so that they are bright and colorful in a fortnight.”

The man nodded, looking past them to the window. “The new lass, she seems knowledgeable of plants. I will have her work there instead of the herb garden.”

Lucinda waved his words away impatiently. “I do not care how you do it, just ensure it is done.” Then she met the old man’s gaze for a moment. “It may require more than just one lass. You should help.” She paused, then asked, “Who is this lass?”

Rufus motioned behind himself to someone out of sight, and Wren appeared. Unlike the time before when she’d delivered a message to him, she wore a dirty apron, and her hair was tucked under a straw hat. Thankfully, she kept her gaze down. and he prayed she would not say anything to alert Lucinda that they’d met before.

“Lass, what do you know about flora?” Lucinda asked.

Wren lifted her gaze just enough to look at her mistress and then back to the floor. “I worked with my family growing vegetables, and we had a lush flower garden, my lady.”

Not surprisingly, Lucinda did not seem impressed. “Ensure not to do any damage to my precious flowers. Some are imported and require much care.”

Wren’s head bobbed. “Yes, my lady.”

“Go on then.” Lucinda turned her attention back to Rufus. “I trust you will keep an eye on her.”

Bobbing a quick curtsy, it was then that Wren finally looked at him. Her gaze remained flat and without recognition, as if she didn’t remember him. Then she turned and followed the old man out of the room.

“Her aunt, who’s been with me for many years, asked me to take the lass on. I am glad that she will be of some use in the garden. My only other choice would be to send her to work with the hogs.” Lucinda’s unkind words made him flinch. All of the women on Lucinda’s staff were plain, some outright ugly, and it occurred to Grant that the older, vain woman had developed an automatic dislike of younger, pretty women, not wishing to be outshined.

Lucinda picked up a scone and took a dainty bite. “Back to the subject at hand. My son insists that you are only interested in me because of my money. I do not disagree. I know you can have any woman you please. However, I am a bit disconcerted that after that unpleasant episode, you did not come to explain yourself.”

His heart raced. Was the woman about to take back her offer to pay for his portion of the ship sponsorship? It was time to pull every weapon from his arsenal and ensure he used them wisely.

Grant moved to sit next to her, taking her hand in both of his. “I did plan to come and speak to you. However, I was not sure you would welcome my visit. He is your son, and I should have refrained from hitting him. I beg you to accept my heartfelt apologies.”

Lucinda sniffed with annoyance. “It is him you should be apologizing to. He is quite put out.”

It proved almost impossible not to clench his jaw. “I will make every effort to seek him out and…”

“He said he saw you at The Grant and that you made no effort to seek him out there. Quite the contrary, in fact.”

“Lucinda. I cannot undo the past. I did not apologize because as I have explained, he attacked me.”

“He defended his mother’s honor.”

“Very true, and it is commendable.” In truth, he despised the pompous man and wished he’d hit him a few more times.

“That goes without saying. My Tom is very protective of me.”

Being that Tom rarely visited his mother, didn’t stand with her at events, and didn’t even have anything to do with Lucinda’s care, Grant discerned that what Tom was protective of was his mother’s fortune.

“Of course,” he replied noncommittally. He had absolutely no plans to apologize to the idiot. Hopefully, it would be a short time before a ball or social engagement would take greater precedence in Lucinda’s mind.

“Now,” Lucinda said, lifting a dainty cup to her lips. “You are to escort me to an event tomorrow evening.” Her gaze skimmed from his booted feet and over his body to finally meet his gaze. “See about presentable attire. Also, go to the tailor. He has instructions as to what you will be wearing to the spring gala next week.” Her voice lowered to a secretive tone. “As Tom has begun visiting unannounced, meet me at my townhouse tonight. Eight o’clock sharp.”

Something akin to nausea rose within Grant. It wasn’t new that he slept with various women in exchange for a rather lavish lifestyle. It was just that this time, Lucinda ordered his movements and wardrobe, and he had no choice in the matter. It was not the kind of arrangement he usually made.

However, there was the matter of the huge sum she’d promised, and the woman was aware he would not rebel against anything she asked until the money was securely in his account.

“Very well.” He managed a smile. “I am glad that you are not so upset as to deny me your company.”

Movement from outside caught his attention. Wren appeared carrying a large, rustic basket, her pretty face shaded by the rather tattered straw hat she wore. She looked up to the sky, her lips curving, and he almost smiled but quickly looked to Lucinda, whose eyes had narrowed as she observed his attention on the young woman.

“Why do you need the garden to be prepared in a fortnight?” He scrambled to come up with a reason for his study of the garden.

“I am hosting a lady’s tea there. The last one was hosted by Catriona Campbell, whose garden is without fault. Once the girl and Rufus get mine started, I am going to hire a professional team to ensure mine is much grander.”

Grant wanted to roll his eyes. Lucinda rarely paid any mind to flowers or the like. Her preferred pursuits took place indoors. Her circle of friends were older members of high society who were brought together by their fight against aging. Instead of enjoying their elderly status, they’d turned to pursuits that bordered on perversion.

Unfortunately, as Lucinda’s lover, he was part of that lifestyle—for the moment.

Letting out a sigh, he stood. “As much as I’d like to stay, I must go. I have an appointment with Lord Johnstone,” he lied. “He values promptness, so I do not wish to be late.”

“Of course, darling,” Lucinda held up a hand for him to kiss. “I look forward to our time together tonight.”