CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Vi got up from the blue and gold brocade sofa that had once occupied her office at Foldger’s Foals. “Children, come back. Mrs. Hutton said she would return momentarily.” She moved to the doorway to stop them from spying on their adoptive mother as she attended to the person at the door.
“Lady Vi, it is a man. We don’t be seeing many of them here,” Daisy, a dark haired child missing her hand, said.
“I am certain it could not be that exciting. Surely the butcher visits, and do you not have a male tutor?”
“Yes’m, but this be a right fine gent,” Samuel chimed in as he pushed his way past the younger children to get a better look. “He has a fine coat, too, no holes or nutt’n.”
Now it was her turn to wade through the group and have a look. “Please step back and allow me to see.”
“Lady Vi, he is so handsome,” another girl—Lily, she thought—declared. The girl raised her hand to her forehead, feigning to swoon.
Vi laughed.
“Oh, he is ever so tall, and his hair looks as soft as a pillow.”
She could not be certain which child spoke; they all clambered around the door to get a look at their newest guest.
“Do you be think’n it be Abby’s pa?” Samuel asked, a bit of nervousness in his voice.
“Couldn’t be him. Abby has yellow hair and he has dark hair.”
“Well, she sure be stare’n at him like he’s her pa,” Daisy said.
“Then I better be ask’n to court his daughter,” Samuel said seriously.
Vi looked to the boy as he tucked in his shirt and smoothed the front of his pants.
“No, we will wait here until Mrs. Hutton returns. If she wanted all you bombarding the man she would call for you,” Vi said as she guided the children away from the door and back into the room decorated for Abby’s birthday. “Now, back to your game.”
As the children hid in various yet obvious places around the room, Vi moved back toward the door with the intent to push it shut.
But a voice traveled down the hall—a very familiar voice. “. . . Lady Viola I seek.”
How dare the man! Did he plan to storm the room and belittle her in front of the children? Her children.
Instead, she peeked out the door, trying not to draw the children’s attention. Oh, but Brock did look dashing, and Abby did look quite smitten with him.
Odd how he had that effect on people.
What was she thinking? She squared her shoulders and prepared to march down the hall and throw him out. This was hers, and he would not ruin her newfound sanctuary as he had done with Foldger’s Foals.
She paused as she started to leave the room. Suddenly, she realized that given recent developments, she no longer knew for certain that it had been Brock who spread the horrid gossip around London. It was much more likely the culprits had been Connor and Hampton Darlingiver.
This did not change the fact that he had completely humiliated her when all she’d wanted was a fresh start, a new beginning. Yes, he still needed to go.
With new resolve, she pulled the door open and started down the hall—and immediately came face to face with Brock, holding Abby’s hand as she led him in Vi’s direction.
“Lady Viola—”
“What are you doing here?” Her voice dripped with venom.
“I was at your house—”
“You followed me here?” she asked cutting him off again.
“Well, yes, but—”
This was too much. “You need to leave. Mrs. Hutton, can you show Lord Haversham to the door, please?” Vi turned a smile on Mrs. Hutton who stood, eyes wide, behind Abby.
“Of course. This way, m’lord.”
“But, Lady Vi, he said he is here for my party.” Abby’s face looked crestfallen, her small lips pursed in a pout.
As quickly as it had come, Vi’s anger fled. She was being selfish again, she chastised herself—it seemed she was unable to be anything but, at times. How could she disappoint the girl on her special day? With Vi’s source of income gone, Abby might not have another celebration. Mrs. Hutton would rightfully be concerned with feeding all the children; there would be no money for gifts or cake.
Maybe it was better that she leave, so they could continue to enjoy the party. Vi had delivered her altered dress to Abby, her gift given—she could depart.
“M’lady,” Mrs. Hutton’s voice drew Vi from her thoughts. “Do you want me to show him out?”
“No, actually, I was just saying my goodbyes to the children. I am afraid I must be off.” Vi’s voice did not waver.
“But, you only just arrived,” Abby pleaded. She let go Brock’s large hand and stepped forward to take Vi’s. “Can you not stay a bit longer?”
“I fear I have many engagements to prepare for now that I am back in town.” Vi squeezed the girl’s hand. “But I will return. Enjoy your new dress, and have a very happy birthday.” She disentangled her hand from Abby’s and took a step toward the front door.
“Lady Viola, I do hope ta see ye again soon.” Mrs. Hutton hurried to open the door.
“I will see you out, Lady Viola. My carriage waits just outside.”
“Oh, no. That will not be necessary.” But she knew she was fighting a losing battle, for he had already moved to her side and slipped her arm into the crook of his own.
He smiled at Abby, Mrs. Hutton, and then the children, who had gathered only a few steps down the hall. Images of everyone in attendance raising their hands to their foreheads as Lily had entered her mind.
Vi wanted to scream.
Next, he turned his toothy smile on her. “Shall we be off?”
No, she did not want to ‘be off’ with him. But there was nothing else she could say with everyone looking on. “Of course.” It seemed the entire group let out a collective sigh, as if they had been expecting a fight.
“They make a dashing couple,” Vi heard Abby whisper to Samuel, who had moved to her side.
“We could be dash’n, too,” he huffed back.
Belatedly, Vi realized their sighs were not because of the disaster averted, but because they all thought Brock was here to court her!
Brock shook with mirth beside her.
Of all the absurdity.