Page 22 of Lords, Ladies and Love

“Mr. Barton, whatever are you doing here?” Angel eyed the spectacled lawyer whose eyes were shadowed by dark patches and his clothes were rumpled, presumably from the journey here.

He gave a brief smile. “I am visiting to ensure you are still here and fulfilling your task.”

Angel motioned to Mrs. Stone, who was currently sunning herself on the front lawns. “As you can see, I am still here and looking after my charge to the best of my ability.”

Mr. Barton glanced briefly at his feet. “I had, um, heard that Mrs. Stone had an accident. That her hand was cut.”

A swirl of tension tied itself around her stomach. She took a breath in an attempt to relieve it. What if Mr. Barton thought it was her fault? What if this was it? She had failed, and her siblings would never forgive her.

“That was an unfortunate accident,” she said cautiously. “Shall we take a walk about the gardens?”

“Mrs. Stone will not mind?”

“We will not go far, and she does so love to show them off.” Angel waved a hand at the gardener. “Mr. Higgins can keep an eye on her for a moment, but I suspect she will be sleeping for another hour or so.” She eyed the lawyer. “I am not certain how I shall explain your presence, however.”

“You can say I came with news from your brother,” he suggested.

“And have you news? Has Seth found himself a wife yet? Had Minerva finished her task? What of Theo?”

Mr. Barton tugged at his cravat. “I cannot say, I am afraid. You are welcome to write to them, but I am not allowed to interfere in any way. If I told you of them, it could be construed as such.”

She let her shoulders sag. Hopefully her siblings were doing well. Minerva would surely not fail nor would Theo. Seth had to be her biggest concern. It would be simple enough for him to find a wife, but he was easily distracted. Still, if she could manage—and even enjoy—looking after Mrs. Stone, Seth could settle into a marriage.

Angel led Mr. Barton around the gardens, showing him the ancient yew trees and the walled garden. “I do not have much to tell you, Mr. Barton,” she admitted. “I have been looking after Mrs. Stone, and she has been pleased with my performance.”

“What of Mr. Hunter?”

Her heart gave a little jolt at the mention of his name. Silly girl. They had not really had a moment alone since that near kiss and the disaster that had seen his aunt harmed. She wondered if he considered that her fault, but he had not said as much. Surely he would have taken the time to scold her if he had thought so?

But she could not help wish they had snatched a moment together. Just so she could see…

Well, she was not certain what it would reveal, but at least she would understand that near kiss better. Even now, she recalled the touch of his fingers on her neck and how his azure eyes had dug deep, deeper than any duke or other titled gentleman had ever been. Certainly they all flirted with her, and the Duke of Norwick often sent naughty little looks her way, but none had ever looked at her like that.

The lawyer stopped in the gateway that led back to the house. “Mr. Hunter is staying with his aunt, is he not?” he prompted.

“Oh, yes. He is.”

“And why is that?” Mr. Barton peered at her intensely over his spectacles.

She pursed her lips. What could she say? She was not positive she wanted to reveal that Mr. Cartwright was trying to swindle Mrs. Stone. It might make her look terrible that she had not prevented the man from being around at all.

“I am not certain, Mr. Barton. I think he felt his aunt needed the company.”

“And not…the protection?” Both greyed eyebrows rose.

“Mr. Barton, do you really think an old lady needs protection from me?” Angel pressed a hand to her chest.

“I have been the family lawyer for many years, my lady. I know you well enough by now. Working as a lady’s companion was intended to be a test, and as much as I want to see you succeed, I must ensure I fulfill my job properly and with care. If Mrs. Stone is in any danger, it is up to me to make sure no harm comes to her.”

Angel blew out a breath. She knew she had a reputation as being a lively girl, but this was ridiculous. Did people really think she would fail so badly that an old lady might end up hurt or…or dead?

“Please believe me when I say that I have been playing my role to the best of my ability. Mrs. Stone enjoys my company very much. You need only ask her. I have been working hard to ensure she is well-looked after and her every need is catered to. I swear it, Mr. Barton. I would not wish for harm to come to her any more than you would. I…I like Mrs. Stone a great deal.”

Mr. Barton’s gaze searched hers before he finally nodded. “I believe you, my lady.”

She let a smile spread across her face. “Thank you, Mr. Barton. It means a lot.”

It really did. There were few people who believed in her ability to do anything other than flirt and dance. It was an odd sensation really—this sort of pride that filled her and made her want to stand taller. She, Lady Angel Templeton, had gone to work and survived. And not only that, she had made an old lady extremely happy.

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