Page 62 of Charming Artemis

“That someone was you, of course,” Rose said.

“They both already possessed a knack for such things,” Mr. Layton said. “I simply showed them how to improve upon their talents.”

“My uncle did much the same for me,” Rose said. “I’m grateful he did.”

“As am I,” Artemis said.

“And I, Miss Narang.” Mr. Layton dipped his head to her.

Rose, Artemis had discovered over the past almost two years, didn’t allow sentimentality to last long. “Artemis and I believe the lowered waistlines would be best complimented by a widening of necklines and dropping of sleeves. We, unfortunately, do not have the ears of those who decide such things.”

“For my part,” Mr. Layton said, “I believe you shouldbethose ears.”

“Not possible.” Artemis knew that perfectly well. “Society forbids a lady of my position to be involved in any sort of venture. And the deeply engrained prejudices of this country prevent Rose from doing so.”

“Artemis.” Charlie quite suddenly arrived in the room, his gaze eager and excited. “The little ones are gathered in the portrait gallery, eager for some games on this rainy day. Will you come play with us?”

“You count yourself amongst the ‘little ones’?” Mr. Layton asked.

“I have always been counted amongst the little ones,” Charlie said. “I can’t imagine better company could be found anywhere.”

Mr. Layton smiled. “Your father felt the same way.”

She had heard that about the late earl. “Do all of the Gents share that ideology?”

“I cannot say there is one among us who, upon seeing a child in need, even if that need were simply to be cheered, would not immediately commit ourselves to the undertaking,” he said. “I cannot say we are saints—Henri is likely the closest—but we’d not any of us be able to turn away from a child in need.”

Artemis studied him a moment, trying to imagine his face years earlier, attempting to picture him in the fashions of more than a decade ago. He would have come to the aid of a lost and lonely child; he had said as much. But had he? Had he found a little girl in Heathbrook? Had he held her? Told her he loved her?

“You should go join the children for their games,” Mr. Layton said. “They are the most enjoyable of companions.”

It seemed so possible that he might be the gentleman she searched for, and yet, he didn’t seem to recognize her as the little girl he had once shown such love and devotion. Perhaps he assumed she didn’t remember him. Or perhaps he wasn’t the person she sought. How she wished she had answers.

Charlie had crossed to them. “Do come, Artie. They’re calling for a rousing game of huckle buckle beanstalk, and it promises to be an absolute ruckus of an afternoon. You can’t miss it.”

“You want me to join in?” She waited for the answer with bated breath.

“You were brilliant at catch us, catch us. We need your game-playing expertise.” His eyes danced. He was, in that moment, utterly endearing. And undeniably handsome. “Kendrick is proving rubbish at it. So disappointing.”

“He is only one year old.”

Charlie shook his head theatrically. “No excuse.”

Artemis looked once more at Rose and Mr. Layton, reluctant to inflict offense at abandoning their conversation and wanting some bit of direction. So much with Charlie was uncharted territory.

“Go,” Rose said.

Mr. Layton shooed her away. “It is the very best way you could spend your afternoon.”

“You won’t be upset that I’ve abandoned the both of you?”

“On the contrary,” Rose said in her typical dry manner.

“This is a matter of utmost importance,” Mr. Layton said. “Learning that the tiny Lord Jonquil not only has very little hair—something I’d hoped he’d outgrow—but is rubbish at huckle buckle beanstalk is a disappointment I was not prepared to endure. You must go salvage the Jonquil name, my dear.”

She appreciated the bit of humor, but she had concerns. “I don’t think the Jonquils are too pleased that I have laid claim to their name.”

He leaned forward and squeezed her hand. “I assure you, Artemis, that is not true.”

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