Page 21 of A Masked Lady for Mr. Kenworthy
Mr. Kenworthy looked at her, his eyes widening with amazement. He stared at her for a moment before giving her a crooked smile.
“You are very kind, my lady,” he said. “Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”
Faye shrugged, blushing modestly.
“I am happy to help in any way I can,” she said.
The man nodded, his expression growing serious.
“I admire your strength,” he said. “To do what you have been doing for your mother took great courage and determination. That is impressive, Lady Faye.”
Faye glanced away from him, trying to keep her lip from trembling. The mere mention of her mother made her emotions run riot, but she did not want the man to think her hysterical because she could not stop crying. Especially when he had just given her such approbation on her strength, she straightened her shoulders and gave him a humble but firm nod.
“My mother means the world to me,” she said, her voice cracking despite her efforts. “There is nothing I would not do for her.”
The man’s face crumpled, and Faye thought she saw his own lips twitch just a little. He reached out and put his hand over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. She looked up at him, stunned.
“I understand what it means to care for someone so deeply,” he said. “And I know what it means to be willing to do anything for that person.”
Faye looked into his eyes and saw he truly meant what he said. She started to ask him if he had a sick parent, as well, when the carriage came to an abrupt halt in front of Welborn Manor. She could not help feeling disappointed as Mr. Kenworthy exited the carriage and helped her down from it, as well. She suddenly wished the trip from the viscount’s manor to her home had taken much longer. She tried to tell herself it was because she dreaded facing Mayson, but, in truth, it was because she enjoyed Mr. Kenworthy’s company.
The gentleman started to walk her up the path all the way up to the front door of the manor, but Faye held up her hand.
“If Mayson should see you, it would ruin everything,” she said ruefully.
Mr. Kenworthy nodded, looking as dejected as Faye felt. When he saw she was watching him, he gave his head a shake and smiled ruefully at her.
“I shall see you again at the soiree being hosted by the Countess of Salisdene,” he said.
Faye nodded, switching her thoughts back to the mission in which she was to participate.
“Shall I need to meet with you to let you know I have arrived or that I am ready?” she asked. She knew it was a bad time to ask for more details about the job, but the events of the day had left her thoughts confused.
Mr. Kenworthy shook his head firmly.
“No, my lady,” he said. “You must pretend you do not have the vaguest clue as to who I am. Rupert and I will be close by, keeping watch, and we will see you. But you must never approach us or look at us as though you have ever seen us before.”
Faye felt her disappointment deepen, but she nodded.
“I understand,” she said. “Then it shall be just as though you are invisible to me.”
Thomas gave her an approving nod, and Faye could not help noticing how his lips curled up into a small, sweet smile. Her heart thumped in her chest at the sincerity of it, and she could not help returning it, though she felt her cheeks flushed pink. His smile was warm and genuine, and Faye realized she was finally seeing the real Mr. Kenworthy. Tingles raced down her spine, and she had to force herself to look away.
Before he turned to get back into the carriage, Mr. Kenworthy bowed.
“It has been a pleasure, my lady,” he said. A moment later, he grimaced, no doubt thinking about how their encounter that day had begun.
Faye gave him a bright smile and curtseyed, gently touching his arm as she stood upright again.
“Today has been the biggest adventure I have had since I was a child, using my imagination,” she said. “And I look forward to working with you on the mission ahead of us.”
A shadow briefly crossed Mr. Kenworthy’s face, and Faye got the impression there was something more he wished to say. Instead, however, he smiled once more and tipped his hat to her.
“Until we meet again, my lady,” he said.
Faye had to force herself to turn and walk toward Welborn Manor as the carriage pulled away. She instinctively knew that if Mayson was anywhere near the front windows, she must do her best to draw his attention to her and away from the carriage. It appeared that Mr. Kenworthy had ducked down in the coach before it took off, but she could not take any chances. Suddenly, she felt as protective of the gentleman as he seemed to be of her.
She entered the manor, shivering at the oppressive chill that greeted her. Despite the dreariness of the mansion, however, her spirits were high for the first time since her father’s death. She felt confident she would still be able to get her mother the care she required, and she would be protected from her cousin. She decided she would pay her mother a quick visit while she was in such a delighted mood. She was sure it would do her mother a great deal of good to see her so happy.
