Page 17 of A Widow's Perfect Rogue
“I fear you will be as smitten as the rest. Thank you, Mother.” He inclined his head. “I will see you, ladies, later,” Thomas said as he hurried from the breakfast room.
Once outside, Thomas winced at the drizzling rain. Pulling his coat tighter, he climbed into his waiting carriage.At least the day before in the park didn’t have this awful rain. What a horrible disaster that would have been! “Charles, take me to the nearest toy shop.”
“Yes, my lord.”
He settled against the squabs, glad for the warmth and shelter of the carriage. He could not help his excitement, when, twenty minutes later, his driver stopped in front ofTuttle’s Toy Emporium.
“I shouldn’t be more than an hour, Charles.”
“Yes, my lord. I shall return then.”
* * *
Frankie and her daughter had remained at the Hertfords for an additional night. Dr. Spencer had advocated it, and Slade and Isabella had insisted. But for Frankie, sleep had been difficult, even with her daughter slumbering soundly next to her. At one point she awoke in a panic reliving the incident at the park. After calming herself, she turned her thoughts to Thomas and the conversation they had shared. While their chat had been brief, it had felt like a new beginning, and she awoke in the morning full of hope and looking forward to the day’s outing.
“Come along, darling,” she said, reaching for Maggie, who was playing with her dolls on the bed. “It’s time to get ready for our luncheon with Lord Latham’s family.
“Is my dog coming?”
Frankie laughed. “I don’t know if the puppy will be there, darling. But I am certain there will be biscuits and lemonade.”
“Doggie likes biscuits.”
“I’m certain she does,” Frankie said, kissing the tip of her daughter’s pert nose. “Let’s pack up your toys for the carriage ride.”
As she and Maggie filled the drawstring cloth sack, Frankie’s thoughts wandered to their hosts. Spending time around a couple as loving as Slade and Isabella underscored what she had missed these past five years with George. Thomas’ friends adored each other—it was evident in everything. Even their household staff thrived under the couple’s love and affection for one another.
While George had been kind to her, he didn’t love her. His staff knew of his affection for his mistress, and Frankie suffered from the humiliation that knowledge brought. The staff had been loyal to George but had always treated Frankie with aloof politeness. After George passed away, the gulf between her and the servants had only deepened. She had a house but not a home. After experiencing what Isabella and Slade shared, Frankie knew it was what she wanted too, a loving husband and father for Maggie and, God willing, other children… Could she finally find that kind of happiness with Thomas after all these years?
A knock sounded. “My lady, Lord Latham awaits you in the parlor,” a maid said.
Frankie opened the door. “We are ready, aren’t we, Maggie?”
Maggie smiled. “I going to see my puppy.”
Frankie started to remind her that the puppy might not be there, but changed her mind, not wanting to disappoint Maggie.
When she entered the parlor, Thomas turned and smiled. Once again, she was charmed by the regard in his eyes. She could easily find herself smitten as she had been five years ago. But she hoped this time it would not end in heartbreak.If we even have any chance of a future together.
“Good afternoon, Frankie, Lady Maggie.” He knelt and withdrew a small package from his pocket. “I thought you’d enjoy this, Maggie.”
“Dank you.” She eagerly accepted the package and tore it open to reveal a beautiful blonde-haired doll.
“I thought you might enjoy another doll to keep your other baby company.
“That’s so thoughtful, Thomas,” Frankie said.
He grinned. “I have never been in a more delightful toy shop and confess I spent more time there than planned.”
A few minutes later, Thomas’ carriage came to a stop outside the Latham family’s townhouse, Frankie noticed the sun had chased the clouds away, replacing the dismal weather with warmth and the glistening glow after a hearty rain. Things could only get better.
“Good afternoon, Lord Latham, Lady Gallwey.” The lanky butler squatted down to Maggie’s eye level. “And you must be Lady Maggie.”
Maggie giggled.
Chance stood, unable to hide his slight grin. “Lady Latham awaits you in the parlor.”
As they entered the parlor, a small black and white terrier trotted up to them, wagging her entire body with each step. Frankie was pleased to see the dog had rebounded from how they’d found her just a day ago. The dog appeared exuberant as it wagged its way toward Maggie, giving her a big slurp. The child giggled and the dog licked her face again.
