Page 11 of Tempting a Lonely Lord
“Michael, our cook, Mrs. Bisque, prepared some lemonade. Do you enjoy lemonade?” Lady Harrington asked.
“It’s my favowite,” the little boy said, accepting the glass and selecting one of the lemon bars. “I love them almost as much as pirates. Is that a painting of a pirate ship?” he asked with awe.
“What a sharp eye you have, Michael,” Lady Harrington said. “It does look like a pirate ship, but it was painted by my son Stephen, Bella’s uncle. As far as I know, it’s not a specific ship. He painted it with several images in mind.”
“It’s jolly good,” Michael said, “even if it’s not a pirate ship.”
“Ah, so you love pirates, yes?” Grandmère asked. “Have you ever hunted for lost treasure?”
“No, but finding tweasure is a big dream of mine!” Michael exclaimed, his voice bubbling with enthusiasm as everyone chuckled around the table.
William already knew his brother’s imagination was easily captivated by tales of swashbuckling rogues and buried treasure. It was precisely the kind of topic that sparked his enthusiasm. He was heartened by the kindness of their neighbors, particularly Bella’s grandmothers, who proved to be warm-hearted women with a natural affinity for children. Their evident delight in Michael’s presence reassured William that bringing his eight-year-old brother to live with him had been the right decision. He had a feeling that Bella and her grandmothers would have a most positive influence on the boy.
“This is good,” Michael said with his mouth full ofpowdered sugar. “Is there pirate treasure to find here?” Lacey’s ears perked up, and she trotted over to sit at Michael’s feet.
“Perhaps…” Grandmère’s voice was tinged with excitement as she spoke excitedly to the small boy. “I heard a story in town that might interest you.”
“Elise, perhaps we shouldn’t…” Lady Bridgewater began hesitantly.
“Poppycock! I think it will be a splendid adventure,” Lady Harrington declared with a twinkle in her eye.
“What sort of adventure?” Michael asked eagerly, his curiosity piqued.
“A hunt for buried treasure,mon cher,” Lady Harrington said with dramatic flair. “They say that many, many years ago—perhaps a century or more—a pirate landed on these very shores and concealed a most precious treasure. There’s an old woman in the village who knows the story in all its details.”
Lady Bridgewater chuckled warmly. “Of course, we cannot be certain if it’s true or merely a fanciful tale, but I happen to know someone who might. Perhaps tomorrow we can organize a small adventure, visit the village, and ask Grandmère’s friend about this mysterious legend.”
Michael turned to William, his eyes wide with an almost irresistible plea. “Oh, please, Will, may I go to town tomorrow with my new grandmothers?”
To strengthen his case, Michael patted Lacey on the head. The loyal dog sat up immediately, wagging her tail as though she wholeheartedly endorsed the idea. “See? Even Lacey thinks it’s a good idea.”
William hesitated, his gaze shifting from Bella to her grandmothers. The three women were smiling, their expressions so warm and inviting that it was difficult to refuse.
“We would be delighted to have you join us,” Lady Bridgewater said with a gracious nod. “We can stop by the teashop for chocolate and scones.”
“It will also give you and Michael a chance to become acquainted with the town and meet some of the local artisans,” Bella suggested with a charming smile. “Especially since you plan to refurbish your estate.”
William sighed, the corner of his mouth tugging upward as he realized he might also enjoy the opportunity to spend more time with Bella. “Unfortunately, I cannot attend because I’m meeting with stonemason about a crumbling outer wall.”
“Well, we will be glad to take Michael. He would be no trouble,” Grandmère said.
William turned to Michael. “Do you promise to behave?”
“I do, I pwomise.”
“Arf!” Lacey barked approval.
“Very well. Since Lacey’s given her approval, the matter is settled, Michael. You shall accompany the ladies to town and uncover more about this buried treasure.”
Michael whooped with delight, his excitement bubbling over in an uncontainable burst of energy.
“What’s this about buried treasure?” a tall, dark-haired man asked as he strode into the room, a curious glint sparking in his eye. A hint of gray at his temples lent an air of distinction to his otherwise youthful features. His gaze landed on the dowager countess, and his tone shifted to one of polite stiffness. “Mother. My apologies for the intrusion—I wasn’t aware we had guests for tea.”
“Uncle Stephen, we have visitors,” Bella exclaimed, rising from her seat with a touch of nervous energy. A faint strain in her voice caught William’s attention, though she masked it with a smile. “This is our neighbor, Viscount William Dudley, and his younger brother, Master Michael Dudley,” she continued, her tone a trifle stiff. “Lord Dudley, may I present my uncle, the Earl of Bridgewater.” She turned back to the older man. “Uncle,would you care to join us?”
The earl surveyed the room with an aloof air, his smile clearly forced. “Ah. I’ve heard of you, Dudley. A hero, I believe? Thought it seems fate has deprived us of a proper introduction—until now,” he said, his voice clipped.
“Yes, we have just taken up residence,” William said as he rose, extending his hand to the earl. “My sincerest condolences on the loss of your brother, Lord Miles Bridgewater. As I understand it, it was a very unfortunate accident that took his life.”
