Page 39 of Tempting a Lonely Lord
“A lovely boy,” Grandmama agreed with a smile. “We’ll play Jackstraws or Cat’s Cradle.”
“Oh, do leave Lacey with us as well—she adores Michael, don’t you, Lacey?” Grandmère winked at the small black dog, who responded with a soft whoof and a thump of her tail from her usual spot beside Bella’s chair.
At that moment, Garrett entered the room. “Lady Bridgewater, Lord Dudley has arrived to see Lady Connolly, accompanied by young Master Michael.”
“Perfect timing, Garrett,” Lady Bridgewater said, gesturing for the footman to set two additional places at the table.
“Good morning, ladies. I see you’re all early risers,” William said as he stepped inside with his young brother.
“Please, join us for breakfast, William, Michael,” Lady Bridgewater invited them.
William inclined his head in thanks and gestured for Michael to take the seat to Bella’s left before making his way to the breakfast buffet.
A smile curved Bella’s lips as she watched Lacey greet Michael. The boy grinned and bent down to scratch the littledog’s head, whispering something to her as he did. Lacey wagged her tail before settling contentedly at his feet.
Bella knew exactly what her dog was after—treats. Michael had taken to slipping Lacey bits of bacon or sausage. She didn’t mind, as he was careful, always offering small bites. Besides, she usually did the same. More than that, she was heartened to see the bond growing between them. With each passing day, both Michael and William were becoming part of their family.
Lacey had sensed what Winterborne had—the quiet warmth of a little boy’s gentle heart.
She would always be grateful to Michael for opening her eyes to the truth—Winterborne was mourning and needed her.
As if reading her thoughts, Grandmère caught her eye and winked over the rim of her teacup. Then, after clearing her throat, she asked, “Where do you plan to ride today?”
William returned with a plate, setting it in front of Michael—a careful selection of scrambled eggs, sausage, and a small bowl of porridge drizzled with honey and apple slices. “We thought we’d ride across both properties and give Winterborne some proper exercise.” Turning to Bella, he added, “Are you still up to riding him?”
“Yes, I’m looking forward to it,” she said softly. Her gaze shifted to Michael. “Thanks to Michael’s keen awareness, we realized Winterborne needed more attention, and to know he’s still valued.” She reached out, gently touching his hand. “I’m so grateful to you, Michael.”
The boy beamed. “You’re welcome, Lady Bella. I was happy to help you and Winterborne.”
The door opened once more, admitting Uncle Stephen. “Hello, Master Michael. Good morning, Mother, Grandmère, Lord Dudley… and Bella.”
Bella paused, studying her uncle. He looked different this morning. His shoulders were relaxed, his back straight, and for once, his eyes were clear—not bloodshot from sleepless nights and too much drink. The pinched, gray pallor that had clung to him for months was gone.
“Good morning, Stephen. It’s nice to see you up and about,” his mother said.
Stephen smiled, a warmth in his expression that Bella hadn’t seen in a long time. “Mother, you are looking your usual lovely self this morning. I was thinking—there’s a fête in town in a couple of days. I hoped we could all go.” Pouring himself a cup of coffee, he took a seat across from William.
“Of course!” Grandmama exclaimed. “It had slipped my mind. We saw several broadsides in town last time we were there, didn’t we, Elise?”
“Yes, indeed, dear Anne,” Grandmère agreed, her eyes alight with excitement. “What fun! I can hardly wait.”
Stephen chuckled. “There will surely be an archery contest, tests of strength, and games for the children,” he said with a wink at Michael. “Not to mention an abundance of savory and sweet delicacies. Tradesmen and women will be eager to display their wares, from ironworks to the latest French fashions. They’ve expanded the fête this year—it should attract even more visitors from neighboring towns and villages.” He took a sip of his coffee, then made a face. “Ugh. I forgot the sugar. Bella, be a love and pass it to me.”
Bella slid the sugar bowl toward him, but her mind whirled. What in the world had come over her uncle today? He was nothing like the man who had escorted her to the ball just days ago. Though curiosity burned within her, she was simply grateful for the change.
As Stephen smiled warmly at her, she caught a flicker of something in his eyes—a familiar twinkle. The resemblancebetween him and her father had always been strong, but now it was more than physical. For the first time in years, Uncle Stephen carried the same lighthearted spirit her father once had.
“I am certain my Roma friend, Madame Vorest, the fortune teller, will be there as well,” Grandmère added with an enthusiastic bounce in her chair.
A shiver skittered down Bella’s spine.Madame Vorest.The memory of their recent encounter sent a whisper of unease through her. The woman’s cryptic vision still echoed in her mind.
There will be great danger…she had said. Yet she had also spoken of a great love.
Bella’s gaze flickered across the table to William. Could he have been in Madame Vorest’s thoughts? A thrill of excitement stirred within her. Though the warning of danger lingered at the edges of her mind, she found herself more drawn to the tantalizing possibility of what her future might hold. She peeked at William from beneath her long lashes, her anticipation curling in her chest.
Uncle Stephen cleared his throat, pulling Bella from her reverie. She blinked, refocusing on the conversation just as his expression turned serious.“Lord Dudley, might we have a word in private?”
William’s brow furrowed ever so slightly—the only indication that he might have been caught off guard. Setting down his coffee, he met Stephen’s gaze.
