Page 7 of A Rake's Redemption
Alex folded his arms across his broad chest. “What is a young Irish woman doing in England pretending to be a lad?”
“I…” She had to think fast, if she didn’t want to get sent back to Ireland. “I…my parents came over to look for work. They…were killed in a carriage accident.” She hated lying, but it was a believable fib. Tears welled up in her eyes. Her parentsweredead. “I thought…it would be safer for me to dress as a lad.”
Alex studied her. “I am sorry about your parents. If you want to return to Ireland, I could pay—”
“Nae. I doona want to return.”
He frowned. “You do not have kin?”
“I…” By the saints, she hated to lie. “Times are hard in Ireland. I doona wish to burden any kin with another mouth to feed.” She looked at Alex hopefully. “Could I nae stay and work your horses? Does it matter if I am a girl?”
He made a strangled sound that turned into a cough. “I will think on it.”
“Thank ye.” Inis smiled at him. “I willna let ye down.”
He didn’t return the smile. “I have not agreed. I said I would think on it.”
Chapter Three
“I know it all sounds quite insane, but it is true,” Alex said as he finished explaining about Inis to the woman sitting in his parlor that afternoon. “Every word.”
Caroline Nash closed her fan, placed it in her lap, and gave him an amused smile. “You do tend to get yourself into predicaments.”
“And you always offer an ear to listen.” The old adage that misery loved company had proved true. Caroline had been dumped by his brother when he’d decided to marry Amelia. Even though Caroline was the daughter of a knight, Amelia was the daughter of an earl. Alex and Caroline had become friends of sorts as they battled their mutual anger at George, but he scowled at her now, knowing what she referred to. “What happened at the Comptons’ dinner three nights ago was not my fault.”
Caroline arched a brow. “Well, you have to admit Lady Compton’s seating you between the countess and Lady Linford was not exactly a stroke of luck.”
Alex wasn’t at all sure Lady Compton hadn’t done it on purpose. He was well aware the ladies of thetongossiped about who had romped with whom. Jeannette Compton was one of the worse of the bunch, which was one reason he hadn’t put her on his conquest list. He didn’t mind his name coming up—enhancing his rakish reputation only increased desire on the parts of the bored, married women of theton—but Lady Compton could bray like a donkey, and she often didn’t think before she spoke. “The situation might have been a bit uncomfortable.”
“Uncomfortable? If Melanie Linford had moved her chair any closer to yours, she would have been on your lap. Miranda Locke looked like she wanted to scratch the woman’s eyes out.” Caroline shook her head. “You should explain to your mistresses that your favors are not exclusive.”
“I have never told a single woman she is my mistress.”
Caroline laughed. “Of course you have not told asinglewoman she is your mistress. You only have married ones.”
“That is not what I meant.” Alex frowned. “Besides, those women are not why I asked you to come over.”
“Ah, yes.” Caroline tried to stifle her laughter. “You do have a problem with asinglewoman. I almost forgot.”
“I have no idea what to do with her.” He eyed Caroline. “Would your father have use for another servant?”
Caroline blinked at him. “Good heavens, what would my father need with a female groom? The stablemen would probably all leave.”
“I thought perhaps your mother might need her in your household.”
“We are already overstaffed. What about your friend, Brice?”
Alex almost started shaking his head before Caroline had even finished the question. Brice Barclay had barely escaped expulsion from Eton for sneaking girls into his quarters. They had remained friends ever since, but Alex wasn’t about to toss an orphaned Irish lass into the hands of someone who was a worse rake than he was. “The last time we spoke, he was having a tussle getting monies released from trust funds.”
“Maybe you could make this girl your mistress,” Caroline suggested with a straight face.
Alex scowled again. “I told you I do not want a mistress. Besides, I do not take advantage of women in dire straits.”
“That is true. I wish I could help, but no one needs extra servants right now.” Caroline rose to leave. “I am sure you will think of something.”
“I guess I will have to,” Alex said as he walked Caroline to the door and then picked up her hand to brush a kiss across her knuckles. “I know how clever you can be.”
“Flattery will not help.” Caroline laughed and batted him with her fan. “I will see what I can do.”
