Page 112 of The Viscount's Seduction
Shaldon nodded. “Tell me, how do you find London?”
The conversation that followed diverted Hollister, yet Bakeley could see the man bending one ear to eavesdrop on them. Best to make the most of that.
He stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. “Have I told you today how lovely you look? That dress is very becoming.”
“Thank you. Did your morning’s business go as expected?”
“Yes, it did. And how was your morning?”
“Delightful. Your head groom—”
“Our head groom.”
Her face broke into a smile, some of the tension easing. “Yes, oh, thank you. He does seem a competent man. Well, and we were discussing taking the new mare up to Cransdall a little later in the spring and see how her temper fares. Plus, ’twill be the proper time for most of the mares, he said, perhaps her also. Spirited she is, but your man thinks she’ll do well, Bakeley, and so do I.”
Hollister broke mid-sentence and turned his head their way. “You mean to allow her to take an active hand with your equine business?”
Bakeley gripped Sirena’s trembling hand and channeled his own anger into cold boredom, or at least tried. It would be his sincerest pleasure to wrench the Glenmorrow title from this wretch. He managed a smile. “What say you, Father?”
Shaldon answered with his own rare smile. “The world is not aware, Glenmorrow, that it was Lady Shaldon who managed that enterprise, most ably, I may say, and Bakeley here after her. I heard tell you had that mad horse eating out of your hand today, daughter.”
Her mouth softened and she blinked, eyes shining. “She reminds me of one my father’s more recent mares and two of her foals. Have you sold all of the horses, Lord Glenmorrow?”
“I fear that I had to.”
“Yes.” She nodded. “That was probably wise. Especially if you won’t be there to manage.”
Perry came in then, followed by Lady Hackwell and two other ladies of their acquaintance, and Hollister took his leave.
While Shaldon made polite conversation with the ladies, Bakeley drew Sirena aside. “Good God, Sirena. After I picked up Father, Lloyd had sent a footman to tell us Hollister was here. But now we must leave. I’ll explain everything later.”
“Will you be back by dinner?”
“Yes, of course.”
“You weren’t back yesterday.”
“I’m sorry. I told you, I was out with Charley, trying to run into that ass.”
“And where are you off to now?”
“I’m off with Father for another meeting. All is shaping up. We’ll talk tonight.”
She frowned, studying him. “Will we then?”
He towed her out into the hall into a dim corner and locked her against him.
“Yes,” he said, bending in close. “We’ll make up for last night. And here’s the proof of my good faith.” He tugged her closer and kissed her until both of them were out of breath.
“There. Now, please trust me.”
Her glassy-eyed look cleared and darkened. “I’m to go on kisses and good faith, then? And share information later?”
He heard Shaldon’s voice speaking with the footman, and he stepped back, cupping her shoulders. “Yes. Keep the ladies nearby.”
“Very well then, Bakeley.”
Minutes later Shaldon sat frowning at him from the front-facing seat of the coach. “What do you suppose Hollister told Sirena before we arrived?” Shaldon asked.
