Page 8 of Leap of Faith
“Oh, can I not?” He raised an imperious brow that normally made people quiver. Unfortunately, all of them had been boys at Eton together, and only laughed at his expression. “I tell you what, if I am not returned in half an hour, you may come to my rescue.”
“Leave the doors open,” Rotham called as Dominic left.
His mood did not improve in the steps it took to reach the study and thus his wards’ first glimpse of him was with a forbidding scowl. His first impression was in another vein entirely.
Nothing much surprised Lord Westwood, who had become cynical after years of being one of the biggest prizes on the marriage mart. He was toadied to, his opinion sought, and a person’s success often rode on whether or not he approved of them. But even he was surprised at the visions standing before him. There were not one, but two identical beauties of which thetonhad not seen in his reign. Suddenly, his interest was willing to be piqued.
“Miss Whitford, and Miss Hope Whitford, my lord,” Barrett announced.
They curtsied and openly surveyed him, which was no new occurrence to one such as he. He returned the scrutiny, but with more subtlety. Their clothes were quality, but immediately marked them as being from the country. However, their hair was like ebony silk and their eyes shades of blue he had only seen in the waters of the Mediterranean. Neither was tall, but their carriage bore them proud and the equal of anytonmatron.
“Lord Westwood?” Miss Whitford stepped forward. “As your secretary informed you, we are your new wards. While I am certain neither of us is pleased by this unforeseen circumstance, you need not be alarmed, for I will be of age in but a few months.”
“You are certain of my feelings?”
“Well, why would you be pleased having the responsibility of five unknown females thrust upon you?” she countered without withering as many a female was wont to do.
“Indeed.”
“Your secretary said you intended to house us in London, but that will never do, sir.”
“And pray tell, why not?” He was growing more amused by the minute. He had not been anything but bored since he could not recall when, and the eldest beauty was even more enchanting by her animation.
“We have been happy in Bath. When I come of age, I intend to settle there and raise my sisters. What would be even better would be if you could see your way clear to releasing my portion to me now and thus be rid of what must be an unwelcome burden.”
By this point, Dominic had glanced at the other sister, who, by her facial expressions, did not seem to agree with her sister’s sentiment.
“And what of you, Miss Hope Whitford? Do you share the same desire to remain in Bath forever and raise your sisters?”
She seemed taken aback that he had sought her opinion. “Well, my lord, I would not mind some time in London.”
He nodded absently, but said nothing to her reply. He returned his attention to Miss Whitford. “And where are your other sisters? There are three more, are there not?”
“We left them in Bath with the vicar and his family, sir.”
“And the new Lord Halbury?”
“He is a baronet. Sir Reginald Halbury. He has asked us to be removed from Halbury Hall by Saturday. As it is now Wednesday, we have a little time to find a new place to live. He did offer us the use of his carriage and one hundred pounds to come to London and find you.”
“How very gracious of him.” The sardonic curl to his lip indicated his thoughts on Sir Reginald Halbury. “You seem to have found me.” Satterlee had much to answer for, that was certain.
“You have a chaperone arranged for at this home in Bath?” If they had an elder matron to give them countenance, he was perfectly willing to consider the matter.
“Of course, I do not. If we had anyone, we would not be here!”
Before he could expound in his mind on his intended plan, his friends had decided he needed saving. All he needed was his three very eligible friends seeing his new wards to set flame to the kindling that had already begun to spark with their very unwise and unexpected decision to arrive there.
He heard the collective intake of breath from his friends once they caught sight of the beauties. “Are you not going to introduce us, Dom?” Rotham drawled.
“Certainly not.”
Miss Whitford frowned at him. “I am Miss Whitford, and this is my sister.”
Rotham smiled knowingly and walked over to take her hand. “Rotham at your service.” He took her hand and bowed over it. Dominic would have called him out had he kissed that hand. A great show was made of all the men introducing themselves and bowing regally over both ladies’ hands. It became increasingly clear that Dominic would not be able to simply take a peripheral part in these girls’ lives. He was not certain if he was pleased or disgusted by that fact.
After the introductions, it was growing late and nothing had been decided. He ushered his protesting friends back out and closed the door behind them.
“May we return to Bath and seek lodgings there?” Miss Whitford persisted.
