Page 15 of Leap of Faith
“You are almost one and twenty?”
“Yes, ma’am, and Hope is nineteen.”
“And not a boy amongst you!”
“No, my lady.”
“Are your sisters as beautiful as you?”
“I am often told we all favour each other greatly.” Faith set little store in her beauty, though she could acknowledge that her sisters were uncommonly pretty.
“You will be deemed the virtues, no doubt.”
“We have been referred to in such terms before. Our parents were missionaries, my lady.”
She sniffed, making clear what she thought of such occupations. “And how come you to be my son’s wards?”
“I do not know, my lady. The guardianship was stipulated in Lady Halbury’s will.”
“Ah. Then the blame is likely to be laid at my door.”
“You knew Lady Halbury?”
“Not as well as you would think, but my husband and I did make her acquaintance on a visit to Bath. I recall one conversation in particular about her childless state and how, in the same situation, I thought I might likely adopt one. My husband, a kind man, professed his agreement with me. I see she thought it qualified us to be your guardians.”
“But the duty has fallen to your son.”
“It appears it has, though he seems very willing to share the duty with me.” She looked at her son with undisguised amusement.
“Was I wrong to think you would be unwilling?” he asked.
“No, Dominic, but four are ready to be brought out now!”
“Perhaps three,” Faith intervened. “I have no need of a Season, and Grace can certainly wait until Joy is of age and they may be brought out together. However, I would prefer to return to Bath and bring them out there myself!”
“Nonsense, child! You have little hope of making them eligible matches in such a place. Unless, of course, your fancy them marrying men old enough to be their fathers?”
“Of course not,” Faith said. “But neither do they need to make grand marriages. They have a respectable portion, thanks to Lady Halbury. But nothing enough to tempt fortune hunters.”
“Nothing will be resolved tonight, however, and it grows late. I will speak with my solicitor in the morning then call afterwards,” Lord Westwood said.
Faith was relieved to pause the conversation. She was too tired to fence with those that were used to having their every word obeyed without question.
Lord Westwood went immediately to his mother’s side to help her rise from her chair. “I am not an invalid, Dominic,” she scolded with affection.
“Surely a mother does not scold her son for gentlemanliness? I only wished to kiss you good night.”
She offered him her cheek.
“Besides, would I bring a pack of young ladies to you if I believed you an incapable invalid?”
Faith knew she should not be listening to this private exchange, but she could not help herself and knew not where to go. She turned slightly and pretended to study a painting on the wall. It was heartening to see this man had a good relationship with his mother. Thus far, he had seemed nothing more than an autocratic lord with no redeeming qualities other than a handsome face.
“Dominic, you are a rascal of the first order, but I will do it!”
“I knew you would not fail me,” he said quietly in her ear.
“I only hope you know what you are about,” she warned.
