Page 18 of Leap of Faith
“Not if it would hurt her feelings.”
Dominic did not respond, but was impressed with the loyalty. The eldest Whitford sister had inspired these girls despite her own young age.
As he contemplated his next move, he noticed all of the cakes, tarts, biscuits, and sandwiches had been consumed. These were no little daintytonmisses and he liked them the better for it.
“I’ll tell you what we will do. We will contrive to keep Miss Whitford here without her realizing what is happening.”
“Perhaps we might help a little,” Patience suggested. “If we presented it more in the manner of a holiday rather than a permanent situation, she will never deny us a treat.”
“As she reaches her majority in six months, it could hardly be permanent,” Grace pointed out.
“And I have installed you at my mother’s house instead of setting up house here, as you phrased it, so we shall present it as a prolonged visit. And if the four eldest of you happen to attend some balls and make some connections whilst you are here, then all the better. Shall I take you now to my mother and your sisters?”
They put their bonnets and pelisses back on as Dominic gathered his own hat. They stepped outside, but the carriage had gone.
Seeing the confusion on their faces, Dominic explained. “We shall walk. I understood country-bred girls prefer it. Especially since my mother’s house is not far.”
“Yes, certainly,” they agreed.
As they strolled from Berkeley Square over to Charles Street, Dominic was secretly hoping they would not see any acquaintances yet. He wanted all five of them together at once, and to be outfitted in the latest mode and no longer in mourning blacks. The luck was not to be with him. One of his neighbours was coming down her front steps as they neared Westwood House.
“Unfortunately, ladies, we must greet this lady and placate her. Allow me to do the talking.”
“Westwood. I had been hoping to run into you.”
“And why is that, Sally?” He made a proper bow.
“Why, I made the acquaintance of two of your wards the other day. And are these the delightful sisters they told me about? Are you not going to introduce me?”
“Of course. These are the Misses Whitford: Patience, Grace, and Joy. They have just now arrived and will be joining their sisters.”
Dominic was trying to think of what disastrous things Faith or Hope might have done to put themselves in the way of Lady Sally Jersey, the most notorious gossip, yet arguably the most powerful lady in theton. She had a twinkle in her eyes that he did not trust.
“A pleasure to meet you, girls. I understood Miss Whitford to say they were returning to Bath?”
“Oh, I intend to keep them here for a little while.”
“Excellent! Then I will be certain to send them vouchers if you will promise to cross our hallowed threshold.”
‘Hoist with his own petard’ yet again. At least Faith and Hope had not offended her, though he had little doubt foisting these beauties on the astonishedtonwould amuse her as much as he.
“I must consult my valet to see if I own any knee breeches.”
She smiled knowingly at him. “I know of a tailor. I will send him your way.” She turned to leave, then turned back. “By the by, do you intend to bring all of them out at once?”
“Oh, no, my lady, I am too young, so Grace and I will wait,” Joy said, with a smile that never failed to charm.
“One of my nieces is about your age. Perhaps you could become acquainted while your sisters are making their debuts.”
“I would like that very much, my lady!” Joy curtsied very properly.
“I will send over the vouchers, Westwood.”
“You may send them to Westwood House. They will be under my mother’s chaperonage.”
She smiled and went to her awaiting carriage. Dominic knew the news would be all over Town by the supper hour.
CHAPTER5
