My Duke's Seduction (Wicked Lords of London 1)

And he rarely socialized with his peers. Actually, he rarely socialized. Having inherited a dukedom just two years’ prior, he’d found himself inundated with its management. And honestly, he found work far more fulfilling than the useless endeavors of the ton.

It suited him to lead a more solitary life. He supposed he would have to participate in society when it came time to find a wife, a necessary and dreaded task. But he’d put it off for as long as he could.

He made to hold his elbow out to Trish but realized she couldn’t very well link her hand through it while she carried a little bundle in her arms so he placed his hand at her back instead.

It was far more intimate than he cared to admit and he straightened, as if that would somehow create more space between them.

She didn’t seem to notice. Trish’s eyes were focused on the tiny features of baby in her arms. He glanced at them as well, and he had to admit, they were quite adorable. A lump formed in his throat that he swallowed down.

They finally reached his carriage and Trish rattled off an address to his driver. The man was well trained, but Ryker was sure he saw Seymour’s eyebrows notch up just a hair as a woman and a baby climbed into his carriage.

If Trish noticed the details of his conveyance, she made no comment. Like her clothes had done for him, the opulence within his carriage would alert anyone to his status.

But she was busy, smiling at the tiny person in her arms, which left him free to sit across from her and assess the details of her face.

Even in the dim light, he was sure that her hair was a shade of auburn. She’d pulled it loosely back so that curls seemed to float about her face. Her large eyes seem to have captivated him and while he couldn’t make out the color, he’d guess they were a light shade of some kind. They shone whenever light hit them.

Her nose was tiny and completely adorable, softening her high cheekbones and likely keeping her from being regarded as a true beauty. But Ryker had to admit he found it rather pleasing. It somehow matched her personality, which was both tenacious and sweet as far as he could tell.

He covered his eyes with one hand, willing himself to think of something else. He’d soon drop her at her destination and then he’d likely never see her again.

If his man did find Lord Fenton Allstar, he’d be returned to his family, but Ryker need not see to that. His detective, Greyson, could surely handle the task.

For some odd reason, a pang of regret reverberated in his chest but he swiped it away as though shooing a bug. Trish was not for him. Even if he were looking for a wife, which he wasn’t, this particular woman was far too much work, no matter how much more interesting that made her from the usual lady.

The carriage pulled to a stop and Ryker exited to help Trish down. She gave him a nod and then started up the stone steps. Reaching the landing, she lifted her hand and used the knocker on the door.

Ryker started in surprise. He’d expected her to sneak around back, he supposed. He had been sure she was out without permission.

The door opened almost immediately and again he started with surprise. Which in and of itself was alarming. He was rarely surprised. “Bloody hell,” he mumbled. He hadn’t had the opportunity to climb back into his carriage.

A woman in an apron stood with a candle, her face harsh until her eyes landed on Trish. “Lady Tricia,” she gasped. “What are you doing here at this hour?”

Lady Tricia. He’d known she was a lady. And Trish might actually be a shortened version of her name. So she hadn’t lied to him.

“My mother needed medicine from a chemist for my father, Mrs. Stallworth. She’s sent me.” Tricia gave him a quick glance that pleaded with him to go along with her story. “I’ve a foundling that needs care. Can you help me?”

The woman gave a nod and opened the door wider. “I’ve a sick child. Is there a chance you could feed this little one before you return home?” Mrs. Stallworth’s eyes drifted to him. “But first tell me who that is?”

Tricia’s eyes flitted to him again. “My cousin, Fenton. My mother requested he escort me. I…couldn’t…possibly go out at night alone.”

So she was going to lie about his identity. And her reason for being out. That was fine by him.

Mrs. Stallworth nodded. “I’ll prepare the milk. Once the babe is fed, Fenton can escort you home.” The older woman turned in clear indication they both should follow. “I’ll not tell your mother I saw you, but I expect to never see you at my door at this time in the evening again.”

He saw Tricia nod, and he nearly winced. She had put herself at risk bringing this baby here tonight. Actually she’d put herself at risk trying to find her cousin first. While the woman needed to practice some self-preservation he couldn’t help but admire her willingness to help others.

Though her willingness seemed to require his continued participation. Because now he was required to watch her feed the child and escort her somewhere else or risk exposing her ruse.

Moving to a parlor Tricia took a seat in a chair. Ryker, once again, settled himself across from her. Mrs. Stallworth left to procure the bottle and Tricia leaned her head back closing her eyes. “I’m sorry I’ve dragged you into this.”

He gave a nod, there was little to say.

“Trish?” a tiny voice called from the door.

“Lauren,” Tricia picked her head up, a grin lighting her face. “What are you doing out of bed?”

A little girl rushed into the room. “I’ve missed you so.”