To Con a Gentleman (Dalton Family 1)

“How many siblings do you have?” she asked, trying to turn his thoughts away from the non-existent child.

“Three sisters and a brother-in-law.” Goodness. So many women. She would have thought that coming from a family of women would have taught him to treat the opposite sex with more respect. And yet, she hadn’t actually experienced his disrespect firsthand. Something felt odd about that.

“Are you the oldest?”

He shook his head. “I have an older sister, Mary. She is married and has a little girl of her own. And then two sisters beneath me. Elizabeth and Kate.”

“And will they all be at Dalton Park?” She needed to gain as much information as she could before being thrust into the undoubtedly awkward situation that was to come.

“Oh, yes. And believe when I say it will be nothing short of chaos the entire time. My family is…unconventional, to say the least.”

“And yet you speak of it with fondness.”

He smiled and leaned back against the bench. “That’s because I’m very fond of them.” He looked at her. “Did you ever know your family?”

There was no way she was going to dive into that topic with this man—or any man. “Is Dalton Park much further?”

His brow twitched, but he smiled. “I can take a hint. I won’t ask you about your family anymore.”

“Thank you,” she replied.

Over the remainder of the journey, Carver told Rose everything that she needed to know about his family. They talked about what they would tell his family regarding their sensitive relationship and decided to not disclose her (fake) condition. Rose h

ated that she would have to embroil Carver’s family in her ruse but she didn’t seem to have a choice. She simply needed to get through dinner and wait for nightfall before escaping.

It was more than a little disappointing that she had not been able to secure the money but there was nothing for it. She had failed. It only stung because she knew that there were exactly fifteen children, three women, and one pregnant maid counting on that money, not to mention Uncle Felix.

She would simply have to find another way. She always did.

Chapter 7

“Would you like to go in now or do you wish to continue reenacting a statue?” Carver’s voice cut through Rose’s moment of shock.

With a slack jaw, she continued to stare up at the monstrosity looming above her. “I don’t know quite what I was expecting of your family’s seat but a castle certainly was not it.” Rose gestured toward the enormous home before her.

“What? This little cottage?” he said looking up at the stately three-story brownstone home. “Trust me, the longer you live here, the smaller it feels.” That comment somehow missed the mark of his usual playfulness.

Carver took Rose’s arm in his and led her up the massive front staircase. She refused to acknowledge the flutter in her stomach at his touch. Why did he have to smell so blasted good?

The massive oak entry doors opened, revealing an aged but kind looking butler. “My lord!” The man looked genuinely pleased. “It is a pleasure to have you back at Dalton Park.” Did his eyes look misty or was she imagining it?

“I couldn’t take another day without seeing your handsome old face, Henley,” Carver said while patting the butler on the shoulder. She would never have expected that a man like Lord Newburry would be affectionate toward his serving staff. Well, affectionate in a familial way that is.

She grimaced, thinking of this man she had begun to like—only the very tiniest bit—taking advantage of a helpless young maid.

“Henley, this is Miss Bellows—but don’t get any ideas. I’ve already snagged her for myself.” Carver looked to her and winked, making her stomach jump oddly.

Henley bowed with a smile. “A pleasure, Miss Bellows. If you will excuse me but a moment, I will ask your mother in which room she would have me place Miss Bellows.”

“Never mind, that. Put her in the gold room,” said Carver.

Henley flashed the earl a look of hesitation. Carver smiled a smile that Rose was sure would turn everyone he knew into pudding in his hands. “I will deal with my mother.”

“Yes, my lord,” said Henley before bowing and instructing a footman dressed in fine red livery to have Rose's bag placed in the gold chamber.

“I believe we have a bit of time to change and wash up before dinner. I’ll show you to your room.”

She hesitated a moment. “Should you?”