The Deceptive Lady Darby (Lost Ladies of London 2)

“But I’m scared.” Alice stepped away.

“Then you have a choice. Be brave or let Jacob go first. Blind man’s buff is not about trusting other people but about trusting your own instincts. It’s about ignoring the doubting voices in your head and listening to your heart.”

With a soft sigh, Alice looked to her brother, and he gave a nod of reassurance. She turned around, and he tied the scarf.

“Ooh, it smells like Mrs Booth’s cloak.”

Alice meant musty. At least it didn’t smell of their mother’s favourite perfume. No one wanted to dwell on sad memories when they were having fun.

Well, they would have fun if they ever got around to playing.

With the blindfold secure, Rose spun Alice around a few times. It took a moment for the child to keep her balance and then, with arms stretched out she patted the air in front of her.

“Have faith, Alice,” Rose shouted as she touched the girl’s arm and then darted out of the way. “Trust your inner voice and listen for the tell-tale sounds of our approach.”

“I can’t catch you.”

Jacob tapped Alice on the shoulder, and she swung around far too quickly and almost fell over.

The game proved easier when played with a large group.

“This time when we touch you, Alice, we will stand still, and you must make your guess based on nothing but instinct.” If Rose didn’t adapt the rules, they’d be racing about the garden all day.

Rose gestured for Jacob to step forward. After mouthing silently to the count of three, they both placed the tips of their fingers on Alice’s arm.

Alice pursed her lips and then giggled as she grabbed Jacob’s hand and called out his name. Even Jacob had the beginnings of a smile on his face.

“Well done.” Rose was full of praise and helped Alice tie the scarf around Jacob’s head.

“We will give you an extra spin,” Alice said, “as you are the oldest.”

“Only by seven minutes, and I did let you go first.”

Alice giggled again, and after a final spin they ran off in different directions.

Lord Farleigh was still standing at the window. Heat crept up Rose’s neck as he watched her skip and dodge around the lawn in a bid to distract Jacob.

Jacob’s method of playing involved remaining still as opposed to rushing about with open arms. The boy was astute although far too serious for his age. His tactic worked perfectly for as soon as Rose stepped up to him, he grabbed her and called her name.

“Good heavens, Jacob.” Rose put her hand to her chest to calm her racing heart. “You’ve quick reflexes for a boy of seven.”

The compliment brought another weak smile to the child’s face. “It’s your turn, Rose. I’ll tie the scarf.”

Why did she get the impression things were about to become a little rough?

She knelt on the grass and held the scarf in place. Jacob tugged on the ends as though trying to drag a stubborn horse from a stable.

“You’re tying the scarf too tight,” Alice complained when Jacob yanked on the knot so hard he pulled out a few strands of Rose’s hair.

“I have to make sure she can’t cheat.”

“A gentleman never accuses a lady of cheating.” Rose rubbed the sore spot on her head, happy to discover she did not have a bald patch. “Surely your father told you that.”

“People called Mama a cheat,” the boy blurted.

It took a moment for Rose to recover from the initial shock of such a blunt comment, particularly one from a child. Why wait until she wore a blindfold to divulge such an important piece of information? If only she could have seen his face and examined his reaction.

“Then I trust they were not gentlemen,” Rose replied.