The Deceptive Lady Darby (Lost Ladies of London 2)

“I’m sure we’ll have another governess soon.” Jacob conveyed a relaxed, carefree air, exactly as a child unburdened with problems ought to be. “Papa sometimes mumbles to himself and stares out of the window, and then he forgets what he’s told us.”

Tears formed in Rose’s eyes. Happiness blossomed in her chest. This was where she belonged.

“Are you crying because of that terrible smell?” Alice pinched her nose. “I know I said I don’t want to be a lady but breeches pong.”

“They do.” Rose chuckled. “And so I suggest you stick to wearing dresses.”

Mrs Hibbet rushed down the stairs. She took one look at Rose and sniffed. “Oh, saints preserve us, we’ll need a ton of soap to rid you of that awful smell.”

Alice giggled. “Rose needs to look pretty for when Papa gets home.”

The thought of spending time alone with Christian caused Rose’s stomach to flip.

Mrs Hibbet clapped her hands. “Come on now. You two run along upstairs. Rose needs to bathe. I’m sure she’ll come and read to you when she’s clean again.”

The children stood at Rose’s side and took a hand each. Clearly, they had no intention of leaving.

Mrs Hibbet shook her head but smiled. “It’s good to see you back, my lady.”

“Thank you, Mrs Hibbet. In my heart, I never left.”

“We’re not expecting his lordship home for a few hours. By that time, we’ll have you washed and dressed and looking your best.”

Alice squeezed Rose’s hand. “I’ve got a pretty pink ribbon you could use for your hair.”

“That sounds lovely. Pink is my—”

Lord Trevane yanked open the drawing room door, and they all jumped. “There are rooms in the house. Must you loiter in the hall?”

Mrs Hibbet smiled sweetly. “We’re heading upstairs now, my lord, and shall leave you in peace.”

Trevane nodded and returned to converse with his brandy.

Mrs Hibbet ushered them all upstairs. “We’ll speak to Lady Lillian and see if she can lend you something to wear for the time being.”

Rose had been keen to meet Lady Lillian Sandford ever since hearing snippets of gossip at Lord Warner’s ball. Regardless of what people said, Rose trusted Christian’s judgement when it came to picking friends. Besides, after the events of the last week, surely Rose held the title of the most scandalous lady in all of London.

“You’ll like Lillian,” Alice said knocking on a bedchamber door. “She’s kind and funny and loves to eat cake.”

Lady Lillian opened the door. She smiled warmly at Alice but took one look at Rose’s filthy clothes and matted hair and gasped. “Good heavens. What happened to you?”

“Rose has come for a bath,” Alice said as though she regularly brought in waifs and strays off the street.

Mrs Hibbet stepped forward. “Forgive us for disturbing you, my lady, but we’re in desperate need of a dress.”

A smile touched the corners of the lady’s mouth, she reached out and grasped Rose’s hands. “Oh, I was hoping to meet you. Lord Farleigh has told me so much about you.” She winked at the children. “And I’m told you love sweet treats, too.”

At the mere mention of sweet treats Rose’s heart lurched. “As to that, I think we should all refrain from such things for a day or two.” When everyone looked at her with some confusion, she added, “I heard tell that there’s a problem with contaminated sugar.”

Mrs Hibbet jerked her head back. “Contaminated with what?”

“I’m not sure.” Over the top of the children’s heads, she mouthed, “Arsenic.”

“Goodness gracious.” Mrs Hibbet put her hand to her chest. “Then I’d best mention it to Cook.”

“I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about, but I suggest she replaces her current stock as a precaution. I’m sure Lord Farleigh will say the same when he returns.”

Mrs Hibbet hurried to the stairs. “Lady Lillian will look after you, and I’ll get a maid to come and light the fire and have the tub brought up, and some water heated.”