The Undoing of a Libertine (Somerset Historicals 2)

“I can see you need time to consider, Danny, and that is fine. A man must make his decisions wisely and think carefully before rushing to a judgment. Why don’t you come back and see me when you have decided what you wish to do.”

“I—I—I accept, sir. I don’t need no time to think. I want to come work for you,” Danny blurted, his voice starting to waver. He twisted his scrap of cloth cap mercilessly in his hands. A tear appeared. And then another. “Th–thank y–y–you, sir. Thank you—”

Danny crumbled under the weight of emotion and buried his face in Ned’s jacket. Ned snaked out an arm and patted him on the shoulder. “There now, Danny. I told you it will work itself out,” Ned told him. “Buck up, boy, you’re a driver’s apprentice now!”

Danny swiped the tears away and stood tall before his new master. Ned left his hand where it was, and nodded to Jeremy in thanks.

Jeremy held out his hand to Danny. The solid shake the boy returned seemed a good omen for their future relationship.

Fate brought people together in the strangest ways, Jeremy thought. He owed this discarded boy so very much and felt enormously glad inside his heart to be allowed to make a difference in his, thus far, wretched and lonely life. The funny thing was, it made a difference in Jeremy’s life, too.

When the two took their leave, Jeremy kept Ned back. He waited until the stunned but hopeful Danny was sent off for the kitchens, in wonderment of his new station.

“I have a job for you, Ned. Have you any talent for acting?”

“I beg pardon, Mr. Greymont?”

“We have to help right a wrong that’s been done, Ned, and I am asking for your help and most likely the help of your new protégé. You may never speak of it once the job is done and if asked, must deny any knowledge of the facts. Do I have your pledge?”

“Never doubt it, sir, I am your man.”

Chapter Thirty-Four

…Remember that thou hast to be thankful and grateful

even for the mere privilege to breathe…

—Eleazar of Worms, Sefer Rokeah (13th c.)

“There you are! I was hoping to find you in here, my darling.” Gina swanned into solarium, carrying an envelope. Frisk hopped up from his place and greeted her first. She stopped to give him an affectionate pat and a good rub behind the ears. “Hello, Sir Frisk. Are you guarding the master again? I think you’ve forgotten whose dog you are,” she teased, lifting a smirking face to Jeremy.

She looked good enough to eat, he thought, all rosy and glowing in a pale pink gown. He wondered if their baby would be a son or a daughter, picturing light hair and hazel eyes upon a cherub face. In an instant, his emotions bubbled up, and he felt his eyes twitch. He blinked and pushed his sappy agitation down and away, thinking his injuries must have weakened his mind as well as his body. He didn’t ever want Gina to see him like this.

Jeremy reached out his hands to her and offered his lips for a kiss. “Miss me?” he teased, making his voice a little naughty.

“Always,” she told him, clasping his hands and pressing her sweet lips to his.

“I thought you were buried deep into party plans with Grandmamma, ordering new gowns and other fripperies for the yuletide. She’s got Grandfather and me in to see the tailor tomorrow. I know how it works.” He pulled her onto his lap and went straight for her neck, his hands wandering up her ribs and forward to the swells of her breasts. “But I’m very glad you came to find me,” he murmured, distracted by the softness and scent of her skin.

“Yes, well, I was, but I’ve managed to escape for the moment. Your grandmother is a very capable hostess and is quite dogged in her pursuit of the perfect festive accruements. She’s probably better at party arranging than I can ever hope to be. Actually, we shall be going out this afternoon to have a dress fitting and meeting ladies for tea. Grandmamma is introducing me to her friends, Lady Dorchester and Lady Lampson, and Lady Lampson’s recently widowed niece, a Mrs. Golding.”

“Well, good luck then. I try to give Lady Dorchester a wide berth and am afraid I cannot help you much with Lady Lampson either. My advice is to paste a content expression upon your face and sit there looking beautiful, which should be no trouble for you. Lady Lampson loves to carry the conversation, so you shouldn’t have to say much. Fortitude, Mrs. Greymont.”

“Sounds like a treat. I cannot wait,” she said wryly.

“Not to worry, my sweetheart, you have many other talents that I adore and appreciate.” He quirked his brows teasingly. “To what do I owe the honor of this welcome visit?”

“Two reasons, my darling.” She brought a hand up and smoothed back his unruly hair. “That boy, Danny, who helped us the night you were hurt.”

“Yes? What about him?”

“Well, according to Jane, Ned has taken quite a shine to Danny and begs to hope you might have something for him—you know, to get him off the streets.”

“Some persons prefer street life to that of a more sedentary inclination.” Jeremy enjoyed playing with her.

Gina gave her head a little shake, her chin lifting just a fraction. “Not Danny, I’d venture. Jane says he comes every day to help Ned with the horses and do errands and such. Jane and Ned are quite taken with Danny.”

“Ah. Are they indeed? And do you think this might in any way be related to Jane taking a shine to Ned Smith? I’ve seen the way your maid looks at my coachman with stars in her eyes.”