Chapter 4
“Welcome to Calborough House, my lady.”
Mr. Thornton’s perfectly measured bow would have been more suited to greeting a duchess, not a desperate woman clutching a battered valise and a frightened child’s hand.
Aaron appreciated his butler’s discretion as they entered the marble entrance hall, though he noticed Louise’s fingers tightening on her sister’s shoulder at the grandeur surrounding them.
The crystal chandelier cast dancing lights across Louise’s copper hair as she took in the soaring ceiling, the artwork, and the pristine Persian rugs. Emily pressed closer to her sister, eyes wide as saucers.
“Thornton, have Mrs. Hammond prepare the Blue Room for Lady Louise and the adjoining chamber for Lady Emily.” Aaron handed his coat to a waiting footman. “They’ll be staying as our guests indefinitely.”
The butler’s expression remained neutral despite what must have been burning curiosity. “Of course, Your Grace. Shall I have hot water sent up immediately?”
“Yes, please.” Aaron turned to address the gathering staff.
Mrs. Hammond had appeared from the servants’ hall, her keys jangling at her waist, followed by two housemaids—Mary and Sarah, if he remembered correctly.
“Lady Louise will serve as Lady Merrow’s companion.
She and Lady Emily are to be treated with the utmost respect and provided with anything they require. ”
Mrs. Hammond curtsied. “We’ll see to their every comfort, Your Grace.”
“Where is my aunt?”
“In the drawing room, Your Grace. She’s been quite anxious about your absence this evening.”
Aaron suppressed a sigh. Cecilia would have a thousand questions about—
“Aaron! There you are!”
The Dowager Viscountess Merrow swept into the entrance hall in a rustle of lavender silk, her silver hair gleaming in the lamplight. Behind her padded her enormous black dog, its tail swaying like a weapon capable of clearing side tables.
“Aunt.” Aaron moved to greet her, but she’d already spotted Louise and Emily.
“Oh, my.” Cecilia’s hands fluttered to her chest. “And who are these lovely creatures?”
Before Aaron could make proper introductions, the massive dog bounded forward. Emily shrieked, not in fear but in delight, as the Newfoundland skidded to a stop before her, tail wagging furiously.
“Buttercup, mind your manners! Oh, what will our guests think!” Cecilia scolded, but her words were without heat.
The dog responded by lowering his enormous head to Emily’s level and giving her face an enthusiastic lick. Emily giggled, the first genuine joy Aaron had seen from the child all evening.
“He’s so big!” Emily’s small hands disappeared into Buttercup’s thick fur. “Is he really called Buttercup?”
“But of course!” Cecilia beamed at the child’s laughter. “He initially was supposed to be a hunting dog, but he’s entirely too sweet for such pursuits. Aren’t you, darling?” She scratched behind the dog’s ears, earning a contented groan that shook the floor.
Aaron cleared his throat. “Aunt Cecilia, allow me to introduce Lady Louise Burrows and her sister, Lady Emily. They will be staying with us for a time. Lady Louise has agreed to serve as your companion.”
Louise stepped forward, dropping into a graceful curtsy despite her obvious exhaustion. “Lady Merrow, we’re very grateful for your hospitality.”
“Burrows?” Cecilia’s eyes sharpened with interest. “Lord Sulton’s sisters? Oh, my dear child, what has that foolish boy gotten up to now?”
Louise’s composure wavered.
Aaron intervened smoothly. “Lady Louise has agreed to serve as your companion, Aunt. You’ve been saying you needed help with your correspondence.”
“Have I?” Cecilia’s knowing look suggested she understood perfectly well what was happening but would play along. “Yes, of course I have. Oh, how delightful! And Lady Emily will stay as well?”
Emily had seated herself on the floor with Buttercup’s massive head in her lap. The dog’s eyes had closed in bliss as small fingers stroked his ears.
“If that’s acceptable, my lady,” Louise began carefully.
“Acceptable? It is wonderful! This house needs more life in it.” Cecilia moved closer to Louise, lowering her voice conspiratorially.
“Between you and me, dear, it’s been far too quiet.
My nephew barely speaks at dinner, and Buttercup is a rather poor conversationalist. Though he does have some strong opinions on the proper placement of roast beef. ”
“I can hear you, Aunt.” Aaron watched Louise’s lips twitch, fighting a smile.
“You were meant to.” Cecilia patted his arm. “Now then, you both look exhausted. Mrs. Hammond, some hot soup and bread sent up to their rooms, I think. And perhaps warm milk for the little one?”
“Right away, my lady.” The housekeeper curtsied and bustled off.
“Can Buttercup come too?” Emily looked up hopefully.
“He’ll certainly try.” Cecilia’s eyes twinkled. “He has a talent for appearing wherever he’s not supposed to be.”
As if understanding, Buttercup’s tail thumped against an unfortunate side table, sending a porcelain vase wobbling.
Aaron caught it before it could fall.
“Case in point.” He set the figurine safely aside.
Mrs. Hammond reappeared. “The rooms are ready, Your Grace.”
“Excellent. Lady Louise, Lady Emily, Mrs. Hammond will show you up.” Aaron gestured toward the stairs.
Louise hesitated, clearly torn between exhaustion and uncertainty. “Your Grace, about the arrangements—”
“Can be discussed tomorrow. You’ve both had enough for one evening.”
Emily stood reluctantly, giving Buttercup one last pat. The dog immediately tried to follow her toward the stairs.
“Oh no, you don’t.” Cecilia caught his collar. “Let them settle in first, you magnificent beast.”
Buttercup whined pitifully but sat, his expressive eyes following Emily’s progress up the stairs.
“He’s wonderful,” Emily called down. “The best dog in the whole world!”
Cecilia pressed a hand to her heart. “Oh, I adore her already. Aaron, you clever boy, wherever did you find them?”
“It’s a long story.”
“My favorite kind.” His aunt’s expression grew more serious. “They’re in trouble, aren’t they? Real trouble, not just social embarrassment.”
Aaron watched Louise reach the top of the stairs, her hand protective on Emily’s shoulder even now. “Yes.”
“Then they’re exactly where they need to be.” Cecilia squeezed his arm. “Your mother would be proud.”
The mention of his mother made Aaron stiffen. “You needed a companion, Aunt. Lady Louise happened to be in need at the same time.”
“Of course, dear.” Cecilia’s tone suggested she didn’t believe a word. “I’ll just go ensure they have everything they need. Come, Buttercup. Let’s raid the kitchen for some biscuits first.”
The dog perked up at the magic word, following his mistress with renewed enthusiasm.
Aaron stood alone in the entrance hall, listening to the sounds of his home adjusting to accommodate two more souls.
He climbed the stairs, telling himself he was merely being a proper host. The Blue Room door stood ajar, Louise’s voice drifting out.
“… and tomorrow we’ll explore the house. I’m sure there’s a library.”
“With thousands of books, he said.” Emily’s voice carried sleepy contentment. “Do you think he really has that many?”
“I suspect His Grace doesn’t exaggerate.”
Aaron knocked softly on the doorframe. Louise appeared, having removed her cloak but still in her travel-worn dress. A strand of hair had escaped her pins, curling against her neck.
“Is everything satisfactory?”
Louise glanced back at Emily, who was already tucked into the enormous bed, looking tiny against the pillows. The tray of soup Mrs. Fielding had brought sat untouched on the bedside table. The child had been too exhausted from the day’s terrors to even eat.
“More than satisfactory. The rooms are beautiful.”
“Good.” He should leave. There was no reason to linger. “Your sister didn’t bring a governess.”
Louise’s shoulders tensed. “We … we haven’t been able to afford one. I’ve been seeing to her education myself.”
“That won’t do.”
Fire flashed in her eyes. “I assure you, I’m perfectly capable—”
“I’m sure you are.” Aaron kept his voice level. “But you’ll have duties with my aunt. I’ll arrange for a governess for Lady Emily.”
“That’s unnecessary.”
“It is.” He moved closer, close enough to catch her scent. Notes of lavender and something … something he’d never smelled before. “Your sister’s education is important. Besides, I can’t have a six-year-old running wild through Calborough House.”
Louise lifted her chin. “Emily is very well-behaved.”
“I’m sure she is. But she still needs proper instruction.”
Louise looked away, pride warring with practicality on her expressive face. “You’ve already done too much.”
“I’ve done what’s necessary.” Aaron studied the curve of her neck, the stubborn set of her jaw. “But there are rules in this house, and a governess will oversee that Lady Emily follows them.”
She met his gaze. “Rules? Such as?”
“You’re here as my aunt’s companion. The staff will treat you with respect, and you’ll want for nothing.” He stepped closer still, noting how she held her ground despite the way her breath quickened. “But you’re not to indulge all my aunt’s whims. She can be … enthusiastic in her schemes.”
“Schemes?”
“You’ll see.” He was standing too close now, close enough to see the gold flecks in her green eyes. “And Lady Louise?”
The formal address somehow felt more intimate in the close space between them. “Yes?”
“You’re under my protection now. Both of you. That means you follow my lead in matters of safety. No ventures out alone, no correspondence with anyone connected to your brother’s situation without my knowledge. Understood?”
A muscle ticked in her jaw. “You’re giving me orders?”
“I’m keeping you safe.”
“By controlling every aspect of our lives?”
“By making sure that Bragg can’t reach you.” The reminder of danger doused the sparks between them like cold water. “This arrangement works only if you trust me.”