Chapter 4
Four
Nicoll arrived at the ball being hosted by Lord and Lady Epworth with two purposes. One was to avoid Retford and the second—to find a better guardian.
As for family, there was Simeon, only two and twenty and the younger brother of Retford. The other was Uncle Charles who was an admiral in the navy. He had never married, nor was he in London, therefore, neither was an option and no other relative lived in England.
Her father had few acquaintances in London, and none were familiar to her, but there must be a better option than Retford.
However, she did not let her sisters know that there was a concern, even though it was only a matter of time before they knew the truth. Tonight, she simply wanted them to enjoy themselves while she studied those at the ball to see if one might be an answer.
She could also board a ship and return to Dominica, she supposed, where Retford would have no control.
Nicoll straightened.
Dominica!
Her father’s property in Dominica had not been listed as part of her father’s estate in the documents Retford had provided. Everything had been listed—the house in London, accounts, carriage, horses…but not the estate.
They had land, a home and if they must have a male guardian, then she was certain that her sister’s husband would agree to act as one for her younger sisters.
If they boarded a ship before the Court of Chancery made a decision, she and her sisters would be out of Retford’s reach and their inheritance safe.
All she needed was someone to assist in selling her father’s home and purchasing passage on a ship to the Caribbean.
And the one gentleman she trusted to be of assistance was standing across the room beside a pair of palms as if he were trying to hide.
She hoped that it wasn’t from her, because he was the only gentleman in London she trusted.
Cecil waited patiently for the younger sisters to be greeted and dance cards signed and the crowd of gentlemen disbursed.
Nicoll had watched it all with mild humor, except tonight, the smile did not reach her grey eyes.
Then, for no reason that he could imagine, her spine straightened as her face relaxed into genuine emotions.
And, when she noted his approach, her mouth quirked to almost a smile.
Was she happy to see him?
“Miss Nicoll,” he offered with a partial bow.
“Lord Cecil,” she returned the greeting.
“Are you enjoying your evening?” he inquired.
“I am now.”
He pulled back, surprised by her answer. “Can I assume that it is my presence?”
She chuckled. “While I have enjoyed your company in the past, the true reason for an improvement in my mood is because I finally reached the solution to a dilemma that presented itself this afternoon.”
“I still prefer to believe it is me,” he returned.
“Of course you do.” She chuckled. “The confidence you have for yourself has never been in question and given you are a known rake, you are likely used to several women seeking your attention.”
He chose not to respond to what he hoped was her teasing. “Had I known you were faced with a dilemma, I would have found you earlier to be of assistance.”
“You still can be.” Delight twinkled in her grey eyes. “In fact, I need your assistance and your discretion.”
He stepped closer to her. “Ah, I am intrigued.”
“This time, I will need you to keep my secret.”
“Do I not already keep one of those?”
Miss Nicoll frowned and pulled back. “What secret?”
Cecil leaned even closer. “Is your request for a kiss so well known?”
She closed her eyes for a moment as crimson spread to her cheeks.
“If your request is the same, I am more than happy to oblige,” he grinned. In fact, he would like nothing more than to repeat what they shared in Jersey.
“I am afraid this secret is more urgent and important.”
Cecil offered his arm. “Would you care to join me in a stroll through the garden while you explain how I might help you.”
“I am not asking a favor. I would like to hire you.”
Disappointment filled his being because despite her words, he was hoping for another kiss.
In fact, he was about to whisper that to her, but Nicoll was looking over his shoulder.
He turned to see who had gained her attention only to find Retford glaring at her.
Perhaps he should befriend the bloke if it meant that she would have peace.
Miss Nicoll slipped her hand onto his sleeve. “Yes, I would enjoy a stroll in the garden.”