Dom took the squirming bag from Dotty and, once she was settled, gave it back to her. “How many are there?”
“The best we can figure is three, but I won’t know until it’s opened.”
He started his horses. “Cats are thought to be useful. I wonder why the boys were being paid to kill them.”
Miss Stern bit her lower lip. “It is possible they were going to be used for fur.”
“Fur?” Disgusting. He remembered being allowed to hold the kitchen cat when he was young, before his father died. “Who would buy anything made of cat fur?”
“Sometimes it can pass for rabbit or another animal.” She pulled her full lower lip between her teeth. “Thank you for agreeing to take them.” Her tone, almost a whisper, was infused with emotion. “I know Louisa made it difficult to refuse.”
He was pleased that Louisa had very little to do with his decision. It was his regard for Miss Stern that made him do it. “Not at all. I would have offered even if my cousin hadn’t said anything.”
Miss Stern turned to him and there was that smile again. “I know you would have. You are not nearly as black as you are painted.”
What the hell was he to say to that? Did people really think he was heartless? He nodded curtly. “Thank you.”
In a few minutes Dom brought his curricle to a halt outside of his house. The door opened and two footmen came running out to help the ladies. Dom almost laughed at the look on the face of one of the servants when Miss Stern handed him the sack while she prepared to alight from the carriage. He came around to help her. Now he would have to figure out what he was supposed to do with a bunch of cats.
“My lord?” She shook out her skirts. “Could you have some cream brought to a parlor while we take a look at them? Afterward, I suppose they will have to start earning their keep in the kitchen.”
He hadn’t expected her to be so practical and it pleased him immensely. “Of course. I’ll send for my mother as well.”
Miss Stern nodded. “That is a good idea.”
“Paken,” Dom said. “I need a large bowl of cream and probably some scraps of meat. We shall be in the morning room. Please ask my mother to attend me.”
His butler bowed. “I believe her ladyship is already present, my lord.”
Miss Stern turned to Dom; her wide green gaze made him want to kiss her. “Thank you so much.”
“It was nothing. I daresay they will be a beneficial addition to my household.”
He shoved the idea that he might be starting to fall in love with her far back into his brain. That he must not do. Love had no place in his life, only duty.
Chapter Seven
Dotty placed her hand on Merton’s arm as he escorted her down a corridor, to a room at the back of the house. Louisa and Charlotte followed behind. He opened the door and sunlight flooded the light yellow chamber. Two middle-aged ladies sat on either side of the fireplace. One had dark brown hair, with just a few strands of silver. The other one’s hair was the same color as Merton’s but a bit faded.
The blond-haired woman set aside her novel, stood, then came forward. Her pale blue eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Dominic?”
Merton took the woman’s hand. “Mama, allow me to introduce Lady Charlotte Carpenter, Lady Louisa Vivers, and Miss Stern. Ladies, my mother.”
Dotty, Louisa, and Charlotte curtseyed.
Lady Merton smiled broadly. “I am very pleased you’ve come to visit. Miss Stern, may I know your first name?”
“Yes, my lady. It is Dorothea.”
“Lovely.” Lady Merton glanced at the wiggling bag. “What have we here?”
“Kittens,” Dotty replied. “We rescued them today, and Lord Merton very kindly offered them a home.”
Her ladyship’s smile grew broader. “Did he indeed? Well, then, let us see how they look.”
“I think it would be better if I sat on the floor.” She glanced at her ladyship, hoping neither Merton nor his mother thought she was being ill-bred. Yet one could scarcely keep track of kittens otherwise.
“Yes, indeed,” Lady Merton responded. “The kittens are likely to fall off the sofa. I would join you on the floor, but I am afraid that a low stool will suit me better.”
