Grace waved at them to take seats. “Yes. Miss Tallerton, may I introduce my cousin, the Marquis of Merton. Merton, our governess, Miss Tallerton, and our tutor, Mr. Winters.”
The two instructors took places on the sofa across from Grace and glanced curiously at Tom.
“I would like to know if adding one child more to the mix will disrupt your teaching schedule?”
They looked at each other and shook their heads.
“The only thing we must do,” Mr. Winters said, “is ensure the boy is at the same academic level as at least one other child. Why don’t you allow him to remain for luncheon and the rest of the day?”
Grace went to the door to the garden and called for Mary and Theodora, the two youngest children. They arrived at a full run, curls escaping from their braids.
“Yes, Grace?” Mary asked.
“This is Tom. He is visiting Lord Merton for a while and may join your lessons. I would appreciate it if you would take him out and introduce him to the others.”
Theodora, the older of the two girls at eight years, grabbed Tom’s hand. “Come with us and you can play until it’s time to eat.”
Dom’s heart lurched as Tom grinned and smiled over his shoulder. “See you later, my lord.”
“I’ll send the coach for you.” Dom watched as the children ran out the door. At some point, Tom would leave him forever.
“He’ll be fine, my lord,” Miss Tallerton said.
Dom cleared his suddenly thick throat. “Of course he will.”
* * *
Two hours later, Dom entered Lady Thornhill’s drawing room, but instead of feeling as if he had entered a lion’s den, it was more akin to some sheik’s abode and rather pleasant. He couldn’t put his finger on just what was different about the room, yet it seemed to entice the senses. A tall slender woman in a brightly colored gown and turban greeted him, his mother, and cousin.
“Eunice, I’m so glad to see you here.” The lady bussed Mama on the cheek.
“Silvia.” Mama kissed her in return. “I daresay, you won’t remember Dominic.”
Lady Thornhill held out her hands. “You have indeed grown into a handsome young man. The last time I saw you, you were still in leading strings. My husband and I were on the diplomatic mission in Turkey after that.”
He was so startled, he almost forgot to bow. “It is a pleasure to renew our acquaintance.”
He’d not known his mother and Lady Thornhill were friends, or that her husband was in the diplomatic corps. With his mother’s relationship to the lady, he would not be able to leave early. Mama probably wouldn’t go.
Lady Thornhill laughed. “I doubt you believe that at the present, but perhaps you will find some of the conversation interesting to you.” She gave him an arch look. “My husband and I are not as dreadful as some make us out to be.”
Caught and very neatly as well. He grinned. “It appears I have much to learn. However, my first interest is in finding a drawing master for my temporary ward. He’s quite talented.”
The lady glanced around the room then stopped and squinted. “Aha.” She pointed to the far corner by a window “That group over there should do. They are all young artists hoping to make a success of their endeavors. If one of them is not interested, they will know someone who is.”
Dom bowed again. “If you will excuse me?”
“Of course. Best do it now. Your Miss Stern has not yet arrived.”
Warmth crept up his neck. Lady Thornhill was nothing if not direct. “Thank you, ma’am.”
She inclined her head and turned back to his mother as he made his way to the far end of the long drawing room.
A half an hour later, after questioning Dom closely about the boy’s abilities, an artist by the name of John Martin agreed to give Tom lessons. Having accomplished his purpose, Dom bid the men a good day and started back through the crowd of people. He caught sight of Thea entering behind a handsome older woman with silver hair.
He was within a few feet of his affianced-wife, when Lady Thornhill cried out, “Your Grace. It is about time you visited me.”
Your Grace?What was Thea doing with a duchess? She must be one of Grace’s acquaintances.
