Page 13 of Redemption of a Marquess

She beamed. “Oh, indeed, I would, sir.”

He smiled. “Good, then go with her, as I ask.”

She pinned him with a shrewd look. “Promise that tomorrow you will find a companion for me and I shall come live with you?”

“You must save your penchant for negotiation for business,” he said.

“That is not an answer,” she said.

He sighed. “I promise, my child.”

She wrinkled her nose. “And you will stop calling me ‘child.’”

He angled his head with cultured grace. “As you command.”

She gave a succinct nod. “Then I shall do as you ask.” She looked at Lady Chastity. “I will leave when you are ready.”

Lady Chastity exchanged a look with her husband, then said, “We can leave now.”

“My lord,” Gordon said to Sir Stirling, “surely you see how dangerous this situation is for Miss Matheson?”

Sir Stirling’s expression chilled. “In fact, there is nowhere safer for her than in the company of my wife.”

Gordon paled. “Of course. That is not what I meant. I only meant that Northington’s plans for her are less than honorable.”

Miss Matheson snorted. “I am done with this one. We may go.”

Valan regarded her severely. “I beg of you, Miss Matheson, do not snort like a common tavern wench.”

She hung her head. “I am sorry, sir.”

“You are forgiven. Now, go with Lady Chastity and, I beg you, behave—at least until I next see you.”

“I promise.” She gave him a full smile before he said to Sir Stirling, “Good evening, Sir Stirling.” He faced Lady Chastity. “My lady, thank you for your kindness.”

Without so much as a glance at Gordon, he strode away.

* * *

Finding a governess on short notice wasn’t terribly hard. Finding one who would not crumble under Miss Matheson’s determined nature, proved more difficult. Valan settled for a woman of twenty-eight years, who was taller than his new ward by at least five inches. One would think her height would give her an advantage, but her light brown hair fastened in a severe chignon, combined with her quiet manner, reminded him of a sparrow.

She sat across from him in the carriage, her hands folded demurely in her lap, as

befitted a paid companion. For today, she would satisfy propriety. He would hire someone more suitable post haste.

They reached Stirling’s home exactly at four p.m., as Valan had promised in his note sent earlier that day. He alighted from the coach, then turned and assisted Miss Stone to the ground. They proceeded up the walkway and up the three steps to the door.

He knocked. A moment later, the door opened, and an austere butler led them down a short hallway and into a parlor, tastefully decorated in pale gold and blues.

“I shall tell his lordship you are here.” He bowed and left.

Thankfully, Miss Stone remained quiet while they waited.

Minutes later, Sir Stirling and Lady Chastity entered with Miss Matheson between them. Miss Matheson flew across the room and threw herself into Valan’s arms.

“I am so pleased to see you, sir.”

“So I gather.” He grasped her shoulders and set her at arm’s length. “Our first order of business when we arrive home will be a serious discussion on your conduct with a gentleman.” Valan turned and bowed to Lady Chastity. “My lady. You are looking particularly radiant.” She cast a curious glance at her husband. Valan turned to Sir Stirling. “Your lordship. May I introduce Miss Stone. Miss Stone, the Marquess and Marchioness of Roxburgh.”