Page 34 of No Ordinary Lady

“A little, but that is common after any long journey,” Marian replied with a self-deprecating smile. She looked about her; eyes filled with wonder. “It’s a far cry from home, but I’ll do my best not to cause you any embarrassment and hope that you will forgive my awe of my surroundings.”

“Mistakes are understandable, my dear,” Granny assured.

“I’d be grateful for any guidance you can offer,” Marian said, keeping her eyes lowered.

Daniel wasn’t fooled, though. He could see from his position that she was studying Mother closely. Deferring to her wishes without appearing to be fawning and suggesting a wish to be guided by her, too, was bound to win her over. It was a subtle art this woman employed to slip below a man’s guard and make him feel important. Clearly Marian employed it with women, too.

Mother nodded decisively. “Just as it should be.”

“Marian, dear. Would you be a lamb and fetch my shawl from the morning room? I believe I left the yellow one on my chair. I’m feeling a distinct draft from the open door, but I’m loath to close it and deny everyone the view.”

“Yes, of course,” Marian replied and hurried away.

“Charming girl,” Granny said to Mother as soon as Marian was out of the room. “A little rough about the edges, but a month here with us will smooth those blemishes out.”

“I’m not so sure I will have the time to tutor her in the social graces,” Mother answered, frowning at the door that Marian had vanished through. “The last girl you dragged home for deportment lessons was more trouble than I expected.”

“Never you worry over Marian, daughter. This one is different and willing to learn, unlike the last. She’s a keen eye and intellect. I’ll take on the chore of keeping an eye on her and educating the girl myself,” Granny promised. “I did it for you and look how that turned out.”

“Yes, and that should worry everyone. But I have more pressing concerns on my mind today,” Mother said, and then turned to him. “Well?”

Daniel raked his hand through his hair. He could hardly believe Mother would allow Marian to remain with so little fuss. “Well, what, Mother?”

“Are you going to follow Amy home to the Wilson estate to ask her father to let you marry her?”

“Yes, I might, if given half the chance,” he snapped, glaring at Granny.

“There’s no need to take that tone. I’m not preventing you from proposing,” she replied.

“But you won’t give me back the promise ring I want to give her.”

“No. Not just yet,” Granny said with a sweet smile that belied her stubborn nature. “You can propose without it, you know. In fact, with the right woman, even words are largely unnecessary.”

“It would be the same with the ring and the words,” Daniel grumbled when he saw her pleasure in his discomfort.

It amused Granny that a woman he’d spent a night with had followed him home, unaware of his title. The fact that his family had known hers once was beside the point. Mother had just accepted the acquaintance of a thief in their midst. She would be furious about it when she found out.

Marian seemed perfectly content to go along with the deception Granny had embarked on. And why wouldn’t she? Living in a grand manor house, wearing pretty dresses, had to be a vast step up from what she was used to elsewhere. She needed a place to hide from her former associates, too, and here was infinitely safer. He would have to keep an eye on her and make sure she stole nothing, without drawing attention to what he was doing.

He looked between the pair, at his mother who didn’t question the timing of the arrival of Granny’s new companion enough, at Granny’s smug smile, and shuddered. Now was not the time to ask what game Granny was playing with them all.

A tap sounded on the door, and the butler appeared. “Mr. John Kimble and Miss Gabriella Kimble.”

Daniel rose to his feet and hurried toward the door to welcome his old friend to the estate. John Kimble was of similar age and looked to be in good health. “My dear friend.”

“My Lord Scarsdale,” Kimble said, bowing slightly. “I was so pleased to learn you had finally come home again.”

“I am glad to be home.” Daniel turned to the young woman at Kimble’s side and nodded. “Miss Kimble. I barely recognized you. You’ve grown so much.”

“I should hope I’ve changed, my lord,” Gabby Kimble leaned a little toward him. “It’s been five years since we last saw each other.”

“That is true, but it feels like just yesterday poor Kimble had to rescue you from that tree branch you were stuck on,” he murmured, bowing to her. “And how is Claws these days?”

Claws had been a stray and wild kitten, made into a surly housebound pet. Gabby’s cat had caused all sorts of trouble for her when he was here last, and for John, too, who had frequently needed to rescue the little beast from disasters of its own making.

“It’s Felix now, and he is still an avid adventurer,” Gabby confessed, grinning. “I love him to distraction still.”

“Let’s hope one day he just lays there and gets fat instead of into trouble,” Daniel suggested.