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If she didn’t take a firm grip on her silly self, she’d burst into tears right on the stoop. But the emotions swirling through her—joy, gratitude, and so much more—seemed too big to contain.
“Och, lass,” he murmured, his malachite gaze sparking with heat, “if you’re not careful, I’ll be forced to kiss you right here.”
Ainsley was stunned when she giggled. As a rule, she abhorred giggling. And yet here she was, acting like a girl fresh from the schoolroom, engaging in her first innocent flirtation.
It was a marvel.
She placed a hand on his chest. “Mr. Kendrick, are you suggesting that we commit acts of public indecency? Someone might send for the constable to have us arrested.”
He covered her hand and pulled her even closer. “It would be worth it, especially if they put us in the same cell.”
When he leaned down to kiss her, her eyelids started to flutter shut. But she popped them up in surprise when the door opened behind them.
“Dammit.” Royal reluctantly pulled away.
She smothered a chuckle. “Perhaps we can go for another walk around the square after you get home from the warehouse this evening. It should be quite dark and deserted by then.”
“Don’t tempt me, lass. I don’t think you’re ready for what I want yet.”
She couldn’t help responding in a challenging tone. “Maybe I’ll surprise you, Mr. Kendrick.”
He flashed her a rogue’s grin before glancing up to the open door. His amusement quickly faded when he saw the youngest footman. “What is it, Will?”
William’s boyish features were tight with concern. “Ye’re both needed inside, sir, my lady.”
Ainsley’s heart thudded against her ribs. “Is Tira all right?”
“Aye, my lady, she’s fine. It’s just that ye have a visitor.”
“Who is it?” Royal asked as they hurried up the steps.
When William simply gave a grim shake of his head, Ainsley’s heart went to her knees. Then, as she saw Victoria standing in the hall, looking disturbed, her heart went straight through the heels of her half-boots.
“This is bad,” Ainsley whispered.
Royal helped her off with her pelisse. “Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it together.”
She looked into his calm gaze and her churning insides steadied a bit. “Promise?”
He took her hands and helped strip off her gloves. “I promise, love. You’re not alone anymore.”
Victoria came to them. “I’m sorry to surprise you this way, Ainsley, but your mother is here.”
“At Kendrick House?” She winced at the shrill note to her voice. “Is my father with her?”
“No.” Victoria grimaced. “Kade and I practically smashed into her when we got home. Her carriage was in front of the house, and her footman was just handing her out.”
Ainsley had to fight the sudden urge to be sick. “Did she see Tira?”
Victoria gave a grim nod.
“Dammit to hell,” Royal ground out. He took off his hat and handed it to the footman, dismissing him.
As William retreated, he threw Ainsley a worried glance, as if he knew exactly why they were all upset. Had everyone in the blasted household figured out she was Tira’s mother? If so, it was going to make it almost impossible to keep the secret any longer.
“Was Tira awake? Did my mother get a good look at her?”
“Tira was awake, but I’m not sure Lady Aldridge saw very much. Once I realized who she was, I handed Tira over to Kade and bustled them off to the nursery.”
