AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“And might I enquire as to who this particular lady might be?”
Lord Kingston gestured to the portrait of a young lady and immediately, Patrick’s smile fell from his face.
“That is my brother’s late wife and the mother of my nephew, Henry.”
“I see.” Lord Kingston threw him a sympathetic glance. “She was quite lovely.”
“Indeed, she was.”
“And what has become of your nephew?”
Patrick hesitated. He had not wanted any of his guests to become aware of Henry’s presence here, mostly in order to protect his own reputation. It made him a little lesser in theton’s eyes if he had a charge to consider.
“He is being cared for by those I have appointed,” he replied, somewhat mysteriously. “I–”
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a quick movement and realized, with a sudden thump to his stomach, that his nephew was currently hiding himself behind one of the marble statues on the other side of the room. His first response was to be severely irritated with Henry and, thereafter, with Miss Trean, only to suddenly recall that he had promised her that a maid would care for the boy if she was unwell. Evidently, she was still rather poorly.
“The lady does look a good deal like Lady Albina.”
Patrick forced his head to turn back towards the paintings, praying that the maid would come to find the child soon.
“Oh?”
“The fair hair that appears to run in a golden cascade down her back.” Lord Kingston was speaking softly, as if directly towards the portrait itself. “And with such blue eyes that one might lose oneself in their depths.”
Patrick’s thoughts immediately turned to the only other young lady he knew with such blue eyes, finding his lips curving gently.
“I know precisely what it is that you speak of, Lord Kingston.”
“Uncle.”
The shock that went through Patrick had him pinned to the floor for a few moments. Had the child truly just approached him and decided to speak to him in such a calm voice and respectful manner? Where was the screaming child who flung himself around the room without hesitation? The child who would refuse to listen to a single word that Patrick said? Clearing his throat and seeing Lord Kingston’s curious look, Patrick turned back towards the gentleman.
“It appears that we are to be joined by my nephew, Lord Kingston.” Feeling rather uncomfortable at the meeting, given that he had begged for Henry to be kept away from the guests, Patrick cleared his throat before turning his attention to Henry. “Yes, Henry?” He tried to keep his voice pleasant even though he wanted to express his frustration to the boy over his insistence on interrupting them both. “Is there a reason that you are here and not with Miss Trean?”
Henry blinked up at him, his hands clasping tight in front of him, his shoulders a little hunched.
“Miss Trean is unwell. But I have lost Jean.”
“Jean?” Patrick repeated, only to recall that the maid named Jean was now looking after Henry. “And might I ask if you lost her deliberately?” Henry shook his head but licked his lips, then reached up and took Patrick’s hand. A jolt went straight through him. The little boy had never once shown any sort of trust in him and now, his small fingers were curling around Patrick’s and the softness in his eyes showed no fear. Patrick swallowed hard. This was all Miss Trean’s doing and he found himself overwhelmingly grateful towards her for it. “Henry?”
Another voice came from the door and Patrick’s eyes flared in surprise. Henry had just told him that Miss Trean was unwell and now here she was, calling for him?
“Do excuse me.”
Excusing himself from Lord Kingston, Patrick hurried towards the door which Henry was busy attempting to drag him towards. Miss Trean stepped out into the hallway, only for her eyes to flare as she then immediately shrank back into the shadows of the room behind her.
“Miss Trean.” Patrick found himself reaching for her without having any real understanding as to why. “Pray, do not fear showing yourself to Lord Kingston. I know that I have begged you to keep Henry from the guests, but it seems that the child is eager to make the acquaintance of one of them at least!” His hand caught hers and he gave her a gentle tug forward, which she did not resist. Patrick blinked in surprise at the paleness of her cheeks. “You are not recovered, Miss Trean.”
“Jean informed me that Henry had disappeared, and I came at once to search for him.” Miss Trean’s voice was low, practically a whisper. “I have found him now so I shall return at once to the schoolroom. I–”
“My uncle was not cross with me, Miss Trean!”
Henry’s cheerful voice interrupted them both and Patrick glanced down at the child, a little surprised to hear him say such a thing. Miss Trean bent forward and patted the boy’s head.
“Did I not tell you that your uncle cares for you?” she said softly, only to lift her head and look over Patrick’s shoulder. Patrick watched as she pressed her lips tight together, whitening them. Her eyes were huge as if she were suddenly very afraid. “Come, Henry. Let us return upstairs where we ought to be.”
Patrick’s hand restrained her.
