Read Online Lady Harriet's Unusual Reward by Em Taylor - Free Book Online

had no sense of propriety.
    Stephen did not care that people may think they were hurrying out for an assignation of their own. If he had to marry the chit to save her reputation, then so be it. At the moment, he had to stop Oldbeck from cocking everything up. As they walked through the double doors he found Elizabeth and his brother standing talking to Oldbeck and Miss Callahan. They approached slowly so as to pretend nothing was out of the ordinary.
    Elizabeth turned.
    “Ah Lord Stephen, darling, I hear that you may be employing a governess for our niece. About time too. Miss Callahan was telling us all about it.”
    “She was?” Harriet looked appalled.
    The duchess turned to Harriet and smiled graciously
    “The story seems a little disjointed and she has turned a delightful shade of pink a few times and stopped talking so I suspect it to be somewhat edited. Please do not worry, Lady Harriet, I have a sister who has similar qualities to Miss Callahan and your brother. She gets up to all kinds of mischief. Even if I were to learn of the whole story, I am sure I would not be shocked. Melissa has probably done worse.”
    Harriet appeared to relax somewhat and drew in a deep breath.
    “You look a little overset, if you do not mind me saying, Lady Harriet,” said the Duke of Halimead.
    “Your Graces, I am sorry I…” She curtseyed low, obviously realising she had not done so when she had met them.
    “Oh my dear, please, while we appreciate the gesture, it is not necessary when you were clearly worried for your brother. As you can see, he and his young lady are fine. Perhaps we could chaperone them. My brother could escort you for a while and allow you to get some fresh air on this lovely balcony.”
    “That would be lovely. If Lord Stephen does not mind.”
    “Oh Lord Stephen does not mind,” chimed in the duchess. “He loves a walk in the gardens as much as the next gentleman.” She gave her husband a knowing look who returned a warning glance before ushering their charges back through the French doors.
    Stephen did not mind at all. He liked Lady Harriet and enjoyed her company. It was nice to have five minutes with her where they did not have to worry about William or Mary or Phoebe. He glanced back at where his sister-in-law and brother had been, wondering why the devil they were here and not in the country but that could wait. For now he could turn his attention to Lady Harriet.
    They walked down the steps of the balcony into the garden which was lit with strings of lanterns.
    “Thank you for arranging dresses for Phoebe. You sent the bills to me?”
    “I did. The Oldbeck estate is barely turning a profit at present. I am afraid I am past the point of pride and could not have afforded to clothe someone else’s child when I have just bought a wardrobe for Mary. You should have someone on your staff who can alter her gowns though. It is worth enquiring of your housekeeper. Your governess will be able to take her for new gowns once you have one in place. You should not be bothered with such tasks in the future.”
    “Lizzie, the duchess, usually does that but she was supposed to be going back to country. Presumably they have been delayed or something.”
    “You seem a little put out that she is here.”
    “No, not as such. I just wonder if she was telling me the truth when she said she was going back to the country or if she was trying to make me responsible for Phoebe.”
    “She is your daughter.”
    “I know.” Anger rose in him. “Why does everyone think I am a useless father to her? I am doing my best.”
    She turned and cupped his cheek—a forward gesture that took him by surprise.
    “No one thinks you are useless. But fathers sometimes forget what daughters need. I know my father did.”
    “And what do daughters need?”
    His voice rasped. Her closeness set him on edge, but not in a bad way. He watched her red lips open as she started to speak.
    “Love, companionship, tenderness, care,