Lord Devere's Ward Read Online Free Page B

thirty years ago as an employee of the British East India Company.”
    “My lord, you’re amazing,” said Kate. “I do believe you should write novels. This is quite the equal of anything from Mrs. Radclyffe’s quill.”
    “Not ‘my lord,’“ he gently corrected. “Cousin Quinn, Cousin Nan, and Cousin Pen.”
    “Oh, but I can’t,” she gasped, embarrassed.
    “You can and you must,” said Anna. She rose from her chair. “Come!” She held out her hand to Kate. “Let me show you my brood.”
    Anna led Kate upstairs to the nursery, talking all the while. “I have five, you know, I am very fortunate. You are the only child?”
    Kate answered while looking around the comfortable, elegant manse. “Yes. There were two stillborn after me.”
    Anna’s voice was soft. “Yes. That happens. I am the eldest, but my mother lost two babes before Quinn was born. Then she died with the next, poor thing. God grant my own daughters better fortune!” She opened the door to the nursery, where three children in nightwear were eating supper at a small table. A white-haired governess, dressed in sober gray, presided over the trio as they spooned up their warm bread and milk.
    “This is Harry, our heir, and Charlie. He’s eight.
    And Margaret, the baby, who is five.” Kate’s heart immediately melted. The little girl, who shared the name of Kate’s own mother, had enchanting gold ringlets and a sweet smile for Lady Anna as she turned from her supper to stare at the stranger.
    “Children, this is our cousin, Kay Tyndale. She’s come all the way from India to stay with us. Kay, this is Mrs. Stowe, a very important lady to our family.” As Kate smiled at the governess, Harry, a sturdy ten-year-old, demanded, “India! Can you tell us stories about lions and tigers and wolves?” Eyes widening, Kate turned to Lady Anna.
    “Darlings, cousin Kay has just arrived, and is very tired. And it’s almost bedtime. Perhaps she’ll have stories for you on the morrow.” Anna had intervened with great aplomb, Kate thought.
    “Hurrah!” shouted the two boys, while little Margaret dropped her spoon and turned her solemn green gaze on her mother.
    Anna closed the door, smiling. “They always raise my spirits. I know it isn’t fashionable to enjoy one’s children, but I vow they are the center of my life, and of Pen’s as well.” She proceeded down the hall. “We shall put you in this guest room, near Louisa and Pauline. It’s a nice cheerful room.” She opened the door. A maid was already dusting the dainty bedroom, which was decorated in pale yellow and green, with lace hangings over the bed.
    “Bettina, make sure there’s a fire, and hot water for Miss Kay when she retires. Is there water now?” Anna checked the pitcher on the dressing table.
    Devere poked his head through the open door.
    “Nan, am I to have my usual place?”

    “Yes, Quinn.” She turned to Kate. “We keep him away from the nursery wing, else the children would give him no peace. We’ll leave you now to refresh yourself. Bettina will bring you anything you need, and can act as lady’s maid for you while you are with us.” “There’s just one thing, ma’am.” Kate spoke quietly, so the servant would not overhear. “I left my maid, Mary Ann, in Wiltshire.” She could see Quinn at her side, shaking his head.
    “No,” he said. “We cannot bring her to you, cousin. But Carrothers can make inquiries and ensure she is safe.”
    Kate was pacified and, after her guardian and his sister left the room, began to investigate her new quarters. They were everything she could want, on a par with her bedroom in Somerset.
    After Kate washed, Bettina dressed her hair and brushed out the folds of Kate’s borrowed gown. Kate fervently wished for more clothes. She had no money, and only the one dress, plus two changes of underclothing borrowed from one of the maids in London, not enough at all. But that problem would have to wait for a solution. For now, it