“Fair enough.”
“Let’s go drink tea, now.”
Deerhurst rose with Abigail in his arms and set her on her feet. He could not help the grin that cracked his face as he followed his daughter from the room. He enjoyed their make-believe parties. He did not know of any other father who would willingly sit down and have tea with a pair of dolls, but Deerhurst had to make up for the times he missed with her.
He would do anything for his daughter. Even buy her a string of friends. All he wanted for her was love and acceptance. If a servant, a friend, or anyone else could not give her that, then they would not suffer to breathe in his presence.
No exceptions.
Not even ladies with pretty blue eyes.
Chapter Ten
By mutual agreementamong Phaedra’s mother, father, and aunt, the Sharp family decided to forgo all events for the evening. They had claimed fatigue, but Phaedra suspected it had something to do with the wagers her mother had mentioned.
Just what were they about?
She wondered whether her aunt mentioned the incident with Cromby to her mother. Papa clearly did not know, or he would have had a fit of temper. And since they were staying in for the evening, there was no need for Deerhurst to seek her out.
Tonight, the earl was off duty.
The thought should not have left her so disappointed. But it did. Immensely so.
Mary slipped into the chamber and said in a hushed tone. “My lady, you have a visitor.”
Phaedra put aside her book and sat up in bed. It was past ten in the evening. Her entire family had already retired for the night.
“Who is it?”
Mary lowered her voice even more. “Theearl, my lady.”
Phaedra froze. “Deerhurst is here?”
“He is waiting in a carriage outside.”
Phaedra shot from the bed. “Hand me my cloak, Mary.”
“My lady! You aren’t dressed!”
“That is why I’m putting on a cloak.”
Mary handed her a cloak. “Do you want me to accompany you?”
“No need, Mary. I’ll be fine.”
Phaedra slipped out of her room and hurried outside using the back entrance, and then stole through the narrow gate that separated the properties.
The door of the awaiting carriage swung open as she approached, and Deerhurst jumped out. Lord, the man looked handsome. Dressed impeccably in all black, hair styled in the latest fashion, he looked powerful and dangerous. Her heartbeat sped up.
He quickly ushered her inside.
Phaedra settled into the carriage. “I did not expect to see you this evening.”
He removed a mask from the inside of his jacket. “I thought you’d like to go on an outing.”
“A masked ball?” Phaedra asked. “I’m not dressed for an evening out.”
His gaze dropped to her cloak. “What you’re wearing is fine.”
