Part 17 (1/2)

”Mother, have you gone daft?” stated Lord Adrian.

”Of course not, my son. I merely wish to give ... Lady Tretain the ... the proper welcome and

introduction.

”Everyone will be agog to learn who has snared you at last. A fortnight should allow you ample time to

arrange for proper dress to be sent from London. Satter tells me your wife's wardrobe is most ...inadequate.” So, thought Lord Adrian glowering, the gauntlet is thrown. Well, his mother would not win so easily.

He relaxed, forcing a smile.

”How ... kind ... of you, Mother. We are suitably honoured, are we not, Juliane?”

Lady Juliane looked from mother to son. Why, one was as daft as the other.

CHAPTER 13.

Very quickly a carefree week had pa.s.sed. The only reminder of the scare they had had were the two men who watched over Lady Juliane and the children by day, and another pair who stood guard at the children's door by night.

When not busy with affairs of the estate, Lord Adrian went out of his way to find amus.e.m.e.nt for Lady Juliane, often including the children. This delighted Juliane and astonished Lady Tretain.

The countess had decided to be coldly pleasant to the young woman her son refused to admit was not his wife. Accustomed to similar treatment in India, this bothered Lady Juliane very little. Her reaction unknowingly raised her esteem in the eyes of Lady Tretain.

Although hesitant to accept Lady Juliane because of the suspicious circ.u.mstances surrounding her advent into the family, the countess reluctantly admitted that the change wrought by it in her son was short of miraculous.

Instead of brooding by day and thundering who knew where by night as he had on past visits, Lord Adrian went about with a festive spirit. He even enticed others to laugh. Lady Tretain had never seen him happier, and yet an apprehension nagged at her. She could not believe he was, in fact, married or that the children were his. If it was as she believed, it could only end in disaster.

Lady Tretain could find no fault with the children. They were lovable. If only she could be at ease. If Adrian did indeed call her bluff and go through with the ball, she would have to admit defeat at her own hand.

A hint of spring imbued the day. The warmth of the air and the golden splash of crocuses on the sculptured lawn enticed Lady Juliane and the children outdoors. She was enjoying a most unladylike romp when Lord Adrian approached carrying an oversized wicker basket.

Andre ran to greet him and even Leora toddled toward the earl. Catching her small hand in his, Lord Adrian led them back to where Lady Juliane sat on the ground.

Under his scrutinizing gaze she became conscious of her dishevelled appearance. Brus.h.i.+ng leaves and dried gra.s.s from her hair and gown, she began to rise.

”No, my lady. I will join you if I may.”

”What did you bring us, mon pere?” squealed Andre.

”You must wait.

”Leora,” he took her fingers and drew her to his lap as he knelt beside Lady Juliane. ”I trust this is safe?”

he asked in mock seriousness.

Juliane grinned broadly. ”I believe so, my lord, but one can never be certain.”

”I will risk it. Am I not courageux, Andre?”

Andre giggled. This ”papa” was so foolish at times.

Holding onto Leora, Lord Adrian pulled the basket closer.

Andre knelt beside them. The antic.i.p.ation lighting the children's faces infected Lady Juliane.

”Open the lid, Leora,” coaxed Lord Adrian.

Lady Juliane and Andre watched in expectation as her tiny fingers fumbled with the lid. Curious squeaks,

squeals, and something suspiciously close to a meow coming from the basket became too much for

Andre. He reached across and lifted the lid.

A large black mongrel pup tumbled out and pounced into Lady Juliane's lap. It nipped at her skirts.

Then, a small black kitten placed its paws on the edge of the basket and peered cautiously over the brim.