Page 3 of A Lady’s Mishap (The Lockwood Family #5)

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E lodie had done her good deed for the day. Here she was, sitting next to the man who vexed her with almost every word that came out of his mouth, and she was being somewhat cordial. Yet, she couldn’t ignore her curiosity. Anthony was not a man who typically let his emotions get the better of him, and his earlier shouting at Stephen had been so out of character for him. What had caused him to react in such a fashion?

Stealing a glance at him, she had to admit, even begrudgingly, that he was not an unhandsome man. His strong jaw and dark hair gave him a certain charming appeal. But then again, she had no desire to be attracted to the man. He had loved nothing more than tormenting her in their youth, and it hadn’t gotten much better over the years.

Anthony sat with his arms crossed tightly over his chest, a sure sign he was upset. Not that she noticed such things about him. He sighed deeply. “I am truly sorry I woke you up from your nap with my shouting.”

“It is all right,” Elodie said. “There is always tomorrow.”

He gave her an amused look. “Do you take a nap every day?”

Elodie found that question to be most absurd. “Of course I do. Don’t you?”

Anthony shook his head. “No. I do not have time for such things.”

She feigned shock, putting a hand to her chest. “That is truly a shame, and I suggest you take a hard look at your life choices.”

He smiled, just as she had intended. “I am relieved that you are here. Truly. I was worried when you were abducted a few weeks ago.”

“It was nothing that I could not handle,” Elodie said.

Anthony raised an eyebrow. “I am surprised your abductors didn’t release you when they realized what a minx you are.”

Rolling her eyes, Elodie leaned back slightly, letting the cool garden breeze brush her face. “It doesn’t quite work that way, but Lord Emberly handled the matter swiftly. I consider it an adventure.”

“An adventure ?” Anthony repeated, incredulity clear in his voice. “Only you would look at an abduction as an adventure.”

“Perhaps, but it is over and done with,” she said, intentionally keeping her responses vague. She didn’t want to share that she discovered her sister was an agent of the Crown. That was not her secret to tell.

Anthony uncrossed his arms, seemingly more at ease now. “Dare I ask how your presentation to the queen went today? I had planned on attending, but things went awry rather quickly this morning.”

Elodie smiled proudly. “It went well. I even made the queen laugh.”

Anthony’s brows shot up in surprise. “That is no small feat. What did you say?”

“She commented on my height compared to my brothers and I told her that ‘I looked up to them,’” Elodie said. “You just had to be there to get the humor.”

Anthony grinned. “I suppose so.”

With a glance at her townhouse, Elodie said, “My parents were not entirely pleased with my joke, but it all worked out in the end. I didn’t trip and Bennett even said it was a ‘rousing success.’”

“That is high praise.”

“Indeed,” Elodie said, giving him a pointed look. “But I know what you are doing. You are trying to distract me from the fact that you were shouting at Stephen like a wild banshee earlier.”

Anthony winced slightly. “Guilty as charged,” he admitted. “Though, I must say, I have been enjoying our conversation. I did not think we could ever speak so cordially.”

“That is because you have a habit of saying the most absurd things,” Elodie countered. “You always have.”

“And yet,” Anthony shot back, his tone playful, “I think you secretly like me.”

Elodie huffed. “I do not like you. I merely tolerate your existence. There is a vast difference.”

“No, I think there is more to it.”

“You would be wrong,” Elodie said. “You are friends with my brothers, and our townhouses are situated right next to each other. If not for those things, we wouldn’t exchange a single word.”

Anthony clucked his tongue. “Ah, but I treasure each and every moment with you, Elodie.”

She knew he was teasing, as he always did, but something about his tone made her defensive. It was just this way with him. One moment he was making her laugh, and the next, he had her on edge. “Just tell me why you were shouting at Stephen.”

He grew solemn. “Apparently, my brother eloped to Scotland five years ago with a young woman. They were married by an anvil priest.”

Elodie’s eyes widened. “Who was this woman?”

“I don’t know much about her,” Anthony shared. “She passed away and now Stephen has a daughter.”

Elodie gasped. “Stephen has a daughter?”

“He does,” Anthony confirmed. “Emma is four years old, and I haven’t the faintest idea what to do with her.”

“She isn’t a pet, Anthony. You don’t have to play fetch with her,” Elodie said dryly. “Has Stephen hired a nursemaid for her?”

Anthony pursed his lips. “My brother hasn’t even met with her yet. If he had his way, he would send her to a workhouse and wash his hands of her entirely.”

Elodie’s heart sank at the thought. “That is awful.”

“It is the truth.”

Shifting on the bench towards Anthony, Elodie said, “I don’t know much about children, but I can only imagine this poor girl is terrified. Her mother is gone, and her father is… well, Stephen.” Anthony’s jaw clenched. “Emma shouldn’t be my responsibility, but Stephen is useless. I want to do right by her, but I am at a complete loss.”

Elodie tilted her head slightly, studying him. “You are the most infuriating man that I know,” she began, her tone lighter now, “but you are honorable. I am sure you will figure it out.”

Anthony’s lips quirked into a smile. “Why, Elodie, are you flirting with me?”

Elodie’s mouth dropped open. “Good heavens, no! I would never flirt with you.”

“I don’t know. It sounded a lot like flirting,” Anthony said. “I am flattered, but I think it is best if we remain friends.”

Elodie shot to her feet and placed her hands on her hips, glaring down at Anthony with all the frustration she could muster. “You are bacon-brained ! A peagoose of the highest order.”

Anthony tsked. “More flirting, Elodie. Please, you are only embarrassing yourself now.”

“Why do I even bother trying to have a civil conversation with you?”

Before Anthony could respond, Bennett’s voice came from behind her. “I see that I came at the right time,” he said, strolling towards them.

Elodie spun on her heel to face her brother. “Bennett, I think we should sell our townhouse and move far, far away.”

“For what purpose?” Bennett asked.

“I cannot abide living next to him ,” Elodie replied, waving her hand in Anthony’s direction.

Anthony placed a hand over his heart with mock sincerity. “That hurts, Elodie. Truly. What would I do if I didn’t see your smiling face every day?”

“You would survive,” Elodie muttered.

Rising from the bench, Anthony flashed her that vexing smile of his. “I suppose our time together has come to an end. Shall we reconvene at the same time tomorrow?”

Elodie ignored his question, knowing full well it was meant to get a rise out of her. She turned to Bennett instead. “We should go inside.”

“Before we go,” Bennett began, “Mother wanted me to extend an invitation to Anthony for dinner this evening.”

Elodie’s stomach dropped. She could practically feel Anthony’s triumphant smirk without even looking at him.

With a polite nod, Anthony replied, “I would be honored.”

Elodie resisted the urge to groan. The last thing she wanted was to spend even more time in Anthony’s company. But she knew what her mother was up to. She was attempting to play matchmaker. It was an endeavor her mother could never resist, no matter how obvious her schemes became.

Anthony bowed. “Until this evening, then.”

She watched as Anthony disappeared into the hedge of his gardens, his leisurely stride somehow managing to irritate her further. “Why did you have to invite him to dinner?”

Bennett seemed unbothered by her irritation. “Mother was rather insistent on the idea.”

“You could have told her no.”

With a knowing look, Bennett replied, “You know Mother does not like being told no. Besides, I have no issues dining with Anthony, and neither should you. He has been a family friend for years.”

Elodie pressed her lips together, her annoyance barely concealed. “I think you have terrible taste in friends. There are hundreds of gentlemen in London you could befriend instead of Anthony. Just say the word, and I will find you a better one.”

“I have never quite understood your aversion to him.”

“He was awful to me when we were children,” Elodie said. “Do you remember when he pretended he was dead?”

Bennett let out a bark of laughter. “Oh, I remember that well! Anthony smeared beet juice all over his shirt and waited for what felt like hours until you came outside.”

“It wasn’t funny.”

“It was a little funny,” Bennett said, his smile widening. “I can still see your face when Anthony jumped up and pretended he was a zombie. It was quite a brilliant performance! Althoughhis mother wasn’t amused that he had ruined a perfectly good shirt.”

Without another word, Elodie brushed past her brother and headed straight for the townhouse. There was no point in continuing this conversation. Bennett saw nothing wrong with Anthony’s teasing, but he hadn’t been on the receiving end.

Bennett quickly caught up to her, falling into step beside her as they approached the door. “I must admit, I was surprised to see you outside, conversing with Anthony. Is it not your nap time?”

“Anthony was shouting at Stephen and woke me up,” she revealed as a footman opened the rear door. “I came to see what the hubbub was all about.”

“I always find it interesting how different Anthony and Stephen are,” Bennett said.

Elodie cast a sidelong glance at her brother as they stepped inside. “That they are,” she agreed. “Stephen may be irresponsible, but he has never been unkind to me.”

Bennett placed a hand on her sleeve and gently turned her to face him. “That may be true, but I would prefer if you did not associate with Stephen anymore. He has a reputation of being a rake.”

“I am well aware, but that doesn’t mean he will do anything to jeopardize mine.”

“It is a chance that I am not willing to take, considering reputations can be ruined by even the tiniest of infractions.”

Elodie gave her brother a reassuring look, hoping to ease his worries. “I have been preparing for my entrance into Society my entire life. I know exactly what is expected of me—by our family and by the ton . I am not going to let Stephen ruin that.”

Her brother didn’t look convinced, and his brow creased with worry. “Why don’t we skip this Season?” he asked. “We could travel back to our country estate and get you far away from all of Society’s pressures and expectations. You could even ride your horse wearing trousers again, like you used to.”

“I can do this, Brother,” Elodie assured him.

Bennett looked at her for a long moment before placing both hands on her shoulders. “I know, but I am just worried for you. It is the job of any good brother.”

“You are a good brother…”

“Why do I sense a ‘but’ coming?” Bennett asked.

Elodie laughed. “ But you don’t need to protect me all the time. I am not a child anymore.”

Bennett dropped his hands to his sides. “Well, I am sorry, but that isn’t likely to happen. As the self-appointed protector of this family, it is my responsibility— nay , my duty—to look after every last one of you.”

A teasing smile tugged at her lips. “Very well, then. But, just so you know, I am still not giving you any of my buttered toast. You will have to make it on your own.”

Bennett let out an exaggerated groan. “Drats, foiled again.”

Elodie giggled as they continued down the corridor, and she looped her arm through his, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for her brother. No matter how protective or overbearing he could be, she knew his heart was always in the right place. And more than anything, she knew Bennett—and their whole family—would always be there for her, no matter what challenges Society or the future threw her way.

Anthony hesitated outside the nursery door, his hand resting lightly on the handle. He had seen the fear in Emma’s eyes when she looked upon him, and it struck him like a blow. He needed her to know that she was safe here. With him. The thought of failing her tightened his chest, but he resolved to try. No matter how long it took, he would prove to her that this was her home now. A place where she would never have to fear anything ever again.

He exhaled softly, steadying himself, before turning the handle and stepping quietly inside. The nursery was modest yet cozy, with lavender-papered walls and shelves lined with toys. Emma sat on the edge of her bed, clutching a doll tightly. Her eyes widened when they landed on him, her posture stiffening.

“Emma,” he greeted gently. “I came to say goodnight.”

Her gaze dropped to the floor, and she murmured, “Goodnight.”

He lingered near the doorway, feeling like an interloper in his own home. He shifted awkwardly before taking a tentative step closer. “Do you require anything? If you do, you need only to tell me.”

She shook her head.

“Emma…” he began, his tone carrying a warmth he hoped she could feel, “I am glad that you are here. Truly, I am.”

Her eyes flickered up briefly, a spark of uncertainty in their depths. “Thank you,” she said quietly, her voice almost a whisper.

Anthony knew he needed to be patient with Emma. This adjustment was not easy for either of them, but he was determined to make it work. Emma deserved stability, kindness, and the chance to feel safe again. If that required every ounce of his patience and effort, so be it.

“May I read you a book?” he asked.

Emma looked up at him hesitantly before giving a small nod.

Anthony walked over to the bookshelf, scanning the neatly arranged spines. “Now, let’s see,” he mused aloud. “Which book shall we read tonight ? A Token for Children ? Or perhaps The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes ?”

In a soft voice, Emma replied, “ Little Red Riding Hood .”

“An excellent choice.” Anthony retrieved the book and sat down next to Emma, keeping a careful distance to avoid overwhelming her. “Have you read this book before?” he asked as he opened the book.

Emma’s small fingers fidgeted with her doll. “My mother used to read this book to me. It was the only book we had.”

Anthony’s heart clenched at the quiet sorrow in her words. Gently, he placed a reassuring hand on her thin shoulder. “Now that you are here, you can have as many books as your heart desires.”

Emma didn’t respond, but the corners of her lips curved ever so slightly, a faint and fleeting smile that filled Anthony with hope. It was a beginning, and for now, that was enough. He withdrew his hand and turned to the first page, settling into a steady rhythm as he began to read. He was pleased when Emma inched closer to him with every turn of the page.

As he finished the chapter, Anthony glanced at Emma and noticed her eyelids drooping heavily. Her head tilted slightly, fighting against sleep. He closed the book with a soft thud, marking the page with his thumb. “We will read more tomorrow night,” he promised. “For now, it is time for you to get some rest.”

Emma slipped under the covers, her head resting on the pillow. Anthony tucked the blanket snugly around her and rose to his feet. “Goodnight, Emma,” he said, blowing out the flickering candle on the bedside table.

Not wanting to be late for dinner, Anthony stepped out of the nursery and headed out the main door, walking the short distance to Lord Dallington’s townhouse. The chill of the evening air bit at his skin, but he barely noticed, his thoughts still lingering on the brief but significant exchange with Emma.

Upon reaching the door, he knocked, and it was promptly answered by the butler, who stepped aside to let him into the entry hall.

As Anthony entered, he caught sight of Elodie descending the staircase in a pale blue gown. The color accentuated the brightness of her eyes, though, as usual, those eyes flashed with her familiar look of annoyance. At least she was consistent.

He bowed, hoping to disarm her with his charm. “My lady, you look particularly lovely this evening.”

Elodie reached the bottom of the stairs and stopped just in front of him. “Thank you, my lord. You look… tolerable.”

“Only tolerable?” he asked. “Perhaps I am handsome enough to tempt you. We could make a go of it, you and I. Just say the word, and we could elope to Gretna Green.”

Elodie’s lips pressed into a tight line as she took a deliberate step back. “I would never marry you. Not even if you were the last man on earth.”

Undeterred, Anthony took a step closer. “‘The lady doth protest too much, methinks,’” he said, quoting Shakespeare.

She held her ground but arched an eyebrow. “And I think you need to look elsewhere for a wife. Maybe you could purchase one at the market? I am sure you could get a good deal.”

Anthony puffed out his chest with exaggerated pride. “I am a viscount. You could not even imagine how many women flock to me on a daily basis.”

Elodie rolled her eyes. “Oh, poor lord. What it must be like to be you,” she mocked.

“It is a terrible burden to be considered such an eligible bachelor and being this devilishly handsome.”

“Dear heavens, you cannot truly be this cocky!”

He smirked. “But you agree, don’t you?”

“To what?”

“That I am devilishly handsome,” he said with a wink.

Elodie shook her head, exasperation clear in her every move. “I can see why you are not married. People must think you are mad.”

“I am not married by choice,” Anthony contended. “I am waiting for you to reconsider. Quite frankly, you could do a lot worse than me. I have a title, a fortune, and I would not mind seeing you in trousers every day.”

“You would be so lucky,” Elodie replied sharply. “But I would never wear trousers around you, my lord.”

He leaned in, his tone dropping to a whisper. “It is a shame that I have seen it, then. You seem to forget that I visit your brothers often at your country estate.”

Her eyes widened slightly, and a hint of color rose to her cheeks. “A true gentleman wouldn’t comment on such things.”

“A true lady wouldn’t wear something so revealing,” Anthony shot back.

Elodie tilted her chin. “There is nothing wrong with wearing trousers when riding a horse. They are much more practical than wearing a riding habit.”

“I won’t argue with you there,” Anthony agreed. “If I were your husband, I would buy you as many pairs of trousers as you would like.”

“As tempting as that sounds, I will have to pass,” she remarked dryly.

Anthony held her gaze. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me. But be warned—I won’t wait forever.”

She took a step closer to him. “I am not sure why it is so hard for you to grasp but let me be perfectly clear. I will never, ever marry you.”

“I will put you down for a maybe, then,” Anthony quipped.

Elodie let out a long, frustrated groan before turning on her heel and marching towards the drawing room. Anthony watched her go, unable to resist the smile that tugged at his lips. Teasing Elodie had always been his favorite pastime. He rather enjoyed watching the way her eyes flashed with fire or how she never hesitated to spar with him. She was utterly fascinating, making her the most interesting person he knew.

The truth of the matter was that he teased Elodie to keep her at arm’s length. If she ever discovered that there was some truth behind his words, he would scare her away, and he did not want to live in a world without Elodie in it.

He was pulled from his thoughts by a familiar voice. “Anthony!” Bennett called from the corridor, striding towards him. “I hadn’t realized you arrived.”

Anthony turned to greet him, noticing Delphine by Bennett’s side. He tipped his head towards her, noticing the warm smile. “My lady, marriage certainly agrees with you.”

“Thank you, Lord Belview,” she responded. “I would have to agree with you on that.”

“Please, you must call me Anthony. All my friends do.”

Delphine's smile only seemed to grow. “Very well, but it is only fair if you call me by my given name.”

Bennett cast a curious look towards the door to the drawing room. “I thought I heard Elodie’s voice.”

“You did, but she got rather frustrated with me,” Anthony admitted.

“What did you say this time?” Bennett asked.

Anthony couldn’t help but laugh. “I may have suggested that a marriage between us would be mutually beneficial.”

Bennett huffed, though his eyes gleamed with amusement. “Why would you even suggest such a thing? You two would kill one another within a week.”

“That we would,” Anthony agreed, “but I do so love to goad your sister. It is almost too easy.”

Turning towards Delphine, Bennett explained, “Anthony and Elodie have been at odds with one another since our youth. It is the one constant that I can count on.”

“Interesting,” Delphine murmured, her gaze flickering between Anthony and her husband.

“Come, let us adjourn to the drawing room while we wait for the others,” Bennett suggested before leading his wife to a room off the entry hall.

Once inside the drawing room, Anthony saw Elodie sitting on the settee, engaged in her needlework.

Bennett leaned closer to Anthony, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Be very still. You don’t see this often. Elodie despises needlework.”

Without looking up, Elodie replied, “I can hear you, Brother.”

“At least your hearing is sharp,” Bennett joked. “What are you making, or should I ask, what are you attempting to make?”

Elodie lowered the handkerchief to her lap. “It is a handkerchief for Melody. I thought I could give it to her when she returns from her wedding tour.”

Bennett nodded approvingly. “That is rather thoughtful of you.”

“It is,” Elodie agreed. “But I forgot how much I despise needlework. I know it is a skill I’m supposed to have, but it is terribly tedious. I would much rather be doing anything else.”

“It is a good thing you were born a lady,” Bennett said.

Elodie held up the handkerchief. “I also wanted to embroider a flower above her name, but it looks like a drunk hippopotamus.”

Delphine came to sit down next to Elodie. “And how, pray tell, do you know what a drunk hippopotamus looks like?”

“I don’t, but it is a common enough phrase,” Elodie said.

“Is it?” Delphine asked.

Bennett sat down in a chair across from them. “Allow me to translate. It is a ‘common enough phrase’ for Elodie. No one else says such things.”

Elodie shrugged. “It will catch on. Mother even called me a drunk hippopotamus once while describing my dancing.”

Anthony chimed in. “Was that meant to be a compliment?”

“No, but I took it as one,” Elodie replied.

Bennett grinned. “Only you would, my dear sister.”

A comfortable silence fell upon the group until Winston and Mattie stepped into the room. Delphine patted the seat next to her, beckoning Mattie over. “Come sit with us.”

Mattie hurried over and sat down. “What were you discussing before we arrived?”

Elodie extended the handkerchief to Mattie. “This is my fifth attempt at a handkerchief for Melody.”

Mattie took it, running her fingers over the uneven stitches. “I see Melody’s name, but what is above it?”

“It is supposed to be a flower,” Elodie admitted.

“Oh, dear,” Mattie murmured, placing the handkerchief on the table. “It is… well, it is nice.”

Elodie leaned back against the settee. “Why do these ‘womanly pursuits’ always elude me?”

“You are proficient at the pianoforte,” Mattie offered. “And if eating biscuits were a skill, you would be a champion.”

Elodie’s eyes brightened at that thought. “You are right. I would be the greatest biscuit eater. There would be sonnets written about my biscuit-eating abilities.”

Winston leaned closer to Mattie. “Why did you have to encourage her?”

Mattie simply shushed him. “Let her have this one.”

As she uttered her words, Lady Dallington swept into the room on her husband’s arm. Her eyes immediately sought out Anthony’s and a bright smile lit her face. “Anthony, I am so pleased that you joined us this evening.”

Anthony stepped forward and bowed. “I am honored by the invitation, my lady.”

“You are always welcome in our home,” Lady Dallington responded.

Lord Dallington tipped his head. “Belview. How is your father?”

At the mention of his father, all humor drained from Anthony’s expression. “His health is most dire, I’m afraid. But he was adamant that I come to Town for the Season. You know how much he values duty.”

“I do,” Lord Dallington said.

Lady Dallington clasped her hands together. “Shall we adjourn to the dining room?” she asked, her tone light, attempting to lift the mood.

Anthony stood back and everyone started filing out of the room. Elodie came to stand next to him. “I am truly sorry about your father. Lord Kinwick is a good man.”

“The best of men,” Anthony responded, offering his arm. “May I have the honor of escorting you to dinner?”

For a moment, Elodie hesitated, but then she placed her hand lightly on his arm. “Thank you,” she said. “How is Emma faring?”

“She seems to be doing well,” Anthony replied. “I read her a book at bedtime. I even got the faintest of smiles out of her.”

“That is encouraging, is it not?”

Anthony nodded. “I thought so.”

They started walking towards the dining room and a silence descended over them. Finally, he spoke. “I have not forgotten about the carriage ride I promised to take you on to Hyde Park.”

“Oh, wonderful,” Elodie muttered.

Anthony found her lackluster response to be rather amusing. “Shall we go tomorrow during the fashionable hour?”

Elodie’s gaze shifted to her mother ahead of them and a flicker of something unreadable crossed her face. “I suppose that would be all right.”

Leaning in, he asked, “Are you only agreeing to the ride because you are worried your mother would get upset if you refused?”

A small smile came to her lips. “Is it that obvious?”

“Painfully,” Anthony said with a chuckle. “But I will take it as a victory, nonetheless. I can think of nothing better than spending an hour with you, confined to a snug open-drawn carriage.”

“You make it sound so inviting.”

“Going to Hyde Park during the fashionable hour is not for the faint of heart. Everyone will be watching, gossiping.”

“That sounds awful.”

Anthony straightened up. “Good, then I have properly warned you. But I do have one firm rule for our outing.”

She furrowed her brows. “And what might that be?”

“Under no circumstances are you allowed to kiss me in Hyde Park,” Anthony said in a mock-serious tone.

Elodie blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

“I don’t care how handsome I look, or what witty things I say. You must refrain from kissing me. Can you promise that?”

Elodie let out an exasperated sigh, slipping her hand from his arm. “There is something seriously wrong with you, my lord,” she said before stepping into the dining room.

Anthony watched her go, chuckling under his breath.