Page 23 of Tempting a Lonely Lord (The Rakes of Mayhem #6)

Later that morning

“Good morning, Grandmama, Grandmère,” Bella said as she stepped into the dining room. “Lord Dudley is accompanying me and Winterborne on a morning ride. Would you mind if Michael stayed with you both?”

“My goodness, no. He’s a delightful boy,” Grandmère said, pouring herself a cup of tea. She turned to Grandmama. “Isn’t he delightful, Anne?”

“A lovely boy,” Grandmama agreed with a smile. “We’ll play Jackstraws or Cat’s Cradle.”

“Oh, do leave Lacey with us as well—she adores Michael, don’t you, Lacey?” Grandmère winked at the small black dog, who responded with a soft whoof and a thump of her tail from her usual spot beside Bella’s chair.

At that moment, Garrett entered the room. “Lady Bridgewater, Lord Dudley has arrived to see Lady Connolly, accompanied by young Master Michael.”

“Perfect timing, Garrett,” Lady Bridgewater said, gesturing for the footman to set two additional places at the table.

“Good morning, ladies. I see you’re all early risers,” William said as he stepped inside with his young brother.

“Please, join us for breakfast, William, Michael,” Lady Bridgewater invited them.

William inclined his head in thanks and gestured for Michael to take the seat to Bella’s left before making his way to the breakfast buffet.

A smile curved Bella’s lips as she watched Lacey greet Michael. The boy grinned and bent down to scratch the little dog’s head, whispering something to her as he did. Lacey wagged her tail before settling contentedly at his feet.

Bella knew exactly what her dog was after—treats.

Michael had taken to slipping Lacey bits of bacon or sausage.

She didn’t mind, as he was careful, always offering small bites.

Besides, she usually did the same. More than that, she was heartened to see the bond growing between them.

With each passing day, both Michael and William were becoming part of their family.

Lacey had sensed what Winterborne had—the quiet warmth of a little boy’s gentle heart.

She would always be grateful to Michael for opening her eyes to the truth—Winterborne was mourning and needed her.

As if reading her thoughts, Grandmère caught her eye and winked over the rim of her teacup. Then, after clearing her throat, she asked, “Where do you plan to ride today?”

William returned with a plate, setting it in front of Michael—a careful selection of scrambled eggs, sausage, and a small bowl of porridge drizzled with honey and apple slices.

“We thought we’d ride across both properties and give Winterborne some proper exercise.

” Turning to Bella, he added, “Are you still up to riding him?”

“Yes, I’m looking forward to it,” she said softly. Her gaze shifted to Michael. “Thanks to Michael’s keen awareness, we realized Winterborne needed more attention, and to know he’s still valued.” She reached out, gently touching his hand. “I’m so grateful to you, Michael.”

The boy beamed. “You’re welcome, Lady Bella. I was happy to help you and Winterborne.”

The door opened once more, admitting Uncle Stephen. “Hello, Master Michael. Good morning, Mother, Grandmère, Lord Dudley… and Bella.”

Bella paused, studying her uncle. He looked different this morning. His shoulders were relaxed, his back straight, and for once, his eyes were clear—not bloodshot from sleepless nights and too much drink. The pinched, gray pallor that had clung to him for months was gone.

“Good morning, Stephen. It’s nice to see you up and about,” his mother said.

Stephen smiled, a warmth in his expression that Bella hadn’t seen in a long time. “Mother, you are looking your usual lovely self this morning. I was thinking—there’s a fête in town in a couple of days. I hoped we could all go.” Pouring himself a cup of coffee, he took a seat across from William.

“Of course!” Grandmama exclaimed. “It had slipped my mind. We saw several broadsides in town last time we were there, didn’t we, Elise?”

“Yes, indeed, dear Anne,” Grandmère agreed, her eyes alight with excitement. “What fun! I can hardly wait.”

Stephen chuckled. “There will surely be an archery contest, tests of strength, and games for the children,” he said with a wink at Michael.

“Not to mention an abundance of savory and sweet delicacies. Tradesmen and women will be eager to display their wares, from ironworks to the latest French fashions. They’ve expanded the fête this year—it should attract even more visitors from neighboring towns and villages.

” He took a sip of his coffee, then made a face.

“Ugh. I forgot the sugar. Bella, be a love and pass it to me.”

Bella slid the sugar bowl toward him, but her mind whirled. What in the world had come over her uncle today? He was nothing like the man who had escorted her to the ball just days ago. Though curiosity burned within her, she was simply grateful for the change.

As Stephen smiled warmly at her, she caught a flicker of something in his eyes—a familiar twinkle.

The resemblance between him and her father had always been strong, but now it was more than physical.

For the first time in years, Uncle Stephen carried the same lighthearted spirit her father once had.

“ I am certain my Roma friend, Madame Vorest, the fortune teller, will be there as well,” Grandmère added with an enthusiastic bounce in her chair.

A shiver skittered down Bella’s spine. Madame Vorest. The memory of their recent encounter sent a whisper of unease through her. The woman’s cryptic vision still echoed in her mind.

There will be great danger… she had said. Yet she had also spoken of a great love.

Bella’s gaze flickered across the table to William.

Could he have been in Madame Vorest’s thoughts?

A thrill of excitement stirred within her.

Though the warning of danger lingered at the edges of her mind, she found herself more drawn to the tantalizing possibility of what her future might hold.

She peeked at William from beneath her long lashes, her anticipation curling in her chest.

Uncle Stephen cleared his throat, pulling Bella from her reverie. She blinked, refocusing on the conversation just as his expression turned serious. “ Lord Dudley, might we have a word in private?”

William’s brow furrowed ever so slightly—the only indication that he might have been caught off guard. Setting down his coffee, he met Stephen’s gaze.

“I’d be glad to, Lord Bridgewater,” he said, his tone respectful but edged with curiosity.

Stephen waved a hand dismissively . “Please, call me Stephen. After all, you are among friends here.” His voice was warm, but there was an unmistakable weight behind his words. Draining the last of his coffee, he rose from his chair.

“We can speak in my study.” He glanced toward Bella and her grandmothers as he prepared to leave . “Ladies, if you’ll excuse us for a few moments—I have an important matter to discuss with William.”

“Of course, Stephen,” the dowager countess said, her tone mild, though her eyes held a flicker of curiosity.

The same curiosity that stirred in Bella. What could her uncle possibly need to discuss with William?

“Let us consider our plans for the fête,” Grandmère said. “I suggest we aim to leave around ten of the clock.”

“I like that idea,” Grandmama agreed, with a nod. “Bella, what say you?”

“Yes, that suits me perfectly,” Bella said. The thought of spending the day enjoying the festivities outdoors sparked a sense of anticipation around the table, including Michael and even Lacey.

“I can’t wait to find out more about the pirate’s treasure,” said Michael as he slipped Lacey a rasher of bacon beneath the table—and not realizing all three women were smiling as he did it.

“I want to search for gifts we can give the staff on Boxing Day,” Grandmama said. “I know it’s still a few months away, but with so many stalls, there’s sure to be plenty on offer.”

“I agree—we’re bound to find some lovely things,” Grandmère said. “And I’m hoping to find a hat to match my new Christmas Day gown. I had it made just before we left London, and I’d hate to return simply to commission a hat before I can wear it properly.”

Bella, her grandmothers, and Michael were chatting about their plans at the fête later in the week when Stephen and William returned to the dining room.

William’s face looked serious, but his tone was even.

“Thank you, Stephen. I will keep all of it in mind and appreciate your taking me into your confidence.” His face relaxed as he turned to Bella.

“I think we should be on our way, if we want to enjoy as much of the sunlight as we can today. I’ve asked Franklin, my footman, to accompany us. I hope that is fine with you?”

“Of course.” Bella stood, a broad smile stretched across her face. She had always loved riding and was looking forward to taking Winterborne out again, with William by her side. His support meant everything to her.

He furrowed his brow as he looked at his younger brother. Michael was wiping bacon grease on his trousers from the rasher of bacon he had just handed Lacey. “Michael, you promised to be on your best behavior if I left you with your… grandmothers .”

The two women chuckled. “We will take good care of young Michael. He’s such a dear,” Grandmama said.

Michael grinned at his two adopted grandmothers.

Leaning down, William playfully tousled his brother’s hair and brushed a kiss on his head. “Don’t get into any trouble,” he warned good-humoredly.

“I pwomise!” Michael said.

~*~

Stephen watched his niece and William leave before turning to his mother. “Mother, could you spare a few moments? There are some things I need to discuss with you as well.”

“Michael, what do you think about helping me choose where to put a new flowerbed in the garden?” Grandmère said. “I wanted to plant some flowers that were Bella’s mother’s favorites. And I know you’ll be a great help.”

“I’d be happy to help you, Gwand-mare,” Michael said. “Can Lacey come?”