Free Sweet Deception Regency 07 - The Divided Hearts by Karla Darcy

the absolute
antithesis of her father’s standards. Yet, by the frequently
glimpsed amused look in his eye, it was apparent that Simon had a
genuine fondness for Nate.
    Still wondering at the puzzle, Judith turned
to Patrick, her eyes softening as she noted the expectant look on
his face. “Father’s just a touch crotchety this morning, Patrick.
Nothing to worry about. A little too much socializing yesterday. I
am quite sure that Mr. Bellingham will be delighted that you are
able to join us. Besides, it will be fun for me having you
along.”
    The boy was torn, aware that there was more
to the situation than was apparent to him. He had seen Judith and
Simon brangle before, although it was nothing compared to the
fights his parents used to have. It was difficult knowing what to
do. He was not at ease with his new life to know where his
allegiance should lie. He stared at Simon whose hairy eyebrows were
bunched like clouds building up before a storm.
    “Iffen you think it would be all right, sir,
I’d like to go?”
    The older man’s eyes fastened on the boy’s
serious face. He noted the tension of the slight body and the
absence of pleading in the child’s carefully contained expression.
Pluck to the bone, Simon applauded. A great hamlike hand shot out,
ruffling Patrick’s black hair and he waggled his eyebrows to the
boy’s entertainment.
    “I believe that Judith’s suggestion of your
inclusion might prove quite salutary. Occasionally women chance to
hit on a bright idea.” Simon held up his hand at Judith’s
unladylike snort. “Seems to me, lad, you are due for a treat after
putting up with all those fittings for a proper wardrobe. And while
we’re on the subject of your new sartorial splendor, Mr. Baker
informs me that you have some little hesitancy over his suggestions
as to bathing procedures.”
    “No offense meant, sir, but the bleed-”
Patrick coughed to cover his error. “Mr. Baker, that is, wants me
whole body scraped till it’s raw.”
    Judith raised her napkin to cover her smile
at the injured tone in the boy’s voice. She had to admire Simon’s
straight face as he nodded understandingly at Patrick’s
distress.
    “You’ll just have to go along with Mr.
Baker, lad, because it’s been my experience that it never pays to
cross the man.” Simon lowered his voice at the end of this
statement as though afraid his friend might appear like an avenging
angel. “Mr. Baker knows everything there is to know about turning a
body into a fine gentleman. Therefore until you’re of a proper age
to dispute that point, I would suggest you not take issue with the
man.”
    “I understand, sir,” Patrick said, clearly
unhappy with the turnout but wise enough to accept the inevitable.
“And thank you for letting me go on the outing. I promise I won’t
be any trouble.”
    “See that you’re not, lad,” Simon warned.
“Judith will explain it to Master Bellingham.”
    Judith wrinkled her nose at her father,
wondering if Nathanael would be gracious about accepting young
Patrick as a chaperone. She was in charity with the man, yet still
hesitant about spending any prolonged period of time in his
presence. Now, with Patrick’s addition to the party, she was
looking forward to the outing.
    Realizing the forwardness of inviting
Patrick without consulting Nathanael, Judith dressed with
particular care. She was aided in her quest for fashionable
perfection by Phoebe Finney, the maid-of-all-work who had appointed
herself Judith’s abigail.
    At fourteen, the young girl had the
legginess of a colt but, having been raised on a farm, had none of
the grace and fragility of a young thoroughbred. At first, she had
been intimidated by Judith’s beauty and sophistication, but soon
learned that her master’s daughter had the same inbred courtesy and
respect for others that had endeared Simon to the Finney family.
Phoebe’s assistance as an abigail consisted of fluttering around
Judith like a hen with a favorite chick.