Free An Elaborate Hoax (A Gentlemen of Worth Book 5) by Shirley Marks

called from the bed. “Do remember to have Mrs. Shore replace the dear figurines in Davy’s room.”
    “Yes, ma’am,” the companion replied.
    “And make certain both his bedroom windows are open before he retires for the night.” Mrs. Cavanaugh settled her head upon her pillow and, under the careful ministrations of her nurse, quickly grew heavy-lidded with sleep.
    “Yes, ma’am, I shall.” Mrs. Sutton led Miss Harding and Penny through the doorway.
    “Good.” A hint of a smile crept across the elderly woman’s dry lips. Perhaps Penny had been mistaken, but she thought she saw a twinkle in those pale blue eyes. Mrs. Cavanaugh drew in a deep breath and in a voice filled with overwhelming joy heralded, “Listen to them. Listen to those darlings, bless their souls.”

    “ Da! ” Young Davy’s shrill, youthful voice carried across the green, around the house, and up to the attics, no doubt. The lad came barreling toward David as the prime example of exuberance that dwells in all boys.
    Much like horses stalled up during a harsh winter, the children needed to run about and kick up their heels after a long confinement. David smiled, remembering the times in his youth when he’d scampered about with his brothers. It seemed as if they never grew tired. He imagined they must have at some point. Their legs, their stamina, could not last forever.
    “Da!” Lucy cried out, running in David’s direction well after her brother. “Come on, Pug!”
    The dog bounded after her, his tongue lolling from his gaping mouth. He had probably never been so overset in all his life. Companion to Gran could not be near the same as accompanying these young ones.
    Davy collided into David, grasping him tightly around his knees. David had instinctively braced himself for the impact. This was a common greeting. Lucy’s welcome was always far more gentle. She slowed and came to a halt before wrapping her arms around his waist for an enormous hug.
    “If only I could inspire such affections.” Mrs. Parker came up behind them. She had followed him from the house after bidding their guests farewell, not nearly as anxious for David’s attention as the children. Pug romped around waiting for his turn to have a welcome pat on the head.
    Both Lucy and Davy, nearly at the same time, stepped back from David and nodded their heads in respect. “Good day, ma’am.”
    Mrs. Parker held out her arms, giving silent permission that it was acceptable to approach her. “Children—” Penny bent low and pulled them to her in close embrace. “How are you?”
    “It was the best time, Aun —” Lucy stopped and her eyes widened as she misspoke. “Sorry . . . um, ma’am.”
    “Do not fret, for I’m certain no one overheard,” Mrs. Parker whispered. David’s gaze met hers for an instant before they both glanced around, checking that no one was near enough to eavesdrop on their family conversation.
    “I shan’t do it again, I promise,” said the girl. She turned to her brother. “It’s the game, Davy.”
    “I have faith that you will remember,” her aunt replied with obvious confidence.
    “I’ll ’member, too,” added Davy, as not to be left out.
    “I have every certainty you shall.” Mrs. Parker gave his arms a reassuring squeeze.
    “It’s a game!” Davy exclaimed.
    “That’s right, we are pretending,” their aunt acknowledged. She straightened his vest, which had worked its way up from his waist and turned about his torso.
    David could see why Frances allowed her two youngest to be in the care of the woman before him. Mrs. Parker was so very good with them. There wasn’t a single concern as to their well-being. She behaved quite naturally, and David supposed minding these two was no different than caring for her sister, the Duchess of Worth’s offspring—three girls and one boy in that family.
    “Come with us, Da!” Lucy called to him. The children pulled Mrs. Parker along by her hands. Her mild refusal to attend