Rules of Engagement by Christina Dodd Page B

back as they reached Kerrich's side, and watched as Beth curtsied and smiled timidly and responded to their questions in a demure voice.
    "She's a pleasant little thing," Lady Smithwick said in an approving tone. "It's so good of you, Lord Kerrich, and so indicative of your good nature and high moral fiber—"
    Pamela was proud that she refrained from snorting.
    "—to take her into your home when you don't even know if she is descended from bad stock."
    Kerrich wrapped his arm around Beth before she could step forward. A good thing, Pamela thought, since her small, skinny fists were clenched. Projecting her voice with the calm authority of the Miss Lockhart she had become, Pamela said, "But Lord Kerrich does know the child's background. She is the daughter of an ancient but poverty-stricken family in the North. Her father was a trusted assistant, killed while performing a heroic deed in Lord Kerrich's service."
    The ladies looked crestfallen.
    In an overly loud whisper to her sister, the younger Miss Fairchild said, "So she's not his bastard?"
    Lady Smithwick snapped at the girl, "Certainly not! I never thought such a thing." Which was an obvious lie. Turning back to the party on the ground, she trilled, "Lord Kerrich, God will undoubtedly bless you for your kindness."
    "Yes, but you'd better not bring her out again until the seamstress has finished her new garments." The elder daughter covered her mouth as she giggled. "She is dressed like a serving maid!"
    Kerrich still held Beth, although now he appeared to be hugging her rather than restraining her. "You are ever wise, Miss Fairchild. Of course, I take your advice."
    As they rode away, Kerrich smiled and bowed, Beth and Pamela curtsied.
    For a long moment, Kerrich looked down at Beth, then angrily turned on Pamela. "Miss Lockhart, this is your fault. Why did you not tell me Beth needed clothing?"
    CHAPTER 10
    "I cannot believe you allowed me to take that child to the park in those clothes." Feeling decidedly peeved, Kerrich sat in the delicate chair in the elegant, mirrored surroundings of Madame Beauchard's fashion salon, waiting for Beth to come out in the latest gown of Madame's choosing. "Why didn't you tell me she was in rags?"
    "You exaggerate, my lord. Those garments were provided by a young maid from your very household who had outgrown them."
    Her extravagant patience grated away at his normally dispassionate disposition. "A maid's clothing? I took her into public wearing a maid's clothing? Miss Lockhart, this is a disgrace I will long remember."
    With a snap that few dared to practice on him, Miss Lockhart said, "You have eyes to see, my lord. If Beth's clothing displeased you, you had only to speak."
    That woman.
    Some people said dreams had meaning. He didn't believe it, of course. Dreams were nonsense, sometimes pleasant, sometimes horrifying, but never anything more than the meandering of an idle mind. But last night's dream! Those fleshy tints. Those high breasts. Those shapely legs.
    That face. Miss Lockhart's face!
    Out of the corner of his eyes he could see her. She sat beside him, only her knitting needles in motion. However, she radiated her own irritation, although how she dared he did not understand. "As if I would bother to notice the child's garments," he retorted. "That is what the governess does!"
    Miss Lockhart gave a shrewish huff. "What a governess does, my lord, is guide a child through the intricacies of learning and conduct, not ride a miserable old nag on an ill-advised expedition!"
    "Miserable old nag?" he repeated. Interesting that she saved her greatest scorn for her steed. Did Miss Lockhart fancy herself a rider? "You sound as if you would wish to be mounted on a finer horse."
    The knitting needles clicked faster. "That is not the point. The point is that I had not yet considered Beth's wardrobe for I did not yet know where you would keep her or in what capacity." When he would have spoken, she overrode him with a strong, "Also, it