Page 70 of The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins

Mrs. Drake said, “We enjoyed seeing you at the assembly last evening, both you and Lady Derringer, Lord Brookhaven.”

“Thank you.” His voice was gruff, almost a grunt. He was still trying to figure out what had taken place between Welton and Miss Robbins. If he was on his knees, that probably meant a proposal, but as he did not look at all triumphant, but rather just the opposite, she must not have accepted him.

Mr. Welton said, “Yes, those assembly rooms there are tolerably spacious. The estate I am to inherit in Derbyshire has a ballroom that is nearly as large, and I shall throw many parties there.”

William couldn’t help saying, “It was my understanding that youraunt, who owns that estate, plans to leave it to your cousin, Mr. Fortner.”

Welton barely glanced at him before replying, “She has not settled it on my cousin yet, nor do I believe she will. Fortner is a worthless sort of fellow, and I’m sure he will do something to offend our aunt. If he does, I would be next in line to inherit. She has told me so herself.”

Mrs. Drake said, “What Mr. Welton says is very true. Mr. Fortner is known to frequent the gaming tables and he’s ... well, there has already been a scandal involving a young woman of questionable birth. I cannot imagine Lady Partridge, their aunt, passing over Mr. Welton in favor of Mr. Fortner, for our Mr. Welton is a much more steady, gentlemanly sort.” She smirked at Miss Robbins.

What was that smirk about? He’d learned Mrs. Drake and Welton’s mother were close friends, but did she stand to gain something from Miss Robbins marrying Welton? If so, what?

They all sat in silence until Mrs. Drake said, “Lord Brookhaven, it was very gracious of you to call on us.” By her tone, he realized she was insinuating it was time for him to leave.

Miss Robbins sat up straighter, opening her mouth as if to speak. He beat her to it.

“I came to ask after the children, Joshua and Sarah.”

“They are well. Joshua’s arm seems to be healing, and they seem to get on well with their nurse. They are looking less hollow-cheeked already, I do believe. I was hoping to bring them to meet Samuel and Annabelle later this week. Would you like to see them now?”

Normally an earl would not wish to leave the company of other adults to visit children, especially children who were unrelated to him. But he said, “Yes, I would. Although I do not wish to take you away from your ... guest.” He glanced in Mr. Welton’s direction.

Miss Robbins quickly stood. “I’m sure Mr. Welton doesn’t mind, and I’d enjoy seeing them myself.”

Mrs. Drake’s wide-eyed expression quickly changed to a scowl. “Charlotte, I’m sure—”

“I have been wanting to check in on them,” Miss Robbins said,striding to the door and pretending not to hear Mrs. Drake. “Hattie? Would you like to accompany us? The children have really warmed to Hattie...” She continued talking while they left the room, Hattie scurrying after them, looking frightened.

Miss Robbins walked close beside him and said softly, “I’m sorry for Mrs. Drake’s rudeness.”

“There is no need to apologize for someone else’s behavior.”

As they walked up the staircase in silence, he continued to wonder why Miss Robbins had been alone in the room with Mr. Welton. Propriety did not allow an unmarried gentleman and lady to be alone in a room together unless the gentleman was asking her to marry him.

“Miss Jacobs,” he said, glancing back at Hattie, “I hope you are enjoying your time away from your teaching duties in Bedfordshire.”

“Yes, sir, I thank you.”

“You teach history and drawing, I believe.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Those were two of my favorite subjects,” he said.

“Oh.”

“I didn’t know you liked to draw,” Miss Robbins said, turning to look at him.

“I have not much talent for it, but I liked it ... better than arithmetic.”

They arrived at the children’s room and found them playing a game of backgammon while the matronly nursemaid Gretchen sat nearby with some mending.

“Miss Robbins!” the children cried, their faces lighting up when they saw Charlotte. Her face lit up as well as she moved forward and greeted them warmly.

“Mrs. Gretchen taught us to play this game,” Joshua said. “Will you play it with us?”

“First, say good afternoon to Lord Brookhaven and Miss Jacobs,” she said.