A Dangerous Pursuit (Regency Spies & Secrets Book 1), Laura Beers [romantic books to read TXT] 📗

be mindful to be cautious around Lord Hawthorne.”

“It pleases me immensely to hear that.”

“Why do you say that?”

Mrs. Foster pointed at the window that faced the street. “I just saw Lord Hawthorne ride up on his horse.”

Before she could respond, Graham appeared in the doorway and met her gaze. “Lord Hawthorne is here, Miss. Are you available for callers?”

“I am,” Madalene answered, smoothing her primrose muslin gown.

“Very good,” Graham replied before exiting.

In the next moment, Lord Hawthorne stepped into the room. He was dressed in a blue jacket, a matching waistcoat, and buff trousers. His brown hair was brushed forward and he had a wry smile on his lips. She wondered what it would take to truly see him smile, one that exuded happiness.

Lord Hawthorne bowed stiffly. “Good afternoon, Miss Dowding,” he greeted. “Thank you for agreeing to speak with me.”

Madalene tipped her head respectfully. “Of course, my lord,” she responded before gesturing towards Mrs. Foster. “Allow me to introduce you to my companion, Mrs. Foster.”

Lord Hawthorne turned his gaze towards her companion. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“Likewise, Lord Hawthorne,” Mrs. Foster acknowledged.

Silence descended over the room, and before it threatened to become awkward, Madalene asked, “Would you care for some tea?”

“No, thank you,” Lord Hawthorne replied. “It is such a pleasant day that I was hoping to take a turn with you in the garden.”

“What a splendid idea,” Madalene responded, rising from her seat on the settee. “Would you care to join us, Mrs. Foster?”

Mrs. Foster shook her head. “I thank you for the kind offer, but I’m afraid I have letters I need to write,” she said. “I do hope you enjoy yourself.”

As Madalene approached Lord Hawthorne, he offered his arm and she accepted it. She led them towards the rear of the townhouse, and a footman opened the door for them, then discreetly followed them outside and stood guard at the door.

Once they were walking on the gravel footpath, Madalene dropped her arm from his. “Thank you for coming today.”

“I told you that I would.”

“You did, but I imagine that you are a very busy man.”

Lord Hawthorne nodded, keeping his gaze straight ahead. “I just spent the morning at the House of Lords, and we adjourned for a few hours.”

“Was anything interesting discussed?”

“Nothing that would interest you,” he remarked dismissively.

Stopping, Madalene turned to face him. “Why would you say that, my lord?”

“We discussed politics and whatnot.”

“And women can’t be interested in politics?”

Lord Hawthorne’s expression was unreadable as he stopped and turned to her. “A respectable lady wouldn’t be interested in discussing politics with a man,” he replied.

“I see,” she muttered. “Am I to assume that you don’t find me respectable?”

“I never said that,” he answered, shaking his head.

“But you implied it.”

“I’m afraid you misconstrued my words, Miss Dowding.” Lord Hawthorne turned and resumed walking down the footpath.

Madalene shook her own head before she went to catch up with him.

With a side glance at her, Lord Hawthorne said, “You mentioned that Miss Hardy worked at your orphanage.”

“That’s right,” Madalene replied. “It is known as the Elizabeth Dowding School for Orphan Girls. I named it after my mother, in honor of her legacy.”

“That is most charitable of you.”

Glancing over at him, Madalene said, “My mother doted on me something fierce, but I knew she was saddened that she wasn’t able to have any more children.”

“That is most unfortunate.”

“My mother spent most of her time acting as a patron for various organizations that focused on nurturing children,” Madalene shared.

“Your mother sounds like an impressive woman.”

A sad smile came to her face. “She was,” Madalene replied. “She was the best of women, and I was fortunate enough to be able to call her Mother.”

“How long ago did she pass away?”

“Six months ago.”

“And when did you open the orphanage?”

“Four months ago.”

“That is quite the undertaking,” Lord Hawthorne said.

Madalene nodded. “It was, but I started working on opening the orphanage before my mother passed away,” she shared. “She even helped with some of the planning.”

“I see.”

“My mother had a weak heart, and I watched her wither away for months before she died,” Madalene admitted.

“That must have been hard to see.”

“It was, but I was grateful for that time with her.”

A pained looked came to Lord Hawthorne’s expression. “My father died unexpectedly three years ago. I didn’t even have the chance to say goodbye.”

“I am sorry for your loss.”

He stiffened at her words.

“What is it?” she prodded.

Barely sparing her a glance, he replied, “Those words seem empty to me. They are what people say when they don’t know what else to say.”

“I agree with you there.”

“You do?”

Madalene smiled at the astonishment in his voice. “Try not to sound so surprised,” she joked.

“My apologies, but we do not usually see eye to eye on things.”

“That may be true, but at least we are conversing without arguing.”

Lord Hawthorne’s lips twitched, but still he did not smile. “That is a start, then.”

“Yes, it is,” Madalene replied.

They came to a stop at the back fence and Lord Hawthorne gestured towards an iron bench situated under some trees.

“Would you care to sit?” he asked.

Madalene sat down, but Lord Hawthorne remained standing. He met her gaze. “How did you meet Miss Hardy?” he asked.

“We met at boarding school.”

“Is my sister acquainted with her?”

“She is,” Madalene confirmed, “but Edith was a year older than us.”

Clasping his hands behind his back, Lord Hawthorne asked, “Did you see to the hiring of Miss Hardy yourself?”

“I did.”

“And you trust her to be a good, hardworking young woman?”

Madalene bobbed her head. “Very much so.”

“You mentioned that Miss Hardy’s father owed money to Eddy, but did he owe money to anyone else?”

“Not that I am aware of.”

Lord Hawthorne was silent for a long moment. “It is common for people to hide their true natures from the people around them,” he said. “How well do you think you know Miss Hardy?”

“Edith wasn’t like that. She was quick to laugh and spoke freely.”

He huffed. “Then you are easily deceived.”

“Perhaps, but I know my friend. She