Conduct Unbecoming of a Gentleman by Wareeze Woodson Read Free Book Online Page B

to cope.”
    Laurel hoped she had disguised her dismay. Although she was willing to assume this extra burden to remain close to her son, the complication of children longing for their nurse multiplied the hazards of the situation three-fold. Her glance swung to Lord Gladrey. Apprehension mixed with doubt was stamped on his expression, but finally disdain hardened his features.
    Settling all of her charges down to draw pictures while keeping her gaze trained on the floor deprived him of the satisfaction of gloating over his victory. He hesitated at the door. “Don’t forget dinner is served promptly at eight o’clock.”
    She nodded grateful she could become acquainted with the children without Adron’s harsh scrutiny. Aghast, she chided herself for thinking of him as Adron instead of Lord Gladrey. When had that happened? It seemed to have invaded her thoughts unawares and unwelcome. Such a notion could lead to disaster.
    Contemplating her next move to get acquainted with her charges, she nearly jumped when Heloise stepped into the nursery and smiled at the children. Heloise settled into a soft chair directly across from the table where the older children were still drawing while the younger ones played on the floor with some rolling toys.
    “You seem to have a way with this lot at any rate.”
    “I do try.” Laurel gazed at Heloise and waited. “May I help you with something?”
    “You may. I don’t suppose you’ve had time to send for your things.” Heloise sighed. “You can’t be comfortable wearing my gowns.”
    “I’m most appreciative but no, I haven’t had an opportunity to send for my things.” Laurel smiled to take the sting out of her voice. She didn’t want Heloise to think she was complaining—she was, but she didn’t want to admit that flaw even to herself.
    “You’ll need your wardrobe.” Heloise emphasized her point with a wave of her hand. “We might be in the wilds of Chatham but we still entertain. How will you ever find another husband without proper clothing?”
    “I’m afraid you would consider my wardrobe paltry for entertaining. Besides, I don’t intend to marry again.”
    “Nonsense,” Heloise exclaimed with a shocked expression. “That would be a sin against nature as young and lovely as you are. And exactly why don’t you have a large wardrobe? You were married to a wealthy man, my sister’s grandchild in point of fact. A more generous man I have yet to meet.”
    “He was generous. I don’t mean to say he wasn’t. It’s just that we married so quickly and he reported for duty almost at once. There was little time to enlarge my wardrobe and certainly no time for parties.” She bowed her head and twisted her hands together. “And after he was wounded . . . well there was no need.”
    “That simply won’t do. We must remedy your lack of a proper wardrobe at once.” Heloise rose from her seat and called to a servant. “Have Martha report to me in the nursery, at once.”
    Heloise settled back into her chair. “Martha is an excellent seamstress and her offerings will do for the present. When we remove to London, of course, you will need to replace your entire wardrobe.”
    “But I shan’t be going to London or purchasing new clothing.”
    “Of course you will. Your widow’s jointure should certainly be large enough to furnish all that is required and then some. Besides I dare say, Adron will insist.”
    “I have no idea about a widow’s jointure. Robert prepared his last Will and Testament before we married and naturally a widow’s jointure wasn’t mentioned.”
    “How unsatisfactory.” Heloise snorted and her mouth turned down.
    “Everything that is entailed will naturally belong to Jamie,” Laurel said. “I’m certain Lord Gladrey has that well in hand.”
    Heloise’s voice thinned along with her lips. “Yes, I’m sure as well.”
    Guarding her expression from Heloise’s shrewd gaze, Laurel excused her husband’s actions. “Robert named