Rules of Engagement by Christina Dodd Read Free Book Online Page A

servants, knew why their elegant domain had been invaded by a child.
    "Yes, she needs a bath."
    "Not likely," Beth muttered.
    Pamela paid her no heed. With every intention of whisking her upstairs, she guided the child into the foyer.
    But Beth skittered to a stop as the interior of the house opened up to her view. The large and towering entrance gleamed with polished wood floors and massive hand-tied Oriental rugs in deep colors of rose and royal blue. Two footmen flanked the outer door, each so still in his blue and gold livery he might have been part of the furniture. Gilt-framed mirrors decorated the white-painted walls, reflecting the light from the crystal chandelier and the diamond-shaped windowpanes. Fresh-cut flowers blossomed everywhere. A stairway rose up the middle and split at the top to become a gallery where one could scrutinize the comings and goings of the household.
    A series of chambers led off the foyer. As Beth crept forward, she peered into the morning room, the breakfast room, the library, and her gasps sang in the silence. Pamela followed, observing the child's wonder with a fascination of her own. It was like watching the girl open her first present on Christmas morning, and Beth's wide eyes and trembling awe only reinforced Pamela's determination to keep the orphan.
    Then Beth peeked into the open door of Kerrich's study, and she scurried to hide behind Pamela.
    Pamela glared at the gentleman who stalked toward them, a broad-shouldered silhouette against the fading light behind him.
    "Miss Lockhart, is that the child?"
    Beth clutched at Pamela's skirt.
    Without effort, Pamela found herself transformed into the strict Miss Lockhart, acting—and reacting—to his egotistical lordship. "My lord, this is indeed your child."
    "Bring it in." With the confidence of a man who was never refused, Kerrich turned his back and returned to his refuge.
    Pamela marched forward, towing Beth behind her. Stepping into the doorway, she said, "The child would be better served if allowed to bathe and change before meeting you."
    "No."
    Kerrich's flat refusal put Pamela on her mettle. "Very well." Clasping Beth's hand, she drew her gently into the study, then urged her forward with a hand in her back.
    Kerrich had taken up position with his hip on his desktop, long-limbed, graceful, and as unintentionally attractive as he had been yesterday on purpose. His gaze considered first Pamela, then slowly moved to rest on Beth. His eyes sharpened, and he straightened from his fashionable slouch. In a furious, betrayed tone, he said, "Miss Lockhart, that is a girl."
    "Very astute of you, my lord," Pamela approved. Heavens, how good she was at this pretense of pedantry and restraint! "Amazingly enough, the only other choice in gender the orphanage contained was that of a boy."
    "Why didn't you get a boy?"
    "None was suitable."
    "What do you mean, none was suitable?"
    "Beth is the only child in the foundling home with the necessary qualifications."
    "The necessary qualifications?" He commanded attention by his arrogant pose and imperious tone. "Woman, what the devil are you talking about?"
    "My lord, your rough speech is unacceptable in the presence of two ladies. Unlike Beth's, whose speech is unmarked by street cant." Pamela paused and let that sink in.
    From the foyer came the sound of a knock on the outer door.
    Kerrich examined Beth again. "Surely there was some lad there who—"
    "No." Pamela's gaze clashed with his. "Also, Beth's manners are impeccable. And she is honest. I will make no comment on the state of your honesty."
    Beth whimpered, a pitiful whisper that halted the two combatants.
    Moulton tapped at the open door. "My lord?"
    Kerrich paid his butler no heed, but he did take note of the child's unease, for he tempered his tone. "What am I to do with a girl?" he asked.
    "Just what you would do with a boy, I fancy," Pamela answered. "Show her off. Become a character of kindness and respectability."
    "That's