Romancing the Heiress(30)
Author: Darcy Burke
As Genevieve’s gaze went back to her paper, Leah returned to rereading one of the books Lady Norcott had given her. It was a comfort and helped her keep a certain gentleman from her mind.
“Did my great-aunt give you that book?” Genevieve asked from the settee where she was situated.
“Yes.” Seated in one of the chairs near the settee, Leah peered at Genevieve over the top of the book.
Genevieve was looking at her with an odd expression. “She didn’t give me anything. It seemed she loved you more than her own family.”
“She left you nothing upon her death?”
“She left her belongings to my mother since she didn’t have children of her own.”
“Then I don’t think you can say that she loved me more,” Leah said, wondering what had prompted that observation. Perhaps Genevieve was irritated that her mother hadn’t given any of Lady Norcott’s things to her? “Is there something of Lady Norcott’s you want?”
Surprise flickered in Genevieve’s blue gaze. “Nothing in particular. My mother found it odd that she left specific things to you at all.”
Leah didn’t find it odd at all. In fact, she couldn’t quite reconcile what she’d received from Lady Norcott compared to what the woman had said prior to her death. She’d almost made it sound as though Leah would be able to even live independently if she wished. Two months’ wages and five books did not allow for that.
But perhaps Leah had read more into Lady Norcott’s comments than she should have. It had just been the one relationship in Leah’s life in which she’d felt truly loved and cared for. In some ways, she had felt like part of Lady Norcott’s family. Even so, she couldn’t expect that Lady Norcott would have provided more for her than she had. She’d already given Leah so much, starting with rescuing her from Marrywell.
Leah’s efforts to lose herself in the novel were now failing. She found herself thinking of what would come next. She was eager to secure a new position, and she realized she wanted to do that whether Genevieve wed or not.
Leah set the book in her lap. “Has there been any progress with your suitors?”
Genevieve lowered the newspaper, her eyes lighting with enthusiasm. “I’m to make a choice tonight. Someone asked if they could call tomorrow morning. Mother says a proposal is in the offing.”
“Do you know who?” Leah held her breath, fearing it was Phin. How could he marry Genevieve after kissing Leah?
Because, as he’d said, he’d been lost in memories and hadn’t meant to do it.
“I don’t, but I hope it’s Phin.”
“And if it’s not?” Leah shouldn’t hope for that. It wasn’t as if that meant he’d transferred his affections to Leah. No, he’d been quite clear about that.
Genevieve made a face. “I don’t know. I suppose I’ll have to make do with whoever it was. But perhaps there will be multiple offers. That would be exciting.” She glowed with anticipation.
Leah didn’t think that sounded exciting at all. But then there was only man with whom she would consider marriage. And that dream was officially dead.
Somehow, Genevieve managed to improve her mood regarding the picnic. She had help from the half dozen gentlemen who had paid court to her at the picnic so far, including two separate circuits of the small lake in a rowboat with two different suitors.
There was no sign of Phin, however.
Leah was grateful for that. Mr. Mercer had also been suspiciously absent. Perhaps he’d realized that his company was becoming bothersome since he didn’t actually intend to offer for Genevieve.
She was currently promenading with another gentleman while Leah sat on their picnic blanket with Mrs. Selkirk. Mrs. Dunhill, sporting a cunning new bonnet, was off with Mr. Bilson.
Mrs. Selkirk’s gaze was fixed somewhere behind Leah. “Finally, here comes Mr. Mercer.”
Turning her head, Leah saw the gentleman bearing down on their blanket. Dressed in blue superfine with a dark yellow brocade waistcoat, he sported yet another jeweled pin in his cravat. This one was sapphire as compared to the ruby, pearl, and emerald he’d worn already this week. The man had more jewels than many women, including Leah.
Mr. Mercer bowed as he reached their blanket. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Selkirk, Miss Webster. Such a fine day for a picnic.”
“I’m afraid you’ve missed Genevieve,” Mrs. Selkirk said. “If you’d care to wait, I’m sure she’ll be back soon.”
“Actually, I came to ask Miss Webster for a promenade.” He looked toward Leah, giving her a thorough perusal that made her feel as though she were on display at a shop or a stall and he was determining her worth. “I find I am most intrigued by Marrywell and would love to hear more about her experience living here.”
Leah noted the faint curl of Mrs. Selkirk’s lip and hoped Mr. Mercer didn’t catch it. Or, perhaps she didn’t actually care what he thought of her employer.
“I can take a short walk,” Leah said, starting to rise.
Mr. Mercer quickly offered her his hand and helped her up. She chanced a look toward Mrs. Selkirk, who didn’t look pleased. But neither did she try to stop them.
Mrs. Selkirk reached for her glass of ratafia. “Don’t be gone long, as Genevieve will likely be back soon.”
Mr. Mercer settled Leah’s hand on his arm and guided her toward the path that would take them up to the top of the hill that swept up from the lake. “Mrs. Selkirk is often concerned with the amount of time you take away from her daughter. Do you have a habit of running off?”
“I do not. However, since I have friends in Marrywell, I have been absent more than normal. I believe Mrs. Selkirk does not approve.”
“How did you find yourself in this position?” he asked bemusedly. “You are far too intelligent and…confident to hold such a role.”
She couldn’t help but be flattered. “I was eager to leave Marrywell and was offered a position as companion by Lady Norcott when she visited the town. Any intelligence or confidence I possess is because of her.”
Mr. Mercer sent her a skeptical glance. “I doubt that. You possess the capability for intelligence and confidence, or you wouldn’t have them.”
Leah wished to move the conversation elsewhere. “Did you really want to speak with me about Marrywell?”