Always Have Hope by Maureen Driscoll

Author:Maureen Driscoll
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2015-01-11T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Rose tried to hide her nervousness on the hack ride to Grayson’s bachelor flat on the outskirts of Mayfair. She’d originally wanted to walk, but Stemple had insisted they take a hack because he didn’t want her seen skulking about – as he phrased it – in such a disreputable neighborhood.

He’d learned the address the previous evening, and as soon as he’d discreetly informed her while she was breaking her fast, she’d insisted on paying a call that very morning. She wasn’t certain Grayson would keep their midnight excursion a secret. It would be just like him to become protective and then inform Colin, Nick and James. She had to make sure he didn’t.

She’d wondered just how disreputable his neighborhood was, then was rather disappointed to discover it was quite like Mayfair, but with slightly smaller homes, some of which had flats in them. She wasn’t sure what she’d been expecting. Opry dancers flitting about, for instance? A menagerie of exotic animals in the garden? But the reality was rather boring.

She’d been too nervous to speak in the hack ride over and Stemple had been brooding. She was afraid he would change his mind midway and she’d have to return home. Only Maude had kept up a cheery conversation, largely carried on with herself.

The hack finally pulled up in front of a stately building that could nevertheless do with a fresh coat of paint. Perhaps, if conversation lagged, she could bring that up with Nate.

She didn’t know how long she’d been staring up at the building, when Stemple gently ushered her along. “If you’re determined to do this, my lady – even though I think it’s a mistake – it’s best you move into the building. I wouldn’t want anyone to see you out here.”

“You are correct, of course,” said Rose, as Stemple opened the door for her and his wife. “I’m surprised Grayson doesn’t employ a butler.”

“The lords who live in bachelors’ quarters tend to value their privacy,” said Stemple. “I suspect they don’t want too many people knowing the comings and goings of their guests.”

Suddenly, Rose wondered just how many ladies had come there before her. Then she was hit with a particularly lowering thought. Nate could have a lady in his flat right now. She halted as she considered the potentially mortifying situation.

“Would you like to leave, my lady?” asked Stemple hopefully.

Rose steeled herself. She was no coward. “No. I have come this far. I shall continue onward,” she said, a good deal braver than she felt.

They searched the building until they reached the correct door and Stemple knocked three times.

“The hall looks clean,” said Maude. “That’s always a good sign.”

“Even rakes can be tidy,” said Stemple disapprovingly.

“I do not believe Grayson is a rake,” said Rose.

Stemple’s look clearly disagreed with her. Yet he knocked three more times. “He is not home, my lady. Let us leave now…”

From the other side of the door, they heard Grayson’s voice. “Who the devil is calling at such an

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