An Improper Proposal (The Distinguished Rogues Book 6) Read Free Page B

now.” Mrs. Hughes smiled softly. “You have the touch. She’s fallen asleep.” She took the babe from him before he could deny her, spoke softly to the girl when she whimpered, and slipped from the room.
    Martin followed to see where the child was being taken. He might not be entirely sure of his fatherhood but he did feel the beginnings of obligation. The child was alone in the world, denied her mother’s love.
    The door to the chamber beside Vivian’s old room stood open and when he stepped inside, more white lace and frills surrounded him than he’d ever seen here.
    “My mistress was looking forward to the birth and I couldn’t bear to change anything to proper mourning, but I will if you insist.” Mrs. Hughes hummed softly as she tucked her charge into the wicker basket, clearly smitten over the lass, and began to rub her softly.
    Martin glanced over the housekeeper carefully, considering his options and Mrs. Hughes. He judged her at least fifty, with her white hair and well-rounded figure any child would like to cuddle up to. Although Vivian’s employee, she had a value beyond price. She was here. She would do for the child.
    “Leave everything as it is.” He gestured at the tiny shape the woman leaned over. “An orphanage isn’t necessary.”
    Mrs. Hughes met his gaze, eyes boring into his. “Will you take responsibility for her upbringing?”
    “Yes.” He sighed deeply. His life was about to get a great deal more complicated and that couldn’t be helped. An illegitimate child could be embarrassing for his family so he would have to make plans to remove her from London soon. He truly wished he had known of it before so he might have made better arrangements. “The child is to remain here, under your care for the time being.”
    “Mine? Oh no.” Mrs. Hughes shook her head. “I am the housekeeper, not a nursemaid.”
    “Appearances to the contrary. You have the touch too.” The babe had fallen fast asleep under Mrs. Hughes’s gentle hands. “And you seem more than capable to care for the child.”
    She straightened and met his gaze squarely. “It is not as simple as that. As much as I wish to help you, it is out of the question. I had but a week of service left to my mistress at the time of her death and I have already delayed long enough. You don’t need me. She has a wet-nurse to appease her hunger, but the woman is owed wages already in order to keep her coming back.”
    Martin dug into his pocket and considered what coin he had. A wet-nurse often had other responsibilities, didn’t they? A family of her own to feed. He’d pay well to keep the wet-nurse coming back to look after the child. He handed over a generous payment. “I will pay you double your previous wages.”
    “Double? Sir, you misunderstand. It is not a question of money but of affection.” Mrs. Hughes skimmed her fingers over the little girl’s cheeks. “She’s a darling girl and I will miss her so much.”
    Martin scowled. “Then don’t go.”
    “I had forgotten how formidable you could be, but it changes nothing.” Mrs. Hughes straightened her shoulders. “I am sorry to let you down, my lord. I’m letting you both down, but a woman my age doesn’t get too many second chances. You see, I am to be married. My Reginald is a dear man and willing to wait until you’ve found my replacement. But you must be quick about it. I am leaving this place as soon as arrangements can be made.”
    He scraped his fingers over his skull. This couldn’t be happening to him. First the mother of his child and now her housekeeper. He glanced down at the cloth-wrapped bundle sleeping in blissful ignorance while he discussed upending her world, and the beginnings of panic crept over him. He could not care for her himself. She had to remain a secret and safe from mishap. Perhaps forever. “If I were not as I am, I would not need you to stay.”
    Mrs. Hughes sighed. “There are many good women who could easily take my place as