From Lies Read Free

Sighing at his misfortune in this endeavor, Rafe went in search of Greta, hoping to get the dressmaker's done.
    When he walked into the bakery, he saw the eldest daughter pulling fresh rolls from the oven and no sign of Greta. Chances were she was in the back, but the question was how to get her out without having to make a scene. He was growing tired of playing the bad guy, his nerves running thin. Luckily, the daughter saw him, her eyes growing wide as she looked at him. He quirked an eyebrow at her and felt a small pang of unease when she dashed off into the back, nearly dropping the rolls she'd just removed in her haste.
    Sighing, Rafe turned, and was glad to see Lord Shaften walking down the street with his youngest child. Perfect timing if ever there was. Casting a quick glance toward the back, Rafe left the bakery and strode toward Lord Shaften.
    "It is good to see you so well, Lord Shaften. And your children, I hope, are all in good health?" Rafe smiled at the child huddled next to his father's leg.
    Lord Shaften laughed, a sound that seemed to come from deep within his gut. "Yes, yes, everyone is doing well. And your family?"
    Rafe smiled, giving a small chuckle. "My sister, Raquel, is still wishing she could find a husband and settle down to have children, but my mother…" Rafe shrugged his shoulders, giving Lord Shaften a look.
    The lord nodded his head, and Rafe did believe that the man understood. "Yes, yes. Everyone with eligible children is talking about that ball. I am, of course, expected to attend, but I don't know what I shall do with my children, though I've been informed it would be lovely if they were to attend."
    Rafe grinned. It had taken much maneuvering to bring up his sister in past conversations, and now this would be perfect. "I'm certain my sister would be more than happy to assist you at the ball if you find yourself in need. She's nervous as it is to be meeting those of such a high station, and I imagine having children nearby to occupy her would help ease her nerves greatly."
    "Yes, yes. Children are good for easing one's nerves, but I'm afraid my children won't know her and would be disinclined to stay near her." Lord Shaften appeared genuinely saddened by this, and Rafe knew his careful words over the past year since he'd heard a group of old women discussing how the Lord Shaften needed a new wife were beginning to work.
    "Well…" Rafe let himself trail off, hoping he looked consternated.
    "Hmm, what is it?" Lord Shaften looked at him curiously.
    "I was just thinking… but it was a foolish thought." Rafe waved his hand as if swatting the thought away.
    "Oh, come now. You can't leave an old man waiting in suspense."
    "You, sir—old?" Rafe snorted. "I would think us all old if you were such."
    "You flatter me. But, please, tell me your thought."
    "Well." Rafe looked at the child tucked against Lord Shaften's leg and bent down to eye level with the boy. "How would you feel about meeting my sister? She loves children, and I believe she needs to get out of the house. She'll be attending the ball that's coming up, and I know she'll be grateful to have a dance partner she knows. Would you be willing to accompany my sister to the ball?"
    The child looked between Rafe and his father. Rafe carefully watched Lord Shaften from the corner of his eyes, nearly whopping in delight at the small nod Shaften gave his son.
    The boy looked back at Rafe and nodded. "Okay," he said in a small, childish voice.
    Rafe could almost hear the squeal of his older sister as she clasped him close at the prospect of being near children. Their mother was a fool to try and change that aspect of Raquel. "Thank you." Rafe held out his hand for the child to shake, smiling warmly when he felt that tiny hand in his own. "I will escort my sister to your home…" He waited for Lord Shaften to pick a time, not wanting to seem conniving.
    "Will next week, midweek, work well for you?" Lord Shaften asked as he settled a hand on his