anything that might require our attention—repairs and supplies and the like. We meet with the manager of the home, as well as the tutor who is responsible for schooling the children, to inquire if there is anything we might do to aid them in their efforts. Then, we spend time visiting with the orphans.”
Nick nodded absently, rifling about in his coat pockets. He patted his chest as if content that he’d found whatever he’d been searching for. Then, those sharp green eyes snapped up to meet hers, and Calliope’s belly clenched in reaction.
“Very good. I will do my best to stay out of your way and be as unobtrusive as possible.”
Was that some sort of joke? The man had as much a chance of being inconspicuous as a peacock amongst ducks.
Before she could muster a response, a footman had entered the room. Diana had perked up, but then issued a huff of annoyance as she realized it wasn’t her husband coming through the door. The servant offered Diana a calling card, then bent to whisper something to his mistress.
“Thank you, send him in,” she had replied, before giving Calliope a meaningful look.
Before Calliope could puzzle out what her sister was trying to silently communicate, the footman disappeared and someone else had stood in his place. Someone who made her heart skip a beat, and something that felt a lot like guilt settle in her middle.
“Mr. Lewes,” she’d choked out, her gaze darting to Dominick before settling back on her unexpected visitor. “What a pleasant surprise.”
The sunlight had gleamed off the golden locks of his hair as he offered a slight bow to the countess before turning to offer her a smile.
“I do hope this isn’t an inopportune time. I was nearby and thought to call upon you, but …”
He had trailed off, the smile fading from his face as he noticed Dominick for the first time. His eyes narrowed slightly at the sight of the other man, who leaned against the mantel, his thumb fiddling with a ring adorning his little finger.
“Good afternoon, Lewes.”
“Burke.”
Calliope had swallowed past the sickening feeling welling in her throat, uncertain why she should feel as if she’d been caught doing something wrong. For Mr. Lewes to see her in Dominick’s company was exactly what she wanted.
“How good of you to call,” Calliope had said, drawing Mr. Lewes’s attention back to her. “Though, we are waiting for Hastings to join us for an outing to the London Home for the Care Foundling Children.”
“Ah, yes,” Mr. Lewes replied. “I’ve heard you are a rather devoted patroness of that particular orphanage. A most admirable use of your time, Miss Barrington.”
“Diana is also a patroness,” Calliope said with a nod in her sister’s direction.
Mr. Lewes’s eyebrows shot up as if in shock. “Truly, my lady? I confess to being surprised to hear that you’ve continued with such activities after your marriage to Hastings.”
Diana’s brow had furrowed, and Calliope found herself wrestling with the most visceral reaction to such a statement. Was her coveted suitor averse to married ladies concerning themselves with matters of charity? Did he think that just because she’d wed an earl, Diana should busy herself with frivolous pursuits?”
“I admire a woman who takes it upon herself to better the lives of the less fortunate,” Dominick spoke up, a sly smile curving his mouth. “It proves she has something more between her ears than air, and cares more about others than herself. A most estimable quality in a lady. Wouldn’t you agree, Lewes?”
Calliope had sucked in a breath as Mr. Lewes stiffened. While she couldn’t agree more with Dominick, it unnerved her to see him challenge the man so openly. He was supposed to be helping her win him over, not insulting him.
“Of course,” Mr. Lewes had said in a rush. “I did not mean to imply otherwise. I think Lady Hastings and Miss Barrington are to be commended for their dedication.”
Dominick went on toying with his ring, his gaze unwaveringly fixed upon Mr. Lewes. “Indeed.”
“Well,” Diana had said suddenly, cutting through the tension thrumming between the two men. “It seems we no longer need to await my husband. Unfortunately, he has been detained and is no longer able to join us. Mr. Burke, I hope you are up to the task of acting as our only escort.”
“I’ll be the envy of London, my lady,” Nick had said, straightening from the mantel and giving Diana the sort of smile Calliope was certain could melt the starch out