The Virtuous Ward - By Karla Darcy Page 0,37

in his chest. He laughed until his eyes were streaming as he remembered more and more details of Amity's disgraceful conduct.

"Good Lord, was there ever such a child?" he asked aloud when he could catch his breath.

He had been returning from a visit to Sweet’s Racing Club when his carriage was held up by the crowd of spectators surrounding the dilapidated cart. He had paid little attention until the footman Lewis had alerted him to the fact that the center of the turmoil was his ward. Fury had been uppermost in his mind but, as he watched and listened to the contretemps, the humor of the situation broke through his anger.

As the scene unfolded before him, he had resolved not to interfere unless he found the going too heavy for Amity to handle. He was curious how she would get herself out of such a difficult spot especially when he heard the man demand two pounds. By the look on Amity's face, it was apparent that she did not have that much. He had watched the low-voiced colloquy and wondered what she had done to convince the man to give her the horse. He must remember to ask her when she appeared in the library.

As the carriage pulled up before the townhouse, Max composed himself and managed to exit the conveyance with the proper dignity although he suspected that behind his back, John Coachman would be grinning. He mentioned to Putnam that he would be awaiting Miss Fraser in the library.

Once behind his desk he chuckled anew wondering how Dobson would deal with the Lady Guinevere. The head groom prided himself on the bloodlines of the horses in Max's stables and he suspected Dobson would be outraged at the presence of the pathetic nag.

He must discourage Amity's tendency to bring home strays. The mongrel Muffin was unprepossessing enough but now he was saddled with a carter's half-dead mare. Even Betta was another of Amity's charity cases. After a week of service his ward had come to ask if she might keep the girl on. When Max indicated his approval of the servant, Amity admitted to the subterfuge involved in her hiring. She explained the girl's history and he, having had a chance to study the abigail, agreed that she had been unfairly accused of theft. Although not well pleased with the scheme, Max had capitulated in the face of Amity's honest confession. Besides, as his ward was prone to say, "Betta needed a home."

While he waited for Amity in the library, Max tried to compose his thoughts in order to give a suitable lecture to the minx. He should berate her for her behavior since he had been at such pains to stress his wish for her to adopt a ladylike manner, but thinking back upon the scene, it amazed him that although Amity had been furious she had conducted herself with great dignity. Despite the fact she had been haggling like some raddled fishwife, he had seen nothing vulgar in her manner; all in all she had appeared every inch the lady.

He remembered the evening when he had discussed marriage with his longtime friend Devereaux. He winced as he recalled his plans for acquiring the perfect lady for his wife. In Honoria he thought he had found all the qualities one might ask for in a bride. And yet Amity, in her way, was also a lady. Perhaps he had been in too great a hurry in deciding to declare for Honoria. It showed that one was never too old to learn. He would bide his time for the nonce. He still expected to offer for Honoria but it did no good to rush his fences when he was feeling some confusion . First he would see Amity settled. Time enough after that to resolve his own situation.

Chapter Seven

Amity sat on a bench in the sun. A book was spread open on her lap, pillowed on the sprigged muslin skirts. A straw bonnet was perched on her red curls and the ever-present Muffin was sprawled at her feet. Beside her was her abigail, hands busy sorting a lap full of wildflowers.

"It's been a busy week, Betta," Amity said. "You've done a wonderful job, you know."

"It was just a matter of talking to people," Betta said. Her face was flushed with pleasure at her mistress' words. "You know how I love to chatter."

"How many do you think the runners will take?"

"Aimsley said he would consider taking on four men. I