“I’ll protect you, all of you Cary girls, no matter what happens.”
Theo’s eyes fluttered closed, and she buried her face in the soft cotton of Lady Kingsbury’s gown, inhaling her sweet lemon scent. It’s going to be all right. They’re going to be —
Her thought was cut off by another scream. Lord Kingsbury. She screwed her eyes closed tighter, not wanting to see, not wanting to admit what was happening.
No, no, no. Please. Not now. Not like this. Not after…
“It’s too late,” Lord Kingsbury said. His voice was low, but it carried on the wind into Theo’s heart. “I’m sorry. They’re gone.”
Chapter 1
Ten Years Later
“Aren’t you nervous?” William asked as they rode across the undulating green hills toward Winterheath. “I’d be shaking in my boots taking over an estate I’d never seen.”
Maxim chuckled. “I have seen it,” he said. “It just so happened to be when I was a young boy. Uncle Gideon spent more time in London than we spent here, though even that stopped in recent years. Too old for the travel, he said. And no, I’m not nervous. A little uncertain, I suppose, but mostly, I’m curious.”
At seven-and-twenty years of age, Maxim Steele had just become the newest Earl of Kingsbury, his dear uncle having passed without producing an heir. He scratched the scar on his chin, a permanent reminder of a riding accident—and a time of his life he would rather forget. He thought the scar added a certain charm to his looks, though, a little mystery perhaps.
He was handsome, he knew that. He took great care over the waves of his blond hair, the color of molten gold. He was tall and slim, and he carried himself well, knowing the ladies of the ton were attracted to his warm, almost caramel skin and the mischievous twinkle in his chocolate-brown eyes. And that, he had realized of late, was half his problem. If he weren’t so damned attractive, he’d be far less likely to get himself into trouble.
But the trouble I find myself in is so very enjoyable.
He shook away the thought, looking out across the countryside. He’d fallen in love with women when he was barely out of shorts, and his lustful mind had led him into sinful acts more than once. He raised his face to the cool air as his dappled gray mare trotted over the brow of the hill, and the house came into view.
It was magnificent, just as Maxim knew it would be. His uncle Gideon had been fastidiously house-proud, and the sprawling manor with gardens to match inspired awe in even the most disinterested of people.
“Good Lord,” William declared, taking in the view. “It’s not quite your apartment in Grosvenor Square, is it?”
“No,” Maxim muttered. “It’s so much better than that.”
William nodded, the horses slowing as they absorbed the enormity of what was happening. “She’s a beauty; there’s no denying that. I wonder what awaits you inside.”
Indeed.
He had mused on it since hearing the news of Gideon’s death. He’d inherited the title, yes, along with the wealth and the investments that came with it. What he hadn’t expected, though, was that he would become legal guardian to the three young people under Gideon’s charge—not his own children, but those of a friend who had died many years earlier. Maxim would become their third guardian in such a short lifetime.
“Do you know much about them?” William asked, as if reading his mind.
“Not a lot, I must admit.”
They’d stopped just at the top of the hill as if by silent consent. In the distance, Maxim could make out a busy gardener toiling away at the soil. Gideon’s legacy would live on through many hands, he realized, and he was grateful for that. It deserved to live on; he’d been a good man—honest, reliable, hardworking.
Maxim found himself excited about his new life and curious to meet his new charges. He hadn’t thought much of fatherhood, nor even marriage. It seemed such a heavy burden when compared to the way he had amused himself until now, with loose women and loose morals.
Yet, here, it seemed he had a ready-made family, and that idea had warmed his heart. As he looked at the estate that was now in his name alone, he knew it was time to step into his uncle’s shoes and become the man he knew he could be, not the rake he had been.
“There are three of them,” he explained. “That much I know. The eldest, I believe, is named Theo, and he has been running the estate until now. I have no idea how old he is, though, nor why he was not handed the title himself. Perhaps Uncle Gideon didn’t think him worthy of becoming heir.”
“Ah, there’s nothing quite like a mystery to keep the mind alert,” William teased. “What of the other two?”
“Girls, I believe, and not quite of age.”
“That’s good.” William let out a laugh. “If they’re so young, you won’t be tempted to get yourself embroiled in another scandal. I know what you’re like when there’s a pretty face around.”
“All right,” Maxim said, affronted. “I thought we’d agreed not to talk about it.”
William laughed again. “No, dear friend, you agreed to not talk about it. I agreed to no such thing!”
“Then agree now,” Maxim commanded.
“Why, no, I won’t. Where would the fun in that be?” He snorted, shaking his head. “Either way, I’d wager you’re going to have your hands full over the coming months.”
Maxim threw William a wry smile. “I’m rather inclined to agree with you. Come on, let’s go find out!”
With that, he cantered down the hill and into his new home.
***
Maxim leaped off his horse before she had come to a complete stop and handed the reins to the waiting stable boy.
“See to it that she’s watered and give her a sugar lump, will you? She’s been a good girl, getting me this far without complaint.”
“Aye, my lord,” the stable boy nodded, though he hadn’t yet raised his head enough to meet Maxim’s eyes.
The boy was anxious, Maxim realized, and he smiled to himself, thinking of how comfortable all the servants would feel in the coming months, once they’d gotten used to the new way of things. He was certain they would all like him. After all, what was there not to like? Everyone liked Maxim Steele. He was the man every lady wanted and half the men wanted, too!
He watched as his precious mare was guided away, tired but seemingly content, when he felt a gentle slap on his back. He jumped and swung around to William. William said nothing, but he nodded in the direction of the grand entrance.
