“You are safe now,” Lord Aldridge assured her.
Miss Winston turned glowing eyes Ralph’s way. “Thanks to Mr Stephenson.” She shot a quick glance at Lord Aldridge before allowing her eyes to be drawn back to Ralph. “My lord, did you say Mr Stephenson broke Lord Hitherton’s nose?” She was beaming a smile, and delight infused her words.
“He did. Are you feeling bloodthirsty, Miss Winston? I do not blame you in the least. What a shame I have already cut the Hitherton connection. I would like to do my small bit to redress the wrongs against you and Peter’s mother.” He rested a cheek on the little head that had collapsed on his shoulder. “Do check this child, please, my dear. I suspect he may be asleep.”
He was, too, but he woke when Miss Winston changed his clout, and then Lord Aldridge insisted on stopping the carriage so that the smelly object could be moved to the luggage rack for later attention, and then Petey decided it was play time, so it was some time later before Ralph had an opportunity to return to the topic of Miss Winston’s intentions for the future.
By then, Petey was sound asleep in Miss Winston’s lap. Lord Aldridge had announced that the child had the right idea. “Mr Stephenson does snore, Miss Winston. I suggest you factor that into your future plans. I shall just catch up on my sleep. Lord and Lady Overton have a houseful of girls, all of whom regard me as an uncle, so I must attempt to recuperate some energy before we arrive.”
