The Other Side - J. D. Robb [57]
When Roberts came into the bedchamber with coffee, it was as good as a cold bath.
“Good day to you, my lord. You have three hours until you must leave for Parliament. The countess asked if you would let her know when you are ready for breakfast as she will join you to discuss your plans for the evening.”
By the time Bettina reached the dining room, she was a bundle of nerves. Her performance at dinner last night had not been as brilliant as she would have liked, and today she would be faced with far more exacting tradition, traditions that she was not at all familiar with. To take the earl’s seat in Parliament was like Harry taking a daughter to bow before the queen without a lifetime of preparation or personal experience to rely on.
Harry came into the room looking particularly lovely in a cotton frock washed a pale green with leaves embroidered around the square neck and hem. Bettina felt her manhood give a throb of approval. The constant interest in sex was beginning to annoy her. “Why have I never gone to observe Parliament before? I do not even know where you sit.”
“It’s my fault,” Harry insisted. “I told you it was the most boring experience in the world. And I assure you it will be.”
He started off by telling her where to sit, next to Lord Nicholas, and began to recount the other details of what was an everyday exercise for him. “This will be a new experience for me as well, my dear. I plan to be in the gallery observing today. If anything untoward develops, I will send a message asking for you to meet me. It is not precisely common, but no one will be shocked.”
Harry went over a few more details, but they were not nearly as important as acting as though she belonged. Bettina was about to tell him to stop filling her head with useless detail when the nurse came in with Lord Cameron.
“I do beg your pardon, my lady. I know you are leaving and somewhat pressed for time and thought it would be easier if I came to you.”
Bettina cringed. That was the sort of forward behavior that annoyed Harry. The woman should have just sent a footman to request the countess’s presence.
“Very well. What is it?” Harry spoke curtly, but Martha Stepp did not notice.
“I do believe Lord Cameron is teething, and I wanted to know what your preferences are for keeping him comfortable.”
Bettina watched as Harry stared at his boy and then ran a finger over his gums. Cameron stopped crying long enough to bite, and when Harry pulled his finger away, the babe began whimpering again.
“Is he feverish? Is he ill?” Harry used his browbeating voice.
“No, my lady.”
“Then go back to the nursery, and I will come to you shortly. Do not presume so again.”
“Yes, my lady.” Martha Stepp turned away with the babe and left the room.
“Harry, if she gives her notice, then you are the one who is going to find a new nurse.”
“What else could I do, Bettina? I have no idea what to do for a teething baby and need your advice.”
Bettina forbore to explain he could have spoken in a more kindly tone. “Did you feel any teeth?”
“Yes, two, I think.”
“Oh, the poor baby. All right. Be sure to tell Nurse not to use brandy or any liquor to soothe his gums. She should use cracked ice wrapped in muslin. And perhaps a smooth wooden toy for him to bite on.”
“I understand,” Harry said, nodding.
“Now I have to leave. I do not want to be too late.” Though in her heart what she really wanted was to hurry after Martha and send her off so mother and son could comfort each other.
As Harry had predicted, Nick Bright came over the moment the earl passed through the doors. Though Bettina had arrived at almost the last minute, the room was not particularly crowded.
Lord Osterman held court at his usual table, or the one that Harry had described as his favorite. It reminded Bettina that she needed to talk to Nick about the inadvisability of marrying his sister into Osterman’s family.
“What say you, Harry! You are here more than a minute before the bell rings. You