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must never give him a reason to suspect his tactics were successful or he would never let up. If she melted into the background little by little, perhaps one day he would allow her to take her son and disappear from his life. She would find a way.
    When that dreadful meal ended, Heloise signaled the withdrawal of the ladies. Laurel reluctantly followed the others into the parlor and attempted to disappear into the surroundings. She sank into a chair a little removed from the other furnishings.
    Heloise looked at Paige. “It’s time for you to join Miss Fleming. You want to be fresh for your riding lesson tomorrow.”
    “Must I? Riding lessons with Adron are so deadly dull, no letting the horses run or anything fun. In a singsong voice, she mocked, “Miss Fleming abhors riding above a trot and she positively will not jump over the least puddle. Still he always insists she comes along as a treat for her.”
    Heloise’s voice was filled with pride. “Conduct of a true gentleman, always courteous and kind. A lesson to us all.”
    “Yes, but she’s too shy to say boo to a goose and Adron always tries to draw her out or sooth her shattered nerves or some such thing.” Paige grinned. “Do you suppose he isn’t really trying to act the gentleman, but has feelings for her?”
    Heloise’s lips thinned and she lifted her chin. “Don’t be impertinent. His sole interest is in my beautiful god-daughter here.” She darted a quick glance in Laurel’s direction and reached over to pat Melissa’s folded hands.
    Laurel found the image of Lord Gladrey acting the gentleman decidedly fanciful and the warning was unnecessary. Lord Gladrey had made his contempt for her more than plain and the memory of his earlier invitation to share his bed made her cringe. Not that he was unattractive; he would measure up to anyone’s standards in that regard, but she’d had enough ill humor, accusations and disdain to last a lifetime. Lord Gladrey’s actions to control her every move were a match for Robert’s suspicions. She’d hardly dared draw a breath of her own and she wanted no more of it.
    Biting back a sigh, she longed for her bed and the comfort of being alone, but she couldn’t leave before Lord Gladrey joined the ladies.
    Before many minutes had passed, Lord Gladrey’s secretary entered the room and her nerves tightened, certain the earl would be close behind. Simply thinking about having to deal with him and his antagonism left her drained.
    Edmond strolled over to Heloise’s chair, his slender form erect and his too handsome face closed against the ladies.
    “What’s amiss?” Heloise demanded.
    “Lord Gladrey asked me to inform you and the ladies that he will be unable to join you tonight.”
    Heloise glanced at the other ladies and grimaced, displeasure marring her brow. “I am disappointed. As you heard, Adron’s secretary has found something for him to do.”
    Laurel could only be grateful. She watched as Edmond bowed and left with a tight little smile on his lips. Under her breath Laurel gave a sigh of relief and stood. “Please excuse me. I must see to Jamie before I retire.”
    She quickly retreated, peeking into Jamie’s room where moonlight drifted through the window and washed over the crib. All appeared well and tension eased in Laurel’s shoulders. Her son was deeply asleep while the housekeeper’s daughter snoozed in the adjoining chamber.
    Climbing the stairs to the next level, she entered her chamber and leaned back against the door. Striking a flint, she set the lamp alight and happened to glance at the dresser. She frowned, stepping over to finger the few items scattered on top. Disquiet shivered through her and her frown deepened. Her borrowed things had been slightly shifted. She studied the room at length, concluding that someone had indeed been through her sparse belongings.
    Unease crept down her spine, but Jamie’s startled wail pushed her first alarm aside and she rushed down the steps to his