Lord Romney's Exquisite Widow by Jenni James Page A

a color,” he said with the most exasperated look. She could not but help hide her grin.
    "Very well then, what if we called him something that is gray, like Thundercloud, or Thunder for short? Or perhaps a mouse or a pigeon? They are both gray."
    He shook his head and sighed. "You are not very good at naming things. You can’t call a cat Mouse or Pigeon. That is what cats eat. We have ta think of something better than that."
    "All right. What would you prefer to call him?"
    He scrunched up his nose and used one little finger to scratch under the kitten's ears while he thought. Then after a bit, he said, "You know, he doesn't not look very gray to me. Doesn't he not look very gray to you?"
    The kitten looked exceptionally gray to her. "And what color do you think he is, if he is not gray?" she asked.
    Joshua stuck out his chin. "He looked more silver to me than gray."
    "Oh!" Catherine's eyebrows shot up. "Indeed, he does not look a measly old gray at all. I do believe you are correct, Joshua. He looks decidedly silver in this light."
    "And that’s a way better name for him."
    "Silver?" she asked to be clear.
    When he nodded, she replied, "Yes, I believe you are right. Silver is much more dashing and dignified. Or would you prefer Spoon, or Tea Kettle instead? As both of those are most certainly silver as well," she teased.
    Joshua gave her the most adorably frustrated look. "Gran'mama! You are ’ceedingly bad at names. We will sticked with Silver. It’s much better anyway."
    "Oh, yes, perhaps you are right." She chuckled. "I am very grateful to have such a clever grandson."
    He nodded. "You are clever too." Then he whispered, "But I willn't tell my papa about naming the kitty Spoon."
    She leaned over and kissed the top of his curly head. "That is very good of you, dear."
    He then sighed. "But I think we haves a problem."
    "Yes? And what is that?"
    "I like the kitty too much, Gran'mama. What if'n I never want him to go? What if'n I needed him to sleep with me?"
    Those eyes! When he turned his big blue eyes on her, how could she deny him a thing? However, there was a very small part of her that wanted the gift as well, even more so than handing it over to the sweet babe. "Joshua," she said kindly, "how would you feel if your father or mother or even Chaffney decided they wished to have one of your gifts for their very own? Would you gladly hand it over?"
    He rubbed his lips together and held the kitten a little closer to his chest. "If'n it was my new ball or blocks, I would prolly keep them for me and tell them they needed their own. But if it was a kitty they was wanted, I would give it to them straightaway."
    "Oh, you would, would you?" She laughed and began to tickle the little monster. He was completely too smart for his own good.
    "Did it not worked?" He giggled.
    "No, sir, it most definitely did not work."
    "Well, I hope you likes your present anyway. And I hoped you shares Silver with me lots so we can play together."
    She wrapped an arm around his shoulder, her chest bursting with warmth. "I most certainly will, dear. You can count on that."
     
     
     

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN:
     
     
    Lord Hamson flew up the steps of Compton's home and rapped with the brass knocker. He was met almost immediately by the butler. "Hello, Johnson. Is Atten about? I have been to his home and then White's only to be told he is here."
    The older man nodded. "Yes, my lord, they are both waiting for you in the billiard room. I was told to send you in directly you came."
    "Were you? Ha! And why did no one bother to tell me where to go, then?” He stripped off his gloves and hat and handed them over to Johnson. "Forgive my grumbles. I know you have no part in them."
    "I am sure you have every right to grumble, my lord."
    He was anxious to speak with Atten and did not have time for small talk. "Thank you. I shall see myself in."
    "Very good, my lord."
    George headed up the stairs and then left into the room Atten preferred most. The distinct