Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand by Carla Kelly

a name for Lord Winn's horse!"
    Mrs. Drew twinkled her eyes at him, and his heart nearly stopped dead in his chest. "I'm sure I'll think of something," she said, and she touched Helen's face briefly and helped her unbutton her coat.
    He nodded, remembering his plaque at Winnfield from the 20th Foot with those very words inscribed upon it. And how is your generalship, madam? he wondered as he followed Helen into the kitchen.
    Felicity tugged Helen toward the breakfast room, and he stood with Mrs. Drew a moment as he removed his coat and she regarded her daughters.
    "You have met my family now, sir," she said.
    He looked down into her laughing brown eyes, and his heart started to beat again, but a little faster. "Charming, Mrs. Drew, simply charming. And I don't even like children very much."
    She stared back at him. "My lord! Everyone likes children!"
    "I do not," he said firmly. "My sisters' children fight with each other and only greet me to ask for things. Dreadful brats."
    Mrs. Drew lowered her gaze from his face. "Oh, dear, and didn't I hear Felicity petitioning you for yam?"
    He took her by the elbow and guided her toward the breakfast room, where Felicity was standing at the door, her head tilted and her hands on her hips. "My dear Mrs. Drew, that was a wager and she won it fair. I am always scrupulous in gambling debts." He stopped her and leaned closer to her, breathing in her lavender fragrance. "Tell me, how much yarn does it take to make a little pair of mittens?"
    He could almost feel her reluctance. "Oh, I wish you would not."
    "Mrs. Drew, you would have me avoid a gambling debt? You wound my honor. How much yarn? I insist."
    "Oh! One skein, my lord."
    He bowed in her direction. "Done, then, madam. Of course, the labor will be yours. I wish all debts were so easily discharged."
    She only smiled and shook her head, then helped Felicity into her seat with the books on it. "Sit over there, my lord. If we wait much longer. Felicity will rise in open rebellion, and it is not a pretty sight."
    He did as he was told and was startled when Mrs. Drew took his hand on one side, and Helen on the other. He looked at the widow, his eyes questioning her.
    "My lord, we always pray this way. Will you say grace?"
    "It's been years, Mrs. Drew," he protested, even as he clung to her fingers.
    "I can help you, Lord Winn," Helen offered.
    His eyes were still on Mrs. Drew. To his amazement, they filled suddenly with tears. She swallowed several times, and bowed her head. Moved beyond words, and not understanding, he bowed his head, too.
    "Yes, if you please, Helen," he said. "I'm a bit rusty. No one prayed much in Spain."
    "Please bless us, Oh Lord, and these thy gifts," she said softly.
    "Amen," he finished. When he opened his eyes, Mrs. Drew was in control again. She filled their bowls and Felicity tackled hers at once.
    He had never eaten better porridge.
    While Helen was clearing off the table, Mrs. Drew looked out the window. "Ah! Tibbie is at the estate now, Lord Winn," she said.
    The news did not please him particularly. He rubbed his chin. "I really need to shave first," he temporized.
    "Certainly, my lord. Meggie, will you pour another can of hot water for Lord Winn? Helen, when he finishes, perhaps you will show him to the right entrance?"
    Helen smiled shyly and nodded. Felicity regarded her mother. "I am to come, too."
    Mrs. Drew knelt beside her younger daughter, and put her forehead against Felicity's. "My dearest, you would disappear in a snowdrift. This is Helen's duty."
    They looked at each other eye to eye until Lord Winn wanted to laugh. He touched Felicity's head. "Felicity, perhaps you could get that leather pouch with my razor and shaving bowl from my coat pocket and carry it upstairs?"
    She nodded, mutiny forgotten, and skipped into the kitchen. Helen grinned and followed her. He gave Mrs. Drew a hand up.
    "Masterfully done, my lord," she said. "One would think you had practice."
    He winced. "I have already told