Page 13 of The Secret Life of the Elusive Governess
He watched the butler leave and let out a long breath through his nose.Should I have given it to her myself?
A myriad of questions ran through his mind, but he shook them off. No one was going to infer something untoward with such a simple gift, least of all the governess. Besides, he had already indicated that he had wanted to give her something, so a gift should not be a surprise.
But was it too personal? Should I have given her a monetary sum instead, it is much more detached.
* * *
The children had just gone for their mid-morning break and Caroline, still sitting in the schoolroom, was planning their next session. She had decided on making Nicholas read from Voltaire’sCandideto improve his French pronunciation and to give Josephine some verbs to conjugate.
“Miss Robins?”
She looked up and smiled at Hinds who was standing in the schoolroom’s doorway holding a wrapped package.
“Mr. Hinds,” she stood, smoothed her dress, and approached him wondering about the mysterious smile on his face, “What brings you by?”
“I have a gift for you from His Grace,” the butler smiled, “And if you do not mind me saying, I think it is a bit overdue.”
“A gift? But I …”
“This morning I was musing on how you have accomplished so much with both my children and I was wondering what I can do to personally thank you.” The Duke spoke in an expressive undertone.
Taking the package from him, Caroline silently opened the small one and saw the tin case of Conté crayons and felt her breath hitch. Inside were sticks of onyx, white, grey, and sanguine. “I had told His Grace that it was not necessary. Nevertheless, these are exquisite.”
Logically, she knew the pencils were run-of-the-mill and factory manufactured but the very thought of someone giving them to her was heart-warming.
She eyed the other parcel.If these are crayons, then this must be…
Opening it, she ran her hand over the sketchbook bound in dark leather and fastened with a metal clasp.
“His Grace did not have to go through the trouble,” Caroline’s smile was tiny, and her tone was a mix of awe and wonder.
“He did, however,” Hinds nodded, “with a mixture of appreciation and might I dare say—”
“Please do not.” Caroline cut in with panic spurring her words. She then calmed and felt ashamed of her outburst, “I am sorry, Mr. Hinds but…I cannot assume too much. I can only take it how it was meant to be given, as a wonderful gift.”
The memory of the Duke’s warm eyes, teasing tone, expressions of deep concern, care and interest, the last three poignant times they had met tried to contest her decision, but she held it firm. “Thank you, Mr. Hinds. If you will excuse me, I need to prepare for the next session with the children.”
“Of course,” Hinds replied, sensing that he had stepped on a sensitive topic. “Good day, Miss Robins.”
It took her only a moment of guilt to call over, “Please, do not misunderstand me. I am just…”
“Human,” Hinds supplied. “I understand, Caroline, not many have done much for you in your past. So, this gift is an unusual turn in events and it is a bit unsettling.”
Thank God he thinks that is the reason and not that I am developing feelings for the Duke, no matter how unsubstantiated they are.
“That is very understanding.” Caroline acquiesced. “Thank you. Good day, Mr. Hinds.”
Now looking at the closed door, Caroline dared herself to focus on the sketchbook and crayon sticks. What did they mean? Did she dare hope that it was something more than a gift?
She knew her hope was unfounded, as the Duke and she had only had a few interactions, and none of them was foundation enough for her feelings. Still, her mind tripped into her imagination.
They were walking through the garden as the day slowly changed from the bright hours invigorated by sunlight to the mystic half-light of dusk. The perfume of the night-blooming flowers tainted the air and the moon was rising over the horizon. A soft mist was crawling over the dew-wet grass the of an autumn night with preternatural grace.
Warm arms closed around her waist and she was pulled into a solid body and soft words were whispered into her ear, “The glow of the stars pale in comparison to you.”
She twisted her head over her shoulder while clasping her palms over the hands holding her. “Be careful my love, you might be charged for heresy. I am not nearly as beautiful as the heavenly beings who rule the skies.”
“No,” The voice replied, “In my eyes, you are much lovelier.”
