Page 55 of The Secret Life of the Elusive Governess
His fingers then released the cold metal of the pistol before settling it into a drawer. He then summoned Mr. Crowe and leaned back with the wine making slow circles in his glass. The butler appeared promptly and Albion took a moment to decipher his demeanor.
“Have we had any developments on finding out who my concerned party is?” the Baron said evenly and smiled to himself when the man’s tense shoulders lost some of their stiffness.
“Not yet, My Lord, but I have it on good word that we might hear something on the morrow,” Mr. Crowe replied.
Not good enough but I suppose there is not much I can do but wait.
“Very well. Please light all the lamps in here and get the hall-boy to do the same.” Albion dismissed him with a wave.
While the man was making the rounds through the room Albion was contemplating his next strategy. What could he do next to get Caroline’s attention? Moreover, should he wait to make a connection with the other party, or move on by himself?
“It is done, My Lord,” Albion absently heard, then dismissed the man with a wave.
With his manservant gone, the Baron lowered his half-empty glass, reached around his neck and took out a key hanging on a chain. That key was inserted into a drawer and with a satisfying smooth turn, he tugged out the drawer. Laying inside was one of his last mementoes of his brother.
Sixteen years ago, a skilled artist had drawn and painted a collection of pictures of his brother Gregory Isaiah Russ, the rightful Baron of Rowe. He had destroyed them years ago, all but this one, a miniature with him and his innocent red-headed daughter sitting on his lap.
“I am coming for you, Caroline Robins…or should I say,Russ,” Albion declared to the empty air, “My wonderful, elusive niece.”
* * *
The sudden progress Nicholas was making in his work was a wonderful and heartening sign to Caroline. The boy had been putting in a stronger work ethic and had made leaps and bounds in his arithmetic and French. She was mystified about the sudden push but did not question it.
It was halfway through the school week and she had thrown herself into her duties, making sure to focus on the present. She took care to not actively think about her Sunday trip to town, as anytime she did, she felt residual shudders of fear run through her.
A knock was at the door and she looked up to see Nicholas standing there, his head bowed, and shifting uneasily on his feet. Instantly, she was concerned, stood, and moved over to him.
There she rested her hand, softly guided him to his chair, and borrowed Josephine’s for herself. “Lord Hayward, what is troubling you?”
The boy’s uneasiness was palpable and she felt growing distress inside of her, “Please tell me. I’ll help you in any way I can.”
Dark blue eyes darted up to her and Caroline briefly wondered how the boy’s eyes were nothing like his parents, neither the light blue of his mother or dark green of his father. But then again, family traits did not always come directly from parents.
“I—” he faltered, “I am scared of going away to school, Miss Robins. What if the other boys do not like me, what then?”
Oh, my poor lovely boy.
Caroline debated with herself, weighing how her next words would be received. “Lord Hayward, though I had a vastly different situation than yours, I had the same worry. The girls I had to live with at the…home, were a little mean sometimes, and angry. Some felt superior because they had already gotten some teaching and would call me all sort of names, belittle me and try to make me wish I was anywhere else, but I found a way to overcome it. Do you want me to tell you how?”
The child’s eyes were hopeful as he nodded. Caroline reached out and laid a hand on his shoulder, “I kept reminding myself that where I found myself was the best place for me. I did not think of the people who laughed at me or those who thought I was senseless. Every night I pictured how good I would have become when it was all over. I worked hard and harder and harder and eventually, that wish came through for me. You will be fine at Eton when you do go, I can promise you that. Do you trust my words, Lord Hayward?”
An idea came to Caroline but she did not speak it to him.I wonder if we can visit the school sometime soon to give Nicholas an idea of what will be in store for him? I’ll have to ask Moses about it.
Nicholas’ face, that had been a bit pale with worry, was now a bit healthier looking and he nodded.She suddenly felt the boy’s arms around her as he pressed himself to her chest, “Oh!”
The hug was gone as quickly as it had come and then he ran out of the room with a dark blush on his face. His swift act of affection, however, had left her chest brimming with warmth.
A quick glance to the clock told her the mid-morning break still had over twenty-odd minutes to go, so she left the schoolroom and taking a dare, went to seek out the Duke in his study. On the way there, she passed Miss Orville who quickly snapped her head to the side in an obvious way of ignoring her.
What on earth have I done to her to make her hate me with such vitriol?
Nevertheless, she greeted her while passing, “Good day, Miss Orville.”
Not caring if she replied or not, Caroline went to the Duke’s study but before knocking hesitated. She felt like Esther at the doors of the King’s chambers. She had no invitation but hoped she would be received graciously and knocked.
“Enter, Miss Robins.” The Duke’s voice was light, teasing even.
Caroline briefly wondered how he knew it was her.Can he see through walls?Pushing the door open, Caroline was greeted with a lovely sight. The Duke was in tan buckskins and a white cravat with an Osbaldiston knot, and a deep maroon morning coat that emphasized his broad shoulders and long legs. He was closing a cabinet on the far side when he turned and saw her.
