Page 75 of The Secret Life of the Elusive Governess
* * *
It was crawling to dusk when the Duke unlocked the door of the cabin. Though sequestered in the parkland of Westhaven, Moses could see the flickering lights of many other cabins in the distance through the trees and knew that help, in case one needed it, was not that far.
The cabin was made of strong red oak-wood and tightly packed stones, as the foundation had originated as a hunter’s humble hut when Moses’ grandfather, Eli Haywood, had bought it. Little by little, the man had added rooms on the ground floor and a loft above, but somehow, still managed to hold on to a homey, humble feel.
The Duke closed and latched the door behind him and made a round through the room, checking for window latches and other safety concerns. Satisfied, he turned to see Caroline slowly tugging her bonnet off and the hat took with it her hair ties.
“Drat!” Caroline huffed as the waves of hair tumbled over her shoulders. She reached to recapture them, but Moses stopped her.
“Please, don’t.”
Her hand stilled in place as she looked up with slightly widened eyes. Feeling enraptured, Moses approached her. “Your hair is magnificent, Caroline.”
She stood still while he softly pulled her hands away and replaced them with his own. The mystic twilight was lacing ropes of enchantment around the two, drawing them closer and closer until Caroline was nearly pressed flush on Moses’ chest. With one hand on her lower back, the Duke carded his fingers through the thick tresses and marveled at the silky feel.
Slowly his hand strayed from her hair to her neck and up to her cup her cheek. “Caroline, look at me.”
He felt her hesitation before she boldly lifted her head and by the look in her eyes, he knew that she knew what was coming next. The kiss this time was more meaningful than the first and delved into a deep, needful feeling of being claimed. Pulling away, Moses indulged in light feathery kisses before closing with a last kiss on her lips.
“I must control myself around you, Caroline,” Moses whispered on her cheek. “You have awoken a part of me that I did not know was present. I did not know what passion is but the fire inside me cannot be anything but.”
His frank admission was not made to be met in measure but Caroline replied, “I feel it, too.”
We are both walking a thin line then.
Swallowing tightly, Moses pressed his lips to her forehead and pulled away. “Let’s get you settled then. Your companions should be here on the morrow as Edward staged their departure a day after ours.”
Caroline nibbled on her bottom lip briefly. “You did not have to do this… but I am glad you have.”
Taking the words at their face value Moses nodded, “Nothing would have stopped otherwise. Come, let me show you where your quarters are.”
Silently, the governess followed the Duke down a short corridor to a set of stairs that led to the loft. The span overhead was astonishingly wide, with large floor space, a bed three times larger than what she was used to, an armoire, dresser, and a set of night-tables, all done in the same dark wood.
“I am placed upstairs?” Caroline asked in wonder.
“Yes,” Moses replied and went to a nearby window. “It is a traditional safety tactic to keep oneself as far from the point of attack someone would come through. Even the bed is positioned away from the entrance for more security measures. Your companions will be taking the rooms downstairs. Edward is also sending perishables and other food as he knows we did not have the liberty to buy them ourselves.”
“Your friend is truly astounding,” Caroline’s smile had a gratified curve.
“Indeed,” Moses added while taking another look around. “I believe Mrs. Willow has sent a tin of tea leaves with us. We will be able to make a warm cup tonight.”
“I’d be ever so grateful,” said Caroline. “Thank you.”
“I leave you to get settled,” Moses dipped his head, “Please know that you are safe here.”
“I imagine anywhere else could be just as safe,” Caroline replied, “As long as you are there with me.”
* * *
It was not even past daylight when Caroline heard the trundle of carriage wheels on the gravel just outside the cabin. In fright, she grabbed her robe and ran to the nearby window to look out, and then the anxiety inside her subsided instantly.
Moses’ unmistakable form was walking out to meet the man who had just alighted from the carriage and shook his hand.
“They must be from Lord Dalton,” Caroline reasoned with a sigh.
Soon enough a lady’s hand, holding a beautifully crafted wicker basket, held itout to the man and he took it. A moment later, the lady emerged with another basket which she handed to Moses, then reached back into the carriage and pulled out a third. All baskets looked filled to the brim as the covers were straining at their latches.
Hurriedly, Caroline ran to the wash closet and wet a rag, wiped her face, and fixed her hair. With a fresh gown on, she left the room and descended the stairs just as the party of three entered.
