Page 11 of The Secret Life of the Elusive Governess
Damn him.
“You are right, My Lord,” Miss Robins replied humbly but succinctly.
Moses felt even more pleased with the flash of irritation on the Earl’s face as his bait was brushed aside. “But you have surpassed the ignominy of it, Miss Robins, and again, my compliments to you.”
The words were a polite dismissal, and all gathered knew it. Miss Robins curtseyed, bade her formal farewells, and left the room.
Moses felt both proud that she had managed to hold her own against the conniving Earl and ashamed that she had to sit through an attempt at her humiliation. Uttering an excuse to find a maid to bring them drinks, Moses left the room in a hurried pace.
His real aim, however, was to find Miss Robins and he readily found her standing at the end of the hallway. With one look at her and seeing her distressed expression, he felt even more strained. He did not need to ask her about her disposition as her unease was painted on her face.
Anger surged through him like a brisk wind. “I apologize, Miss Robins. Lord Crampton has no tact when he chooses to. Anyone with the milk of human kindness or a morsel of discretion would have never brought up your childhood.”
Moses couldn’t stop himself from reaching out and resting his hand on her shoulder to give nothing but a comforting touch, but the depths of her eyes held him in.
She reached up to cup her hand around his and Moses absurdly noticed that the brimming tears in her eyes only gave her navy orbs a lovely shimmer as she nodded and held her position. “Thank you, Your Grace. Your words have cauterized the cut. I am grateful for your comforting gesture. However, I know you have company so, please, put it behind you and have a good evening.”
Moses had to literally wrench his head away to break the eye-lock and stood still as she left. He didn’t move until he remembered that he was supposed to be going for the drinks. Curtly, he ordered a footman to get them while he went back to the study with glistening blue eyes in his mind.
* * *
The Earl of Crampton’s jaw tightened as he went back into the study and saw the two children sitting and looking at him with expectancy and wonder. Beholding his granddaughter, Peregrine reflected on the look the Duke had given the governess and barely stopped himself from cursing.
I know that look. It is the one that hearkens faithful men into the sin of adultery. Is Moses a fool? How can he have these two children and find some...revolting interest in the governess?
“So, Grandfather!” Nicholas said eagerly. “I have not seen you sinceMichaelmas last year when you gave me that quill set. Where did you go?”
Peregrine stifled his irritation at his son-in-law and forced an indulgent smile onto his face, “I went to France, Italy, and then Greece, m’boy. I am sure you know that the Greeks are the ones who gave us the gifts of democracy and physics.”
“Did you see any monsters, Grandfather?” Nicholas pressed, with wide blue eyes and Peregrine had to hold back from rolling his.
“These are not the days of old, Nicholas,” the Earl explained patiently, “There are no titans or gorgons or insidious temptresses with musical voices to usher seamen to the unyielding depths of the cold sea in Greece anymore.”
But there is one in this house.
“So, no,” he replied simply, “I did not behold a monster. Nevertheless, I did get you a workbox with a game of chess set inside and for my darling Josephine…” The Earl trailed off as he reached to the bag at his feet and pulled out a doll dressed in a silken frock, “This is for you. It is from the best doll maker in France.”
“It’s lovely, Grandpa!” Josephine sighed while touching the doll’s golden tresses.
“I apologize,” the Duke said, as he entered the room and closed the door behind him. “Our refreshments are coming.”
Peregrine took advantage of the moment, “Son if you do not mind, I would love to go see my daughter. Even for a moment.”
A slight frown lined the Duke’s forehead, “I cannot say if she is awake. But I will take you there if that is what you desire.”
“No, no,” Peregrine dismissed his offer with a wave, “Do not bother. Remain here and enjoy the refreshments with your children, just tell the butler to lead me there.”
“In due time, Peregrine,” the Duke cut in. “Her maid must attend to her first. I will summon Hinds.”
Peregrine marshalled his attitude into one of nonchalance even though he was seething inside. “Very well, Moses.”
Soon enough after the bell was rung, the manservant entered and bowed. “Hinds, please tell Miss Orville to check if Her Grace is awake and then make her presentable,” the Duke ordered.
Peregrine tried to amuse himself with watching the children inspect their new toys and allowing the tense silence to grow between him and his son-in-law. Finally, the butler appeared at the door and announced that his daughter was presentable but still in her bedroom.
“Her Grace has given her permission for Lord Crampton to see her,” Hinds added.
Nodding curtly to the Duke, the Earl left the room and followed the butler to a staircase and then to the master suite in the East Wing. At the door, Peregrine waved the man off and stepped inside a darkened room.
