Page 28 of The Moonstone Governess
Of course, he could have met them at the manor house, riding up on Scipio after giving the beast a run. But these Angels intrigued him. He had never seen such a close-knit, genial family. They all seemed happy, as though infected with a curious disease that left them chirping and smiling throughout the day.
He did not ever recall a happy moment with his family, unless he included watching those bitter, cruel, ruthless men die—grandfather, father, and even his brother. It worried him that they shared a bloodline. He did not want to be anything like them.
Yet he had inherited the ruthless Claymore streak, becoming quite adept at always getting what he wanted. However, it was through coaxing, outsmarting, and sometimes manipulation, never cruelty. In this, he had decided early on never to use his power to destroy others.
Besting others was acceptable. Crushing them was not… Unless they thought to crush him first.
He settled in the tufted leather chair behind the small desk he had ordered placed in a corner of his bedchamber, and began to sort through the mail pouch. There were not very many documents in it, and reading through each did not take very long. These business affairs proved simple enough to resolve. An approval required to commence repairs on the grist mill. Two investment opportunities that he declined. A third that he approved.
At the bottom of the pouch was a letter from his stepmother, Juliana, the widowed Duchess of Claymore and the one he referred to as his mother because she had been the only one to ever care for him. He quickly opened her missive and read the unsurprising news. The latest governess had walked out on them, and she no longer knew what to do with the incorrigible Matthew. “Well, I know what must be done,” Daire grumbled.
He quickly penned a reply, urging her to come to Moonstone Landing with her entourage and the little devil’s spawn as soon as possible. Of course, he referred to his nephew by his given name, although the child truly was a concern and seemed bent on a path of evil.
Do not bother to engage another governess,he wrote.Let our housemaids take turns serving as nannies for the lad on your journey here. I shall take responsibility for hiring a governess and tutors, as necessary.
Clearly, one governess was not enough. The boy needed a full regiment watching over him.
Upon finishing, he strode downstairs and handed off his letters to Thaddius. No sooner had he given them over to the innkeeper than Brenna hurried in, her cheeks rosy and her smile forced. Her eyes revealed she was troubled. “What is wrong, Miss Angel?” he asked.
“Nothing, Your Grace.”
He sighed and ran a finger lightly across her brow. “Try again. Worry is written all over your forehead. Something happened, and you are overset by it. Is it something I did?”
She pursed her lips. “Will you tell me the truth if I ask you?”
He did not know what she was talking about, but he nodded. “Of course.” Was this about Lady Dowling and last night? Daire thought the matter had been resolved.
She withdrew a folded parchment from her bosom.
He knew better than to stare. Or grin.
“Did you cause this?” She handed him the letter, which turned out to be from the headmistress of her elite girls’ school, expressing sadness that Brenna would not be returning to them at the start of the term and wishing her well in her future endeavors.
He frowned. “How could you think I had a hand in this? When would I have had the time to send a letter off to your school informing them you were not returning? It would take three days’ riding in good weather on a horse as fast as Scipio. Not to mention the time it would take for a response to arrive.”
She put her hand over his. “I’m sorry. Iamoverset and lashed out at you unfairly. I know you are not to blame for this…misunderstanding. I think I must return to Oxford as soon as possible to straighten it out.”
“Don’t, Brenna. At least not before you hear me out.”
“Hear you out?”
“Yes. I also received a letter and now have a proposition for you.” He reached into the breast pocket of his jacket and withdrew the letter his mother had written. “As she reports, we’ve lost yet another governess. That’s the fourth in as many months.”
She looked up at him, her eyes gentle. “Oh my.”
Daire nodded. “Matthew is a troubled boy, but so was I at his age. I do not think he is a hopeless cause. In fact, I believe the right governess will do him a world of good. But we won’t find her in London. I think London is part of the problem. He and my mother will arrive here within a fortnight. Would you consider taking on the duties of governess? More than that…tutor, mentor, confidante. The lad desperately needs someone like you. Name your wages. Make up a list of supplies. I’ll make certain you have everything you need.”
“Your Grace, I—”
“Is it not fitting you should remain at Stoningham Manor with them? It is your home, after all. Choose whichever bedchamber you desire. You’ll not be relegated to the nursery. Take the largest room, if you wish. I’ll have your Uncle Simon freshen it up to your specifications.”
“Your Grace, stop! It is impossible.”
“Why, Brenna?” Thaddius had been listening in all the while. “Were you not just remarking to the family how much you wished to stay? And His Grace has just offered you terms that are more than generous.”
“Yes, but…this is different.”
“How?” Thaddius asked.
