Page 30 of The Moonstone Governess
He strode out and climbed onto the front seat beside Brenna’s uncle, stretching his long legs before him as the wagon rocked and rattled up the hill. As they approached the house, Daire glanced back to take in the scenic view, the field of red poppies and the glittering sea beyond it.
Daire noticed Brenna studying him and cast her an affectionate smile. He ached for this innocent girl and did not like to see her so unhappy.
She was now trying to deal with the loss of a job she loved and the betrayal of the man who claimed to want to marry her. Most of all—and it did strike Daire as quite amusing that he should be the valiant knight in this situation—she resented the fact that Daire was being so nice to her and offering her a generous solution.
He understood the true reason for her distress. She wanted him to be vile and reprehensible because she was afraid of falling in love with him.
He was not afraid of falling in love with her. In truth, he expected she would be good for him.
One problem at a time,he warned himself. He had known Brenna for all of a day.
That she felt completely right for him was irrelevant, and would remain irrelevant until sufficient time had passed for him to make a meaningful decision. He needed to see how she got along with Matthew and his mother. He sensed she would be wonderful and they would love her.
Well, his mother would. Matthew might chew her up and spit her out, as he had done with all his prior governesses.
When they arrived at Stoningham Manor, Daire remained in the background while Brenna went through the house from top to bottom with her uncle, and then did the same with her cousin with respect to the garden.
Brenna and Felicity chattered easily while they strolled along the flowerbeds. Daire suspected they were speaking of him as well as what to do with the flowerbeds.
No matter.
Brenna was not likely to reveal that he had kissed her.
He smiled when she brought out her journal and jotted down details of whatever Felicity was telling her. When they finished, she walked over to him and handed him her journal. “It is still a bit sloppy, but you will find a comprehensive list of the work to be done in the house and in the garden. Beside each item is an estimate of the cost.”
Daire skimmed through the pages. A few entries were left blank, to be filled in later as her uncle and cousin checked on the price of supplies that were yet to be confirmed, but those were minor omissions. “You’ll make an excellent estate manager,” he remarked when he finished his perusal. “You are extremely thorough and well organized.”
“I try to be,” she said evenly, but he noticed the sparkle in her eyes and knew his compliment had pleased her.
They returned to the wagon, but he merely helped the ladies up and did not climb in himself. “I’ll walk back to town.”
To his surprise, Brenna scampered down. “So will I. Do you mind if I walk back with you?”
He smiled at her. “Not at all. We have plenty to discuss, I think.”
Although he motioned to her journal, reviewing details about the house was not at all the discussion he had in mind.
She did not look at him again until they had walked out of earshot of Felicity and her uncle. “Your Grace, are you going to lecture me about Albert?”
He arched an eyebrow. “Do you want me to?”
Chapter Six
“Ido notlecture,” Daire said, tossing her an affable smile. “I give sage counsel.”
She smiled at him and nodded. “Shockingly, I agree. Everything you have said about my nonexistent love life has made sense.”
He held out his arms and glanced skyward, taking in the bluest sky he’d seen in an age. But everything was vivid and beautiful here. The brilliant red of the poppies. The dark red clay of the towering cliffs. The azure shimmer of the sea. The vibrant blue of the sky. “Do you hear that, Lord? Brenna admits I am sensible.”
She laughed. “Just this one time. You are far from perfect. I would not gloat if I were you.”
He dropped his hands to his sides and shook his head. “Oh, no. I am taking that compliment and will never let you forget it, especially since it is the last one I may ever receive from you.”
“Am I that difficult?”
“No, little dove. You are a delight, but you are still afraid of me.”
“How so? I am walking alongside you, and we are alone.”
