Page 54 of The Moonstone Governess
“I’ll fetch the samples and your book,” Felicity said, joining in their conversation. She brought the samples and Brenna’s journal over and handed them to the duke.
He quickly reviewed the items and then grinned at Brenna. “I should have known. You are remarkably organized and efficient. I suppose this is the schoolmistress training in you. Since you have detailed the work so well, even taken down all the measurements and made drawings for each room, I could ride to Plymouth tomorrow myself and have these ordered. There’s no reason to bring you and Felicity along, is there?”
Brenna did her best to hide her disappointment. “No, I suppose not.”
“The worst of the storm has passed and the rain has stopped. The air is drying out, as well. I should have easy travels if I leave tomorrow.” He turned to her cousin, who had taken a chair beside them. “Felicity, is there a reason you cannot start on the garden work immediately?”
“No reason, my lord. I’ll gather the supplies I need and start first thing in the morning.”
“Good. Brenna, do you feel well enough to oversee your Uncle Simon’s work? You know exactly what needs to be done, and I would not expect you to do anything other than make certain he is doing the right job, and be available to him if he has any questions.”
“Yes, that is a sensible idea.” She would have liked to visit Plymouth, but this was a trip she could always take at her leisure later. With a proper chaperone, of course.
Also, she sensed the duke was feeling on edge and eager to be away from Moonstone Landing. Riding to Plymouth to put in his orders with the fabric company was as good a reason as any. Plus, it was productive and would keep them on their fast schedule to have much of the house ready for his mother and nephew by the time they arrived.
No doubt he was feeling a bit out of sorts now that his friends were gone. Even though he had been the one to push them away, he was possibly regretting his decision. A man like him would be too proud to admit he might have acted hastily.
Would he seek out female company while in Plymouth?
Was this really the reason he was eager to leave? Not that it was any of her business if he stayed overnight and did whatever sordid things wealthy bachelors did during evenings on their own.
None of her business at all.
“Well, now that we’ve sorted this out…” He rose to take his leave, tucking her journal under his arm. “Do you mind if I take it and the samples with me tomorrow? I’ll leave at first light, so I had better hold on to them now. I’ll pack a few items for overnight, as well. Do you mind if I take a moment to gather my belongings?”
She rose with him. “Not at all. Do you need any help?”
He grinned. “I think I can manage to toss whatever I need into a travel pouch all on my own.”
“I did not mean to imply you were incompetent.” She cast him a wry smile. “My father, however, was quite a child when it came to such things. He was helpless and needed me to tend to the task for him. But I think you take it as a point of pride that you can fend for yourself and never rely on others.”
He shrugged. “One learns in order to survive.”
The remark twisted around her heart, for it seemed everything he did, every task he undertook, no matter how small, everything he mastered or strove to conquer, arose from this haunting need to rely only on himself and never depend on others.
He did not even have a valet with him. What duke ever traveled without a valet? Was he that closed off he could not even trust a personal servant?
He excused himself to stride into his bedchamber and fetch the few items he needed. The man did not waste time, and he meant to ride to Plymouth at first light tomorrow. As he was gathering a few belongings, he must have noticed Brenna had been at his desk, for he called out to her. “Did you finish your letters, Brenna?”
“Yes, just now.” She joined him in the bedchamber while he continued to dig into his armoire. Felicity remained in the sitting room, but could easily see them from her position. Although her cousin was meant to serve as chaperone, Brenna doubted she would ever rush in and stop the duke if he attempted to kiss her.
Quite the opposite—she feared Felicity would be goading him on.
In any event, the duke was not likely to grab her and kiss her when she was nursing a lump on her head and had on that unsightly bandage. Her hair probably looked a fright, tumbling over one shoulder in an unruly cascade of curls.
“The ink ought to be dry by now, and I can seal them up,” she said, finding it almost impossible to breathe as the duke stared at her with his smoldering gaze.
“Good—do it and I’ll take them to Thaddius for tomorrow’s mail coach. Did you ask the important questions, or are you still avoiding the obvious?”
“Feel free to read them if you must. In fact, I would appreciate it if you would. I’m not very good at this sort of thing.”
She did not want to come across as too soft and ready to forgive, and knew the duke would tell her if the letters, especially the one to Albert, were inadequate.
She watched him as he quickly read each. “What do you think?”
“They are good letters, Brenna.”
“You aren’t just saying this to appease me, are you?”
