Page 66 of The Moonstone Governess
“Burness’s wife, Phoebe, is one of the Killigrew sisters,” he continued. “Henley, the eldest, is married to the Duke of Malvern, and Chloe, the youngest, is married to Viscount Brennan, who is commander of the local fort. I understand Brenna has arranged a tour of the fort for you and Matthew tomorrow.”
She nodded. “Your Brenna seems to know everyone and fit in everywhere. We met the Duke and Duchess of Malvern yesterday, and the duchess seemed particularly friendly with Brenna.”
Daire nodded. “Everyone adores her.”
“Even you.”
He frowned. “Stop prying. Yes, I like her. What’s not to like? Are you now going to warn me not to get involved with the hired help?”
“Ah, am I supposed to tell you that you ought to know better than to entangle yourself with someone beneath your station? Well, you will not hear this caution from me. If you must know, I was going to suggest you stop getting in your own way and court her. Daire, you are ruthless in going after what you want. So why are you holding back now? Grab her for your own before someone wiser comes along and claims her first.”
Daire squirmed in his seat once again. These blasted chairs were made for delicate females and not men the size of him. “Someone has already come along. Brenna met an Oxford professor while she was teaching at the exclusive Rainard Academy. He asked her to marry him.”
His mother frowned. “Oh dear. I did not realize she was already betrothed.”
“She isn’t.”
“Has she refused this professor? Then what are you waiting for, Daire? I am serious. If you care for her, then you cannot let her get away.”
“She has not refused him, but I know she will never accept him.”
“You say this with such certainty. Why?”
“When the school term finished, she returned to Moonstone Landing to contemplate his offer and tend to other affairs,” he replied. “Seems to me, if she needed to think this hard about his offer, then she ought to have declined immediately. But Brenna is soft hearted. I think she was trying to find a gentle way to tell him they were not suited. While she delayed, the oaf contacted her school’s headmistress and told her that Brenna would not be returning next term because she was to be his wife.”
Juliana gasped. “Oh dear. What an abominably presumptuous and arrogant thing to do.”
“The headmistress, believing the churl, went ahead and replaced Brenna. I suppose this worked in my favor. She will never accept her professor now. I immediately offered her the position as governess to Matthew. Wisest decision I ever made.”
“No, the wisest decision you make will be revealing your feelings to the girl. No one is stopping you but yourself.”
He laughed. “Leap into a lifetime commitment upon one week’s acquaintance? What has gotten into you? This rushing things is not like you at all, and it worries me.”
Juliana reached for his hand. “My only thought is for your happiness. Do you have any idea how your eyes shine when you speak of her? Your father turned Morgan into a monster, and I could not save him. But I got to you in time. I know I did, Daire. You are not like them. You have a good heart, so do not be afraid to share it with Brenna. She will never hurt you.”
“How do you know? How long have you known her? A day or two? I haven’t known her that much longer. But she is soft and sweet, incapable of hurting anyone. The important question to ask is, will I hurt her? And I mean this in every sense. Will I break her heart? Will I physically beat her? Will I be faithless and shatter her spirit?”
“This I will answer with an emphatic no, to all of it. I know you, Daire. Perhaps better than you know yourself. I don’t believe you capable of hurting her. Now, you must learn to believe in yourself.” Juliana eased back in her chair and took a sip of her tea. “I’ve said whatever needed to be said. I won’t press you further because you will turn stubborn and do the opposite thing.”
He rose with a sigh. “I’m glad you have arrived, albeit early. I think you will settle in nicely here. Let me find Jax. He’ll want to greet you before you leave for Westgate Hall. You’ll like Lord Burness and his wife.”
“If she is anything like her sister, Duchess Henley, I am sure I will.”
He grinned. “Henley is gentle. Burness calls his Phoebe a little lioness, but you will like her very much. You’ll meet their youngest sister tomorrow.”
“Ah, Chloe. Yes, I’ve heard about her, too. You considered marrying her.”
“A halfhearted consideration at best. I acted because I felt remorse for almost running her down with my phaeton. We were never in danger of falling in love with each other. She’s a good soul, as are her sisters. News travels fast here, doesn’t it?” He cast her a wry smile. “Is there anything you need? I can attend to it while you are paying your visit.”
“No, not a thing. Brenna and Felicity have helped us organize the household. We’ve settled in quite well. Even Cook is liking it here. The fish is fresh, and so are the vegetables available at market. She and her scullery maids look forward to walking down to the harbor every morning. Mrs. Halsey’s husband comes by in the early afternoon with the most delicious cakes and pies from the tea shop. I think we are quite well supplied.”
He nodded. “Sounds like I am not needed at all.”
“You are head of the household, Daire. Of course you are needed. Quite desperately by Matthew, only the boy doesn’t know it yet. But go find Jax for me and tell him to come in and greet me properly. He always was one of your nicer friends. The others are just leeches. I thought your fast-set friends would be here with you.”
“I sent them away. Grew tired of them.”
“It is about time, Daire. I am happy to hear it.”
