Page 11 of The Duke and the Enigmatic Governess
The duke became more competitive—a consequence, thought Audrey, of his having grown up with six sisters, and focused on the game, pushing his spinning top further, after Audrey showed unusual skill to beat him in a round. She caught him looking across at her with eyes bright as she giggled spinning the next top, and he appeared to be unusually relaxed.
As he moved a spinning top, The duke’s hand accidentally brushed against Audrey’s. Audrey felt that frisson of excited interest and attachment. For a moment, The duke’s gaze caught hers, and she became aware of a powerful intensity of desire.
The gaze grew strong, the force of attraction compelling her not to look away. Then, suddenly, it was as if a switch had tripped. It was the duke who looked away, abruptly tossing the spinning tops into the box.
Audrey wondered what memories of his past had caused such a change. His Grace would be an asset to any house party, she thought. He obviously had a side of his personality which enjoyed humor and playfulness.
As they settled back in seats by the fire, she reflected how the sparkle in his eyes, as he appeared determined to win the spinning top game, had enhanced his features. The duke, with his deep, dark eyes and tousled cinnamon brown hair, was classically handsome.
I hope there will be other opportunities to spend time together. I enjoy his company, she realized,more than that of other men.
As they sat by the fire, after the spinning tops had been put away, the duke turned to Audrey.
“Miss Banks, I have a matter of pressing importance I need to ask you,” he began, choosing his words carefully. “Would you consider—dash it, I’m not sure how to put this…”
Audrey looked at him in surprise, unsure of what might come next.
“Would you be willing, Miss Banks, to stay here, and help us look after Sasha? You could either stay for a short time as a guest or as her governess. Please don’t leave us and go to Harrogate, you are needed here. I’ll make sure you get glowing references when you leave, even if that is only for a short time.”
She knew the family in Harrogate was a large household, with many staff and resources. The little boy there would have lots of support, and the family could easily locate another governess. The deciding factor was that the little boy had not even met her yet, whereas Sasha had not only met her but had begun to cling to her emotionally after her mother’s death. The empathy for the little, most likely orphaned, girl was strong.
There was also her brother to think of. He would be looking for her, and if Rupert believed she was in Harrogate, with no knowledge of where she was, then it would make it much more difficult for him to find her. It would be difficult to think of them worrying about her, not knowing what had happened, but she could write to them soon, without revealing her location.
At a subconscious level, there was also a pull to stay close to this charismatic Duke of Clairville.
“I believe I shall accept,” she replied after just a moment’s consideration. “I believe little Sasha needs me.”
She noticed the expression of relief on his face, his mood brightening instantly.
She smiled mischievously at him. “Of course, now that Nurse Walters is in charge, I might not be needed in the same way, so you may need to reconsider your offer!”
He laughed. “Of course, we all know who really rules the household. My Mama may think she is mistress of Clairville, but every decision which concerns a family member is approved by Nurse.” He paused. “I believe she liked you though.”
“I think it is too early to say she ‘likes me,’ Your Grace. I think tolerates, or has not taken a dislike to me, would be more appropriate.”
Laughing together in a comfortable, easy way, her new employer responded, “I believe you are right, Miss Banks. How astute.”
Then, quite spontaneously, he reached forward and took her hand in his.
Audrey lifted her head and their eyes met, their gaze fused together, and again she felt a connection to the duke. She felt the firm pressure of his hand covering hers and his thumb gently circling across her palm in a gentle, rhythmic pattern. She forced herself to take a breath. The room had suddenly become very warm and she wanted to open a window.
It was a huge effort to keep the expression on her face calm and composed and not give in and explore the powerful emotional response to this man. All her body wanted to do was move into his arms and find a safe harbor in his embrace.
Her whole body screamed out to be closer, to be enfolded in that close contact, with its frisson of something exciting, a rhythmic, forceful passion. Realizing the danger, Audrey stiffened and moved to pull her hand away from his.
The duke moved his hand away, but not before he’d gently patted her hand.
“Very well then, that’s settled,” he said quietly. “I do apologize for taking your hand, Miss Banks. I have several sisters and I’m used to female camaraderie. It was perhaps too forward of me.” He smiled, and Audrey wondered if she had imagined that moment of close connection.
The duke had moved on to talk about payment and Audrey had to bring her thoughts back to the reality of the situation and make herself concentrate. What was she to be paid in Harrogate? Would £100 per annum suffice?
“Of course, I may not be here very long,” she said, having fully regained her composure. “Indeed, I hope that will be the case, as it would mean Sasha was re-united with her family.”
“I’ve already contacted my solicitor to put enquiries regarding her family in motion.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Audrey said, pausing as she remembered Sasha’s story of her travels. “I was about to tell you that the evidence for Sasha being French has strengthened,” and she proceeded to tell him of the child’s memory of a voyage.
“It sounds like she is from a family of some means then, with a large house, entertaining, balls and such. It does appear as though she has arrived in this country from France, but she speaks English very well, so there may be family here,” the duke said thoughtfully.
