Page 32 of The Duke and the Enigmatic Governess
“Poppycock!” he spluttered. “I’ve never heard anything like it. Lady Audrey Rowe, a governess.”
Jude spoke through gritted teeth, “And an exceptionally good one, too.”
“Well, if you would kindly call my sister then we will be on our way.” The earl obviously did not want to stay any longer than necessary.
The absolute arrogance of the man, thought Jude as he rang the bell. As arranged, his manservant Robert joined them.
“Ah, Robert.” Jude decided not to introduce Robert as his valet. “I’d like to introduce my cousin, Mr. Robert Girton. Robert, please meet Ethan Rowe, Earl of Cheshire.”
Taking his cue from Jude, Robert took on the role of country gentleman. “We have met in fact,” said Robert smiling. “You may not recall, your lordship, but you spent a summer at Clairville, and we played together as children.”
Jude could see from his face that the Earl remembered the incident but had chosen to pretend he had no recollection. “I vaguely remember visiting Clairville. It has a beautiful park,” Lord Cheshire smiled at Jude, ignoring Robert.
The door opened to show Lady Audrey, with Mrs. Driscoll supporting her arm, and a tiny face peeking from behind her skirts.
“I’m afraid Miss Sasha would not leave my lady’s side. In the end, I agreed she could come and wave the carriage goodbye.” Mrs. Driscoll explained.
Jude saw Lady Audrey turn pale, and she seemed to shrink several inches as she caught sight of her brother.
The Earl of Cheshire turned toward her with an expression of gloating glee. “My dear sister. We have been concerned for your welfare. I have just been telling His Grace how grateful we are for his taking you in. He told me some nonsense about your being a governess. Never heard anything like it. Is that your portmanteau? Let’s get it into the carriage.”
Lady Audrey was silent, complying with every instruction. Her eyes though were on little Sasha, and Jude could see her clear concern for the child’s distress at seeing her leave.
She bent down to the little girl’s level and gently reassured her. Sasha put her arms around Lady Audrey and refused to let her go.
“Audrey, as usual you take no notice of authority. We must leave and you are delaying this by letting that child make a scene. I knew it was nonsense about your being a gifted governess. You have no doubt spoiled that child and let her do exactly as she pleased. You are useless as always. I struggle to find anything you do which has any value.” Lord Cheshire said with disdain.
Lady Audrey ignored him and continued talking with Sasha.
“Audrey, I expect you to listen when I speak to you. You will leave that child, get your cloak, and say goodbye. You need to be taught to respect authority. Your new husband will no doubt ensure you take notice of him. I shall warn him that he needs to curb you from the first day of your marriage.” Lord Cheshire was becoming impatient, and his voice rose as he spoke.
Mrs. Driscoll gasped, Jude could sense Robert moving toward him, and he could feel the tension rising rapidly in the room.
The Earl of Cheshire continued with his demolition of Lady Audrey’s character. She continued to ignore him, still speaking to Sasha.
Suddenly, Sasha looked at the Earl of Cheshire and said, “I don’t like that man. He’s like the men who came to take away my papa. Miss Lettie, you can’t go with him. I won’t let you.”
The Earl of Cheshire stepped toward Sasha as if he was going to pull her away from Lady Audrey. Sasha screamed and started sobbing. “I won’t let Miss Lettie go with the horrible man. No...” and her voice rose into hysterical sobbing.
“You are a naughty, spoiled child. You need to learn to respect adults and be seen and not heard.” Lord Cheshire barked at Sasha.
The Earl was almost upon Lady Audrey and Sasha when Robert and Jude intervened and pulled him back.
“That’s enough!” came Robert’s firm voice. “Stand back and stay back.”
The earl stepped backwards, brushing down his coat where they had touched him. He looked about to speak when Jude spoke with an authority that made everyone stop in their tracks.
“Lord Cheshire, please stay where you are. I cannot have a scene like this created in my house and I will not have you speak like that to my ward. This is not the behavior of a gentleman.”
The little girl had found her way into Jude’s heart. Since he had met her on that dark street where her mama had died before her eyes, she had become part of his life, and he could not imagine his household without Sasha. Everyone had taken her into their hearts.
Mrs. Driscoll held Sasha close while Lady Audrey stood to face her brother. Her feisty spirit revived, and she stood her ground as Lord Cheshire stared at her, his expression menacing.
Jude stepped between them, noticing that Robert was still in position close to Lord Cheshire.
“Enough” he said. “Lady Audrey… Miss Banks, do you want to leave with your brother, or stay here caring for Sasha as her governess?”
Lady Audrey looked at him and their eyes locked with a closeness that took his breath away. Unable to stop himself, he stepped toward her and put his hand on her arm. “Please be honest and tell me what you would like to do. You do not have to leave with this man. He does not treat you in the way a brother should treat a sister. I should know, I have six sisters,” Jude said, smiling.
