Page 40 of The Duke and the Enigmatic Governess
The scent of honeysuckle and viburnum met her as she turned the corner and went through the gate into the private family garden. It would be quiet, and she needed time to reflect.
Settling into an arbor, enclosed by scented early honeysuckle, she closed her eyes and breathed in the fragrance. The scent was like a comforting balm enveloping her mind and body.Everything was still and calm, away from the lively celebrations, and she relished these moments of peaceful sanctuary.
It would be best to leave Clairville and find a position where nobody knew her history. She would start again in another part of the country. Maybe the family in Harrogate would still have a place for her, or she could stay with Franny until she found employment. It was possible she still had an inheritance, and it was time to make enquiries.
Eyes closed, working out her future direction, she didn’t hear the creak of the gate and sound of footsteps approaching. A quiet voice called her name, and she opened her eyes to see the duke approaching. She reached down to grasp the stone-cold bench. knowing she needed strength and support as she prepared herself to tell him her plan.
Audrey rose to greet him and his smile was one of pleasure at finding her. “I wondered if you would be here. You look perfect there, surrounded by that arch of honeysuckle. Please sit down.”
As Audrey sat back down, she felt the usual flip of butterflies in her stomach, along with a racing pulse.
It can’t continue,she thought sadly.We’ve been flirting, skirting around romance for several weeks. There is a connection, a web of love and passion joining us together, but we both know that nothing can come of it. It’s time for me to put an end to this.
“I’m glad to see you, Your Grace. What a wonderful afternoon,” Audrey declared. “It appeared that everyone was having a wonderful time. Little Sasha is truly happy with your sisters, and now she is with your nephew and niece playing games. She has settled very quickly and appears to be coping well with all the changes.”
“It’s good to revive the May Day traditions. I wasn’t sure, but my mother made the right decision.”
And the same can be said about your future bride,she thought.You may have doubts, but in the end, you will decide your mother has made the right choice for you.
“The crown suits you,”Audrey joked. “With Lady Caroline on your arm, you made an elegant couple.”
“Hardly,” he said, laughing, “but it made Mother happy.”
“I have news of my own. My good friend Mrs. Weston has invited me to join her, as a companion, on a trip to Italy. When I return, I will take up a position as governess for another family.”
Her arms kept gripping the stone bench. Every word was difficult, but she was determined to keep bright and cheerful.
“Sasha is happy and settled,” Audrey continued. “I’ll leave at the end of June, so you have time to find a replacement. By then she will be ready to study and learn again.”
“But…” The duke looked stunned.
Audrey carried on, ignoring his attempt to speak. “You need to make sure the new governess can speak French; I believe it is Sasha’s first language.”
Audrey stood up from the bench. What she had decided earlier, about being strong and no longer hiding in the shadows, was true now. There was no place for her at Clairville Hall, especially once the new duchess-to-be, Caroline, was in residence.
The duke stood speechless, seemingly in shock at her words.
“Miss Banks, erm, Lady Audrey, I thought you were happy here and wanted to stay?”
“That was only until you found a replacement,” Audrey said, and with a huge effort, she managed to smile brightly and look directly at the duke. “I believe the end of June gives you time for that?” She paused and pulled up an even brighter smile. “I cannot say no to the opportunity of an extended trip to Italy. I’ve always longed to see Florence.”
Keeping her emotions under tight control, she curtsied and turned to leave the fragrant flower garden.
‘No!” His exclamation pierced the silence and startled a group of sparrows into fluttering away.
Audrey stopped and turned back, as the duke reached out and put his hand on her arm.
“Your Grace?”
“You cannot leave this way. I don’t understand. Is it something I’ve said or done? I thought we were friends.”
Yes, friends. That’s all there I ever was to you,she thought with bitterness.
The duke continued pleading, “Surely Sasha still needs you, needs some stability. You made a commitment to care for her. You cannot leave yet.”
How dare he tell me what I can and cannot do. He comes to find me after being crowned May King and making it clear he is ever closer to Lady Caroline. I won’t stay here and be hurt by watching the engagement and marriage. It’s too painful.
To Audrey, time seemed to stop around them. The scent of the honeysuckle, the enclosure of the herbs and flowers around them created a place where they stood together. The duke gently pulled Audrey into his arms, and she raised her eyes to meet his.
