Page 41 of The Duke and the Enigmatic Governess
That connection, that fusion between them, drew them closer and Audrey was lost gazing into those caramel-colored eyes.He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and the tip of her nose. She held onto him, knowing if she let go, she might swoon to the ground. He smiled, eyes tender, but with a hint of desire. “Audrey, dear Audrey,” he whispered, his breath ragged. She sighed, her lips ready for his, as he kissed her and the connection between them was complete.
Those weeks of suppressed desire, in close confinement,the growing attraction between them. Audrey had not dreamed it, it was there. The strong, invisible web of connection. She was home, this was the place she wanted to be.
As the duke moved away, all the anxiety she had felt earlier flooded back into her mind. This was an illusion, she was a governess who had left her identity as Lady Audrey behind. There was no future for them.
I need to stop this now. I may love the duke,thought Audrey, recognizing that she was, indeed, in love with him. That made it even more imperative that she should put distance between them and leave Clairville Hall.
She took a deep breath and spoke with cold, dispassionate clarity. “I believe there has been some mistake. I am glad to be a governess and friend.” She stood back and curtsied. “However, this moment must be a memory and nothing more. You cannot decide my future, I am the only one who can decide the direction I must take. There is no future in …” she paused, willing her voice not to falter, “no future, in this …”
He stood staring at her in disbelief. No matter. her decision and direction were set.
“I plan to leave at the end of June.” Audrey was adamant.
Gathering every inch of dignity, she walked down the path toward the hall, away from the man she loved, away from the most beautiful, tender moment of her life, walking toward heartbreak and uncertainty. She did not look back.
Chapter 15
The next morning Clairville Hall was filled with laughter and chattering voices, as a late breakfast—a nuncheon—was being offered. Sunlight burst into the morning room as footmen served the guests. Those guests, who had stayed overnight, would leave during the day, but Jude’s mother had arranged croquet and archery, along with a picnic lunch in the park.
Jude looked out of the lead-mullioned window across the park to the lake. What a perfect day for a picnic. His mother always proved the perfect hostess for events at the house. He smiled, watching the guests heaping praise on her for the spectacular success of the May Day celebration.
“Jude,” she called, seeing him in the doorway. “Come and join us. Lady Caroline was telling me about her plans for travelling to Florence in September.”
Jude suddenly thought back to breakfast in the townhouse, with Lady Audrey. How had he made such a mistake about her character? He’d trusted his instincts and believed her. Hell, he’d wanted to believe her. Somehow, she had got under his skin,made her way into his heart. The evidence was all there, the false name, the brother who was so angry with her.
He thought she cared, but how could she abandon little Sasha this way? He felt that tug of affection towards the tiny child every day. She would stay and grow up at Clairville as his ward. He had thought Audrey felt the same way about Sasha. Sometimes he’d imagined them as a family, playing together in the park, Sasha growing older with two parents who loved her. Dreams, all dreams. She never cared for Sasha.
I can’t imagine wanting to spend another minute with a woman with such a cold heart.
“Jude, dear boy, I don’t believe you’re heard a word I’ve said.” His mother scolded him.
Jude, startled back to reality, and forced a smile to his face. He needed to put Lady Audrey out of his mind. He looked towards his mother, perhaps she had been right all along. Could Lady Caroline be the new Duchess of Clairville? His mother was convinced and wished there could be a match between them.
Today he would put Lady Audrey out of his mind and focus his attention on Lady Caroline instead.
“I’m sorry Mama, you’re quite right. I was distracted by Estate business. I’ve had a letter from Daniel as well. He is planning to visit to talk about plans for the summer crop and some repairsto the cottages in the village.” He paused, smiling widely at his mother and Lady Caroline. “However, as your visit is drawing to a close soon, I thought I’d spend time with you today, Lady Caroline.”
His mother beamed, warmth filling her face, and Jude realized that she was relieved that he was making the effort to get to know Lady Caroline.
If he could spend time with her, he might find many things that they had in common. He had to admit that there were few ladies in their acquaintance who would make such an elegant duchess as Lady Caroline.
His mother smiled indulgently as he asked Jake to refill Lady Caroline’s plate with some freshly smoked kippers, which he thought she would particularly enjoy.
This was easier than he had expected. He felt no affinity, not even a slight connection, with Lady Caroline. However, it was probably that enough affection would follow a marriage to make life tolerably happy. Surely that was all anyone could hope for in a match. Lady Caroline was perfectly amiable and perhaps it would be easier to settle on her than spend the inevitable season in London, trying to find a new duchess.
“I suggest we walk down to the park and play a game of croquet. Mama has had a croquet court set up for our entertainment today.”
“How delightful,” replied Lady Caroline, her voice deep and sultry, and he recognized the invitation in her tone.
“Very well, croquet and a walk along the lake. Just what we need on this bright, May morning. I believe Mama has organized an archery tournament this afternoon. I wonder, do you ride Lady Caroline? We have an excellent stable at Clairville.”
She shook her head. “Only a little, Your Grace, I much prefer a carriage.”
Jude looked towards his Mama. “Can you ask Miss Banks to forego lessons with Sasha today? I think it would be excellent for Sasha to spend some time with myself and Lady Caroline.”
“Of course Jude. I’ll arrange that directly. I’m sure Miss Banks will value a rest after all her exertions in the last weeks. She is still convalescing from that fever.”
“I’d put her to work in the kitchen if I were you, Ma’am,” intervened Lady Caroline. “My mother always says these girls get away with too much and need to be made to work.”
