Page 52 of The Earl's Disguised Governess
“Claire,” he teased. “And I appreciate you for saying it. It seems like not many are telling me those sorts of things.”
“I do wonder why we are so fixated, as a society, on making someone one or the other in positions. Why can you not be a medic and an earl? It is insane.”
“Quite,” he agreed. “But I am getting away with it so far, am I not?”
“You are.” She laughed. “But is George Washington the only reason you stopped me?”
“No,” he admitted. “I would like to pose an idea to you.” His brow furrowed, and Claire’s defences immediately went up, sensing something troubling. “Yes, Lord Bannerdown?”
“I … I have spoken to Lady Florence about a potential trip to London for a short while. I think being in Bath is not the right thing for her at the moment, and I wished to discuss the notion with you as well.”
“You wish us to depart to London?”
He nodded. “I want to protect you as you have tried to protect Lady Florence and me. In honesty, Claire, I am worried that my mother has already done something, and if she has not already done it, then she surely will. I think London will provide safety for you.”
He wishes to protect me, Claire thought, her heart swelling with delight.
But dread also pitted in her stomach at the thought of Lady Katherine. What could she do to Claire that she had not already done? Could she see her out of employment anywhere at all? Little Harkwell was not her only option, but it was her best one. She did not want to risk parting from Lord Bannerdown, and Lady Katherine could ensure that very thing happened.
Ernest placed his hand on her shoulder, causing her to meet his gaze.
“Claire, I swear to you I shall protect you, no matter what. My mother will not continue to hold your past over your head.”
She nodded, her heart full with happiness and feeling protected after she had been failed by those who swore similar things in the past. But it was for that very reason she could not entirely trust it.
“I must excuse myself,” he said, pulling away, and she immediately missed the warmth of his hand. “I am due back at the hospital to give a seminar. It was what I was brushing up on just now.”
“Cramming in your information at the last moment?” Claire teased. “That is terrible, Lord Bannerdown. What will the medical students say?”
“Hopefully nothing, as they shall all be enraptured by my charismatic presence.” He grinned at her.
“I know I certainly would be,” she admitted, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “Have a good afternoon, My Lord.”
“And you, Miss Gundry.”
***
Claire saw Lady Florence off and into the carriage with Lady Katherine. Although she yearned to protect the young woman from the lady of the house, she knew she had nothing to prove Lady Katherine was even a threat to her.
And Lady Florence looked excited to go to the modiste ahead of her debut that year, while Lady Katherine looked positively bored.
Claire assured herself that such a bored woman would not go to lengths to jeopardize her ward. She hoped. Returning inside, she ventured into the cellar, where Winnie was hard at work on her manuscript.
“I am afraid I cannot stay and chat, Claire,” Winnie said breathlessly. “I shall only have this brief time of Lady Katherine’s absence to write down the scene I can see in my head! I think Prince Patrick is about to kiss Miss Winona and declare his love in front of everyone!”
“I shall not disturb you longer then, Winnie.” Claire laughed, leaving the lady’s maid to her writing. Instead, she ventured upstairs to the music room, happy for the peace in the house to tinker away. She had no duties and had prepared everything for the remainder of Lady Florence’s day.
She sat down at the instrument and began to move her way down the scales, clearing her throat as she sang the notes. Claire was utterly alone for the first time in a while. There was no Lady Katherine and her hawk eyes watching her, no ward to teach, and no Lord Bannerdown to send her heart racing. She enjoyed it while it lasted.
However, it was not long before she was interrupted by a footman. “A guest is arriving at the manor, Miss. Shall I show him to the drawing room?”
“Yes, thank you,” she said. “I am sure Lady Katherine shall be home soon to attend him.”
“He is not here for Lady Katherine nor Lord Bannerdown, Miss. He has come looking for a Lady Claire Garner.”
“Excuse me?” Claire asked, her voice faint. She clung onto the pianoforte for support as her vision blurred at the edges. “I … I shall see who it is and what he wants.”
Her heart pounded as she rushed to the drawing room. There was only one man who knew her by that name who might recently have a reason to seek her out.
