Page 52 of Enthralled in the Governess' Gaze
“I think within the next two days,” Lord Harford shrugged. “I will send ahead to have the townhouse readied for us.”
“Fantastic!” Emily declared, clapping her hands together. “Tory and I will get Lily ready to go.”
Lord Harford nodded. “Good, then I will make the necessary arrangements.”
He met Victoria’s gaze and held it for several heartbeats before Emily grabbed hold of her hand and started pulling her from the study.
“Come along, Tory!” Emily exclaimed. “We have so much to do and so little time. We need to get started!”
Victoria let Emily drag her along, glancing back just before stepping over the threshold. Lord Harford’s eyes were still on her, and she could not help but wonder what he was thinking about before he disappeared from her view.
***
The next few days flew by as they prepared to return to London. Victoria barely saw Lord Harford until it was time for them to depart. The morning they were to leave, Victoria hurried to get Lily ready and had no time to even think of Lord Harford until they were standing by the carriage, waiting to climb inside. The Duke and Duchess were there to see them off. Victoria stood off to the side to give the family a chance to say goodbye.
The Duchess hugged Emily and said, “We will join you in the city soon. Until then, take care and give our regards to James.”
“I will, mother,” Emily replied with a smile. “I am certain he will be eager to see you both when you join us.”
The Duke gave Emily a hug as well before turning to Lord Harford.
“Keep me up to date on your dealings in London,” he said, clapping Lord Harford on the shoulder. “I am eager to see how things pan out.”
“I will write to you,” Lord Harford promised. “Once I know a bit more about the deal, I will send you the details.”
“Excellent,” the Duke nodded. “I look forward to it.”
Finally, both the Duke and Duchess gave Lily hugs and kisses, and when they were done, Victoria stepped forward to take the little girl’s hand to help her into the carriage. Victoria followed after her, and a few moments later, Emily joined them as well. She settled on the bench across from Victoria and Lily, and the carriage door was shut behind her.
Frowning, Victoria asked, “Is Lord Harford not riding with us?”
Emily shook her head. “He wants to be on horseback.”
Victoria tried to ignore the stab of disappointment she felt in her chest. Was he still avoiding her, or was this just a coincidence? She knew he liked riding…it likely had nothing to do with her. She was simply being paranoid.
As the carriage took off, she settled back into her seat and tried to put her worries aside. She just prayed things would be different when they arrived in London.
***
“Oh, my dear, I am so happy to see you. It has been far too long.”
Victoria smiled across the small table at Aunt Henrietta before sipping from her cup of tea. It had been several days since her return to London with Emily and Lord Harford, and she had been given the day off. She had decided to visit Henrietta, who was truly the closest thing to family she had in England.
“I am happy to see you as well,” she replied, setting her cup and saucer down on the table. “How have you been?”
“Very well, very well,” Henrietta answered. “And yourself? How was the countryside?”
“It was lovely,” Victoria replied in all honesty. “The estate was beautiful, and it was so nice to get away from the city for a bit. It has been a bit more overwhelming being here than I had truly anticipated.”
“That is very understandable, my dear,” Henrietta nodded. “London is such a wonderful city in some aspects but terrifying in others.”
“That is very true,” Victoria agreed.
“It would be much easier for you if you were married,” Henrietta commented with a purse of her lips.
Victoria gave Henrietta an exasperated smile. “We have had this conversation already, Aunt Henrietta. You know I cannot marry now.”
“That is far from true,” Henrietta insisted. “If you gave up this ruse of being a commoner, you would be able to marry a gentleman with a title. You are very lovely, my dear. I am sure you could find a suitable husband who could look past your short time as a nanny. Especially once he learns that you have done it all for your family.”
