Page 19 of The Duke's Lesson in Love

He grunted, but made no effort to distance himself. “You don’t like it then?”

It wasn’t the room she didn’t like. It was the idea of him sleeping just out of reach. His tall muscular frame separated by a wall. The scent on his nightshirt still clung to her memory, unrelenting. Now his nearness, his chest beneath her hands added to her overwhelming awareness of him.

Sleeping a room apart would be madness.

Her gaze lowered to his mouth, full lips that promised to devour every inch of her. A mouth that offered wickedness and passion.

“It’s grand,” she whispered huskily.

“Then stay.” His mouth dropped a fraction. He was so close she almost tasted the wine they shared over lunch.

He didn’t hold her, or touch her other than where her hands rested, and her body screamed for more contact. More of him. For his hands to be anywhere but fisted at his side.

“I cannot.” If she stretched to the tips of her toes, her mouth would brush his. Tease him. Another inch and she would have the very thing she craved from their first night after leaving London. Every inch of her body tightened in anticipation; her nipples beaded against the coarse fabric of her stays in a desperate attempt at relief. Relief only he could give.

“Then stay in the servants’ quarters, but my son remains here.”

Before his words fully sunk in, he turned away, depriving her of his warmth. Her chest squeezed as he barked orders for Hodgkin to take her parcel of newly purchased clothing to the servants’ quarters.

This was madness. The man was night and day.

Didn’t he understand why she couldn’t stay in the grand bedchambers meant for his wife? She was no more than a servant. If the other servants thought she was extending her reach, her time here would be harsh. She knew from previous employment that households were territorial and there was a hierarchy among staff.

She was here to protect Edwin and she couldn’t do that without friends or, at minimum, civility.

“Dinner will be ready shortly, Miss.” Ferna, the youngest of the maid said, opening Edwin’s packages.

“I can put his things away.” The child was in her care, after all.

“This is nothing, Miss.” Ferna started unpacking the items. “Together we’ll have the little Lord squared away in no time. There isn’t much to do at this time of the day with only his lordship in residence. He’s a very simple master.” She paused. “But I suppose that’s about to change with the little Lord in residence.”

“How long have you worked for Lord Gulleasbuig?” Perhaps conversation would take her mind from the Duke and his alluring mouth.

“Going on two years now. The others have been here longer, for as long his lordship was in his skeleton suit.” She made a pile for Edwin’s soiled clothes. “I suppose Godfrey has been here longer too—he’s the eldest of the stable master’s sons.”

“I didn’t meet the stable master.” She recalled Godfrey, but not his father.

“His father is Colin; he drove the carriage.”

“I see.”

“Although Godfrey lives here, he wasn’t hired on official like until after me. On account that he wasnae yet fourteen.” Ferna picked up the pile of dirty clothing. “See. Told you there was nothing to it.”

Sadie was shocked they had finished folding and hanging Edwin’s shirts in the standing wall closet. The girl’s chatter helped pass the time swiftly. At least, it seemed she found a friend in Ferna.

“It’s time for dinner,” Ferna said, leaving the room. “His lordship wants you to dine with him and his son.”

Sadie flushed. “I will sup with the servants, thank you.”

“Oh no.” The girl shook her head. “You are a governess, not a servant. Besides, his lordship already said what is what.”

She groaned, not liking the dinner arrangements at all. Though he appointed her governess, she had been a nanny days ago.

When she arrived in the dining room, there were indeed three places set at the table. Lord Gilleasbuig drained the contents of his glass before setting it on the table.

“Mamon Sadie,” Edwin said, launching himself at her legs. “Mrs. Mary promised I could have tarts on Sunday if I am really good.”

“Did she now?” She did not think Edwin had ever had an entire tart to himself, much less the promise of sweets being made especially for him. “Then you best be on your best behavior.”

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