His Unusual Governess (12 page)

‘In part, yes.’

‘Also to escape from fortune hunters and the like?’

‘Yes. Sir Roger Grey did not take kindly to my refusal of his obliging offer. The fact that he is visiting his uncle’s estate makes it awkward and may not be a coincidence. If he had discovered I was staying here … though I cannot see how he could … .’ She hesitated, then, ‘I have recently received a generous offer to buy my father’s business empire, but the buyer remains anonymous. If it is the man I think it may be, I should be reluctant to sell. He would close the less profitable mills, leaving both men and women without work or a home.’

‘Would you wish to sell to a reputable buyer?’

‘Perhaps. I am not sure …’ Sarah hesitated.
‘Since coming here I have discovered a different way of life. I have thought I might perhaps marry if I could find a gentleman who would agree to keep the mills running and to treat my workers decently. I should like to be part of a family like this, you see. I was an only child and my mother died when I was quite young. Father treated me as if I were his son.’

‘That would account for your confidence.’ Rupert nodded. ‘Are you looking to buy yourself a husband—someone who needs a fortune to repair his ancestral estate, perhaps?’

For a moment her heart raced. She thought he might be going to offer his services and the thought both frightened and thrilled her.

‘I thought something of mutual benefit … perhaps a widower with a young family,’ she said in a voice no more than a whisper as his eyes continued to dwell on her. They seemed to sear her flesh and penetrate her inner being. Her whole body was tight with tension. ‘I know that I am a mill owner’s daughter. I received the education a gentleman’s daughter might expect, but I do not come from gentle stock. I cannot look too high for a husband.’

‘You have the manners of a lady of breeding. You should not put yourself down, Sarah—nor sell yourself short. Sir Roger may have been after your fortune, but I dare say there are
plenty of gentlemen who would take you for yourself if you presented yourself in the right circles.’

‘I do not have time to be a lady of leisure. Removing myself from my home and my family was a spur-of-the-moment thing and I imagine my uncle is angry with me for sending him a letter informing him that I shall be away for some months.’

‘Would you not consider handing over the reins to your uncle?’

‘I have sometimes wished that I might. He is a dear, but he has no head for business. My father always said it. Uncle William would probably sell to the highest bidder and think he was doing me a favour.’ She frowned as the words left her mouth. ‘Indeed, were I to die I have no doubt he would accept an offer for the mills, for he is my heir.’

‘Then perhaps we have the answer to the question I posed earlier. It seems likely that, with you out of the way, your uncle would accept the offer you are considering.’

‘Was considering. I shall most certainly turn it down. Anyone who would employ a rogue to frighten me into selling is certainly not fit to care for my workers.’

Rupert nodded, his eyes narrowed, expression thoughtful. ‘I cannot supply your lack of
a husband, Miss Hardcastle. However, I might settle with this rogue—if you tell me his name.’

‘Mr Matt Arkwright of Newcastle,’ Sarah said, looking at him uncertainly. ‘He did not give his name, but I happen to know he was very interested in purchasing the mills. Would you wish to become involved in this business, sir?’

‘I imagine I might bring pressure to bear on the man—make him back off and aware of the consequences if anything were to happen to a lady under my protection.’

Sarah felt a thrill of pleasure shoot through her at his words, then realised that he was speaking of Francesca. ‘I doubt he would harm one of your charges. However, if I had been killed, my uncle would have been in a position to sell to him.’

‘Perhaps you should make a will, tying your property up in a trust that may not be sold? In the meantime, I could look into these matters for you and see what can be done to protect you against similar attempts to relieve you of what is yours by right.’

‘Is that possible?’

‘A clever lawyer could make all sorts of legal trusts and conditions that would cause Arkwright or your uncle a devil of a time trying to
sort them out. I imagine it might deter either of them from thinking of your estate again.’

‘Uncle William would not be a party to my murder.’

‘He may have mentioned that he thinks it wrong for you to be in sole charge, Miss Hardcastle. An obliging husband would, of course, be the best solution to your problem.’

‘Yes … if I could find a man I could bear to marry who would be willing to make such a commitment.’

‘I dare say we might find you one.’

‘I beg your pardon? I do not understand you.’

‘Francesca will enter society next year. It was planned that my sister would be her chaperon, but she has been set back by a difficult birth. I dare say she would be glad to be relieved of duties she might find onerous. If you and Francesca were to stay in my house in town for the Season, with an older lady to act as chaperon—we might find husbands for you both.’

Sarah gasped. He was being generous to consider such an idea, but she felt as if he’d poured a bucket of cold water over her.

‘Why should you put yourself to so much trouble? Besides, I am not certain I could spend so much time away from my business affairs.’

‘I am willing to do much to see that Francesca has the companion she trusts and loves—

and I would never stand by and see a woman abused.’

‘I see …’ Sarah licked her lips. ‘I should like to oblige you, but I cannot spend too much time away from the mills or they may suffer.’

‘If you had someone to oversee them for you, to make certain that this Arkwright—if he is the man behind the offer—was sent packing, and that you were well served by your agents, you might consider it.’

‘I don’t see—’ Sarah broke off as she saw the gleam in his eyes. ‘Are you suggesting …?’

‘I will visit your agent and speak to him, make certain he has all the necessary instructions he needs from you. Until you take a husband I shall stand as your …
guardian
is not the word, but in place of a male relative. I believe that once it is known I have a hand on the reins you will not be bothered by the attentions of rogues. And I will speak to Arkwright, make him understand that the mills are not for sale.’

Sarah breathed deeply. His offer was so startling that she did not know how to answer him. ‘Why should you do so much for me, sir?’ she asked at last.

‘Someone tried to harm you while you were in my care. As an employee here you are entitled to my protection. As a young woman alone apart from a foolish uncle, and at the mercy of
unscrupulous rogues who want to take what you have for themselves, you are entitled to my help as a gentleman.’

‘Oh …’ For a moment she had thought that perhaps he cared for her, but if she’d hoped for it her hopes were dashed. He would offer his protection, but he was not offering her his heart or even a marriage of convenience. ‘I am not sure I could ask so much of you, sir.’

‘You have not asked.’ Rupert smiled and her breath fled. Her knees felt as if they might buckle and she had to hang on to her senses tightly. He was so handsome and, when he chose, utterly charming—the perfect gentleman. She would not be a woman if she could remain untouched by that smile. ‘I feel it my duty to help you. The only other alternative is to send you away and break Francesca’s heart. I believe she is happier now than she has been for most of her life. I do not wish to see her unhappy.’

He was doing this for Francesca? Remembering his concern when Francesca had fallen from her horse, Sarah wondered if he felt something warmer than mere affection for his cousin, but then decided that he had shown no sign of it. His manner towards the young girl was that of a kindly uncle, nothing more.

‘I should be reluctant to hurt Francesca,’
Sarah faltered, because she could not help thinking that much of his concern was for her. If she accepted, she would be breaking down the barrier between them. Was that wise? He had seemed to be intent on seduction at one point, but that was when he suspected her of being an adventuress. How did he feel now that he knew the truth? ‘Yet I feel that I am asking too much of you. After all, you know so little of me—and I did deceive you by coming here under false pretences.’

‘I think we should keep your true identity to ourselves for the moment. When we go to London, I shall reveal the truth to Francesca’s grandfather and I am sure he will forgive you when he learns your story and knows that you have been good for his granddaughter.’

‘If you are sure he will not think me a scheming adventuress. Perhaps I ought to leave as soon as a replacement could be found …’

‘You will do me a favour by remaining here under this roof,’ Rupert said. ‘I gave my uncle my word I would mentor John and protect Francesca, but he knows I have business from time to time. I can attend to yours and my own with only a small detour.’

Sarah swallowed hard. ‘I can only thank you for your consideration, sir. I think most gentlemen
in your position would have simply dismissed me.’

‘I am not most men,’ Rupert said and there was mocking laughter in his eyes. She felt coldness at her nape. What made him look that way? Had a woman hurt him so badly that he could never trust another? ‘Do not review your opinion of me, Sarah. I am still the rake you thought me, but I do have a code of honour that I respect—and that concerns young ladies in need of protection.’

‘I am not so very young, but I understand your concern for Francesca—and I have become so fond of her. She is to me the sister I never had.’

‘Yes, I thought that might be the case.’ His smile was intriguing. ‘I shall not leave until after the picnic—and now I think we really must join the others for tea.’

‘Yes, of course. I can only thank you—’

‘Oh, there may be something more you can do for me—but we shall discuss that at a later date. Do not look alarmed, I promise I shall not harm you. When I thought you an adventuress or a courtesan I might have taken advantage, but that is no longer the case. Come now, we shall start again. If I may call you Sarah—and you will address me as sir or Rupert in private. No more my lording me, if you please.’

‘I shall try to remember.’

Sarah could not resist smiling. Her heart was beating very fast, for she could not dislike him even when he was cold and reserved. Something must have made him that way, for underneath she had now and then glimpsed a very different man. Sarah knew that she could easily fall in love with the man she’d seen on those rare occasions—but was he the real Rupert or was he the hard-eyed rake he claimed to be?

Only time and further acquaintance would tell.

She turned and left the room, preceding him to the drawing room where the others were gathered for tea.

‘Ah, there you are,’ Francesca said. ‘Is everything all right? I was afraid you might have to leave us or something.’

‘No, no, not at all,’ Sarah replied. ‘I had a small problem, but Lord Myers has promised to see to it for me.’

‘I have some business of my own I must attend to,’ Rupert said and gave the girl a warm look of affection. ‘I shall do what I can for Miss … Sarah while I’m gone. It will not be until after our picnic and I know you will be quite happy here together while I’ve gone.’

‘I wish I could come with you,’ John said. ‘I shan’t know what to do when you’re not here.’

‘You have your riding lessons—and you may join Sarah and your sister for lessons and other pursuits until I return. I shall not be long and I shall give you some reading to catch up on while I’m gone—something you will enjoy. Do not look so sulky, boy. You must learn to conquer that habit for it will not wash when you go to public school. I promise you that you will enjoy the books I choose for you to study. And when I come back we shall ride together.’

John was mollified and accepted a muffin from the plate his sister offered him, biting into it and chewing as the melted butter ran down his chin.

Sarah looked round the elegant drawing room, feeling truly at peace. She was glad to have confided in Lord Myers and relieved that she would not have to deal with the objectionable Mr Arkwright herself. Sam would need a letter from her, introducing Lord Myers as a friend who would oversee things for a while, leaving her free to enjoy the next few months.

It was an excellent arrangement, though temporary. She could not expect Lord Myers to continue it for longer than necessary. Once they were in London for Francesca’s Season, she would have to look around for a suitable husband. One who would be happy to run her
affairs in the way she liked, and to give her a family.

The thought sent a tingle down her spine. A husband would expect the marriage to include intimate relations and she wanted children—so she would have to respect and like this man. Perhaps it would be easy to find such a person once she was mixing in society, but she’d mixed with gentlemen and men of her father’s class before and found no one she could even contemplate marrying. Except … her eyes focused on Lord Myers’s features and she felt a spasm of something she knew to be physical desire in her stomach.

Sarah would not object to a marriage of convenience with Rupert Myers, but he’d made it clear where the boundaries of their relationship ended.

He was prepared to offer her his protection, but love and marriage were very different things. Therefore, she would be a fool to let herself fall in love with him … and she would do well to dampen the physical feeling she’d had towards him on several occasions. Lord Myers might be a gentleman, but she was still not certain that he would not seduce her given the right opportunity.

T
he morning of the picnic was fine and warm, a perfect day for it. All the invitations had gone out and everyone had replied, accepting with pleasure, it seemed. Francesca was excited and John was beside himself. Several youths of his age had been invited and he was looking forward to the games he’d been promised.

Francesca and Sarah had been wrapping small gifts in secret for days. The games of running, jumping, throwing hoops over prizes and shooting arrows at a board would all be rewarded by sweetmeats and things like a silver penknife, a silver pencil and other similar trinkets, including a riding whip with a beautifully engraved silver handle, which Rupert had donated to their little hoard.

‘I think this is an excellent idea,’ he’d said to Sarah when giving her the gift. ‘It was time this place came to life again. I’m sure you will have callers while I’m gone—and when I return we’ll give a reception of some kind. I might ask a few friends of mine down, men I can trust not to try seducing Francesca before she has her Season.’ He hesitated, then, ‘What do you think of the dancing master? I’ve scarcely seen him, but he seems pleasant enough.’

‘Yes, he is charming,’ Sarah replied, keeping her reservations to herself. ‘He has given Francesca one lesson thus far, but I think she enjoyed it. I played for them, of course, so was unable to watch all of the dancing, but I think she has a natural grace.’

‘He is French, of course, and young.’ Rupert frowned. ‘I am trusting you to make certain he does not try to take advantage of her. She will never have met anyone like this Monsieur Dupree and may foolishly think herself in love with him. Make sure he does not get ideas above his station, if you please.’

‘Most young girls have a crush on their dancing master,’ Sarah said and smiled. ‘He is a very handsome young man, but I think Francesca is looking forward to her Season too much to be foolish over him.’

‘Well, I rely on you to keep an eye on her while I’ve gone.’

Sarah had promised she would. With the excitement of the picnic and the promise of her Season to come, she thought Francesca’s heart was safe enough for the moment and nothing the girl had said concerning the dancing master had given her any cause for concern. Lord Myers would naturally feel more concern because he was very protective over Francesca and did not want her breaking her heart over a man her family would never allow her to marry.

Monsieur Dupree seemed to be a very honest open young man, who had proved a hit with John from the start, showing himself willing to join a game of rounders or cricket. He had also taken on himself the task of tidying the library shelves.

‘It is a task after my own heart,’ he told Sarah when she found him rearranging a shelf early one morning. ‘I have too little to do, you see. As charming as it is to teach the adorable
mademoiselle,
I wish to earn my salary—no?’

Sarah nodded, inspecting the way he was arranging the books in better order. ‘This is a task I have wanted to do. If you could put all the poetry, plays and works of fiction together, I should be grateful—and I am sure Lord Myers would be, too.’

‘If I ‘ave your approval, Miss Sarah, I am the ‘appiest of men.’

The look in his eyes had given Sarah some qualms. She could not be certain for it was early days yet, but she rather thought he might be flirting with her. Lord Myers had feared he might try to seduce Francesca, but Sarah suspected she might be the object of the Frenchman’s amorous intentions. She hoped not, for she would have to deter him and that made for an uncomfortable atmosphere in the house.

However, for the moment he made no advances, though he was swift to open a door, pull out a chair or compliment her. Sarah thanked him while maintaining a cool but friendly manner.

On the day of the picnic she could not help but be glad of his help, for he voluntarily took on the management of the games for the children, leaving Sarah and Francesca with little to do but present the prizes.

Lord Rupert had greeted all the guests, introducing them to Sarah and to Francesca using just Christian names. She noticed that he allowed people to think of her as Francesca’s companion rather than a normal governess, who would naturally have remained in the background.

‘I am delighted to see Francesca looking so happy,’ Lady Rowton said to Sarah when they
stood watching some of the sports. ‘At Christmas when Merrivale was here she seemed a little dispirited. You have been good for her, Miss … I did not quite catch your name?’

‘Sarah Hardcastle,’ Sarah said without thinking, then realised what she’d done. ‘Please, call me Sarah. Everyone does.’

‘How delightfully informal. I shall do so in the spirit of the occasion, my dear. It is a pleasure to see the girl happy—and her brother. You have worked a little miracle.’

Sarah thanked her. Since she’d given her own name there was no point in hiding it and she decided to give the housekeeper a curtailed version of her story that evening. It was best if everyone understood she was in the house as a friend rather than an employed governess.

All of their neighbours seemed friendly people, including Squire Browning and his lady, Mr Honiton and his sister Gillian, the Monks family of three lively children and Mr Monks’s brother James, also his wife Susan. At least thirty of the family’s acquaintances had accepted invitations and Sarah had difficulty in recalling all the names, but Mr James Monks had made himself known to her.

‘I say, you’re rather pretty,’ he said as he joined her when she was applauding John and one of his nephews in the egg-and-spoon race.
‘This is quite jolly. How long have you been staying with the Merrivales?’

‘Only a few weeks,’ Sarah replied, amused to find herself being quizzed through an eyeglass. The young man was quite a fop, a tulip of fashion if she were not mistaken. ‘I am glad you are enjoying yourself, sir.’

‘One needs a spot of entertainment in the country, what? I find it dull after the town, don’t you know.’

‘Oh, I think there is so much to do in the country. Do you not like walking and riding, sir?’

‘Well, I dare say that is well enough …’ His attention was drawn to Francesca as she presented the prize for the race her brother had lost by falling over just before the line. ‘Growing up, ain’t she? I imagine the old marquess intends leaving her a bit in his will, what?’

‘I’m afraid I have no idea,’ Sarah said. Something about the man made her take him in instant dislike. ‘Francesca will have her Season, but I have no idea of her prospects, sir. I think she will marry well whether she has a fortune or not.’

‘Oh, I say. Only an idle question, you know.’

He wandered away, clearly annoyed with her for taking him up on the remark. As she watched, he approached Francesca and said
something, which made the girl smile. She was frowning and did not notice Rupert approach.

‘Was he annoying you just now?’

Sarah started and glanced at him. ‘He was speculating on whether or not the marquess intended to leave Francesca a fortune.’

‘Was he indeed?’ Rupert glowered in the direction of the young fop. ‘Impudent pup! I dare say he has run through the fortune his grandfather left him and is hanging out for a rich wife. I’d heard he was rusticating because his creditors were dunning him. Watch him if he comes calling while I’m away.’

‘I would hope Francesca would have more sense than to be taken in by someone like him.’

‘I’m not so sure. She seems to be enjoying his company.’

Sarah saw that the girl had taken his arm and was going in search of a drink. The maids had just brought out trays of iced lemon barley and orange juice for the younger members of the party. For the older guests there was champagne and a cool white wine.

‘I think Francesca will be courted by many gentlemen,’ Sarah said. ‘She is lovely of face and nature. Once she comes out I think she will be very popular with the gentlemen. I have spoken to her about these things and I think she has enough sense not to let anyone seduce her.’

‘Well, that is all we can hope for.’ Rupert’s eyes came back to Sarah. ‘Are you enjoying yourself? Lady Rowton described you as Miss Hardcastle—have you told anyone else yet?’

‘I shall explain to Mrs Brancaster tonight and hope that she will forgive me.’

‘I am sure she will. I dare say she will understand if you explain you were in need of a place to hide. It may be best if she believes I have been aware of the truth all the time.’

‘Yes.’ Sarah looked at him uncertainly. ‘Have you forgiven me for lying to you?’

His brows rose and his smile was absent. ‘The jury is out, Sarah. I shall reserve judgement until I see how you conduct yourself in future.’

She caught her lower lip between her teeth, feeling unaccountably near to tears. ‘I am sorry to have lost your good opinion—if I ever had it?’

‘I am teasing you,’ he said and smiled, sending her heart rocketing. ‘Not that I condone lying, for I generally abhor it—but I believe I understand why you did what you did.’

‘Thank you.’ Her throat caught. When he smiled like that it was enough to break her heart—but she must never forget that he could never wish to marry a woman of her class. At one time he had considered seducing her, but
that was when he believed her an adventuress. Since she’d confided the truth in him, he had treated her as he would any other lady, showing her politeness, but keeping a certain distance between them.

It was all she could expect, of course. Sarah suspected that her own heart was not untouched and she knew that her heart raced whenever he smiled down at her. However, he had given her no reason to think he might feel anything more for her than the natural concern of a gentleman for a woman in trouble.

Why did he guard his heart so well? Sarah wondered about the woman who had hurt him. She must be very lovely—and a lady, of course. Sarah was neither of those things. Why should he ever look at her?

He had thought of seduction, but he was a self-confessed rake and she could not think a light affair with a governess would have meant anything to him.

Her breath in her throat, she fought her own desire to rest her head against those broad shoulders.

‘Will you be gone long, sir?’

‘I’m not sure—at least a week, I imagine, possibly a little more.’

‘John will miss you—and Francesca.’

‘I think John has already found a good substitute in Monsieur Dupree.’

Sarah followed his gaze. ‘He has certainly been a great help today. Some dancing masters would consider games with the children beneath them, but Monsieur Dupree has proved his worth.’

‘Do you like him? Do you trust him?’

‘Yes, to both questions.’ Sarah glanced up questioningly. ‘Do you doubt him for any reason?’

‘None—except experience. When my sister was young her dancing master attempted to run off with her. She was foolishly infatuated with him and would have eloped had I not discovered his little plan. I paid him to disappear and he took the money.’

‘Your sister must have been in some distress?’

‘For a time, I believe, but she soon recovered once she became the toast of the town. She fell in love with a decent man and is very happy—so do not think me a monster for sending her would-be lover away.’

‘I think you may rest easy in your mind. Monsieur Dupree has shown no interest in seducing Francesca. In fact, he seems—’ She broke off and shook her head.

‘What were you about to say?’ His eyes narrowed.
‘Please do not lie to me, Sarah. If you know something, tell me.’

‘I was about to say he has shown more inclination to flirt with me—but that sounds conceited.’

‘I trust you gave him no encouragement?’

‘No, of course not. Why on earth should I?’

‘He would not make you a suitable husband, Sarah. You must look higher than a dancing master, even if he is handsome.’

He sounded a little put out, which made her smile, but when she looked at him she saw no sign of jealousy, just annoyance.

She put her chin up at him. ‘I have no intention of it—and please do not lecture the poor man. He has merely been charming. I should not have mentioned it.’

He nodded, but his frown did not lessen. ‘You should think carefully before you make your choice. I know your preference is for a widower with a family. I have been giving the matter some thought and when I return I may be able to introduce you to certain gentlemen of merit. You would do well to choose wisely and not let yourself be charmed by a dancing master.’

‘Thank you.’ Sarah’s smile felt fixed. She was grateful for his help, of course she was—but how could she consider any candidate he
might produce as a suitable husband when she was beginning to think … But she was being so foolish! Lord Myers was not for her. Even if his smile could make her pulses go wild, it was merely the foolishness of a lonely woman. Once she met other gentlemen she would soon discover that Lord Myers meant nothing to her.

‘Excuse me, I must see that the children all have enough to eat and drink. Shall we see you at dinner this evening, Lord Myers?’

‘Yes, of course.’ His gaze narrowed. ‘What have I said now, Sarah? I do not mean to dictate to you—but you did say that you needed help with your problems?’

‘Yes, I do and I’m grateful. You have said nothing to upset me, sir—nothing at all.’

It was her fault for allowing her imagination to provide her with pictures of the kind of marriage she would most enjoy—because his was unaccountably the face she saw every time she considered the idea.

Dressing that evening, Rupert frowned at himself in the mirror. Why had he made the offer to find a suitable husband for Sarah? Had his pride been hurt because she seemed to favour the dancing master? It was really none of his business whom she chose to marry for she could never mean anything to him—or could she?

Rupert pondered the thought. He had considered himself uninterested in marriage, knowing that he must marry one day for the purpose of getting an heir, but he’d deliberately shut the idea from his mind. The right woman would present herself to his notice one day in the future and then … But perhaps he need look no further. Sarah had aroused feelings of hot lust in him and something more. If he wanted a wife to be a companion in his advancing years and to give him a family, why not her as well as any other?