Gambling for the Governess: A Victorian Romance (The Seven Curses of London Book 9)

by Lana Williams

  “Is there somewhere we could speak privately?” Christopher asked, looking decidedly uncomfortable.

  “Whatever for?” his father asked with a glare. “We already know why you need to apologize. Miss Tippin is the only one who doesn’t.”

  Mrs. Major, who lived two doors down the hall, opened her door and peeked out. Mr. Johnson, from the end of the hall, did the same. “Is anything amiss, Miss Tippin?”

  “All is well, thank you.” She might not understand why her visitors were here, but she was glad for it. However, she didn’t need the neighbors to listen in on the conversation.

  “Oh, very well,” the earl said with a disgruntled tone. “Come along, children. Release your governess for a moment and let us visit with Lady Tippin.”

  Amelia glanced over her shoulder to see her mother standing directly behind her, watching the proceedings with fascination. “May I present—”

  “No need for proper introductions.” The earl gestured for the children to follow him inside the small apartment. “I’m certain we’ll muddle through on our own, won’t we, Lady Tippin?”

  “Of course.” Her mother’s bright smile as she greeted the children nearly made Amelia smile.

  But she still didn’t understand why they were all here.

  The earl closed the door, leaving Amelia to turn to face Christopher in the hallway.

  Christopher glanced down the hall at the two other occupants who still watched with wide eyes. Something in his expression must’ve been enough to convince the onlookers to close their doors.

  “I’m sorry I don’t have anywhere else we can speak.” She kept her voice low, well aware Mrs. Major would have her ear against the door, listening to their conversation.

  “This is fine.” Christopher held her gaze once more. “Please accept my apologies for my boorish behavior yesterday. I only wanted time to think upon the situation. I didn’t mean for you to leave.”

  Her heart twisted at the last bit. “You didn’t?”

  He stepped closer and reached for her hand. “You might not have any experience, but you’ve done a better job with the children than any governess they’ve had.”

  The sick knot that had resided in the pit of her stomach since he’d asked her to leave loosened. “I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you the truth sooner.”

  “I had time to think while I was resting.” He pressed his free hand against his side with a grimace. “If I remember correctly, you attempted to tell me several times only to be interrupted for one reason or another, most frequently by my father.”

  “That’s true, but I still should’ve—”

  “Amelia.” His eyes softened. “Will you please forgive me and come back home? The children need you. My father is beside himself without you. And I much prefer our house with you in it. Can we make a fresh start?”

  She blinked back tears. “I would be honored to return.”

  “Excellent.” He lifted her hand and pressed his lips to the back of it, sending a shower of shivers down her spine.

  “You should be in bed. I can’t believe you came all this way for me.” She was overwhelmed by his gesture.

  He placed his hand along her cheek. “How else could I make certain you’d return?”

  The realization that he thought enough of her to make the effort sent her stomach dancing. Questions about what might happen next came to mind, but the only thing that mattered at the moment was that she would return to doing what she loved with the people she adored.

  To return to her position would be an absolute joy.

  To do so without the lie hanging over her would be a gift beyond measure.

  She tipped her head against his hand, savoring his touch. “How are you feeling?”

  “As if there were more than two who attacked me.” His expression sobered. “I must tell you that I’m concerned you could be in peril.”

  “How so?”

  “If the man whom I believe was behind my attack realizes your association with me, you might be in danger.”

  “Then I shall take extra precaution when I’m out with the children.”

  “We’ll have one of the footmen accompany you.”

  “Does that mean you’ve made progress with your investigation?”

  “Hmm. I suppose that’s one way to look at it. He wouldn’t have bothered to send those men after me if he didn’t have something to hide. But I’ve yet to determine if he’s truly the man I’m after.”

  “How will you know?”

  Christopher’s lips twisted. “Poke the bear further.”

  Worry curled through her. “There has to be another way.”

  “Have no worries. If there is, I’ll be the first to use it. For now, I should like to meet your mother before we return home.”

  “Of course. She’d be honored.” Amelia set aside her embarrassment at the simple rooms in which her mother lived. As Christopher had said, this was a fresh start—no more lies or half-truths. She wouldn’t hide their present circumstances even if she could.

  She opened the door to find her mother serving tea to the earl while Charlotte and Ronald looked out the window. The two turned at the sound of their entry, searching her and Christopher’s expressions as if to reassure themselves that all was well.

  Amelia offered a smile to the children and Charlotte drew a breath of relief while Ronald grinned.

  The earl was telling her mother about the power of electromagnetism. From her mother’s rather bewildered expression, she didn’t understand much of what he said but nodded politely anyway. Her gaze continually fell on the gold tassels of the earl’s slippers, making Amelia smile even more.

  “Would you care for tea?” Amelia asked Christopher.

  “If it’s not inconvenient.” From his slight grimace, she knew he was in pain.

  “Are you certain you wouldn’t prefer to return home now?”

  He shook his head. “I seem to hurt regardless of what position I’m in, and I would much rather converse with your mother than listen to Dauber nag me.”

  Amelia gestured for him to take a seat as she moved to the small kitchen area and poured another cup of tea.

  Her thoughts swirled with how quickly circumstances could change. Only a few minutes ago, she’d been beside herself with worry and despair. Now, happiness filled her heart. Life was full of unexpected twists and turns. She wasn’t certain whether to look forward to what might happen next or simply hold on tight and hope to weather the next storm. Based on Christopher’s remark about poking the bear, a storm was brewing.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Many of them find it a game worth pursuing, there can be no doubt, or they would not so constantly resort to the advertising columns of the newspapers.”

  ~The Seven Curses of London

  “Good afternoon.”

  Amelia looked up from assisting Charlotte with her cloak as Miss Singh entered the schoolroom with several books in her arms.

  “Good day to you as well,” Amelia replied as she continued to help Charlotte even as she wondered what the woman wanted.

  Two days had passed since Amelia had returned to her position, and she treasured each day. Her confidence was growing now that she wasn’t constantly worried about telling Christopher the truth. She’d settled into a routine with even greater enthusiasm and expanded the lessons to include what she thought she should teach rather than holding to only those of which she knew her aunt would approve.

  Miss Singh had questioned Amelia as to why she’d left as well as why she’d returned. Amelia decided she no longer needed to concern herself with what the woman thought and certainly didn’t need to answer to her. She’d advised Miss Singh to discuss any questions she had regarding the situation with Christopher.

  That had caused the woman to stomp off in a huff. Amelia hadn’t seen her since the encounter.

  Amelia didn’t understand her animosity anymore than she understood her relationship with Lady Beaumont. Perhaps she sought to secure a place in the ho
usehold, but Amelia didn’t appreciate her trying to do so at Amelia’s expense.

  “I’ve come to share some details with the children about India.” Miss Singh set the books on the table, ignoring the obvious signs that they were preparing to leave. “Children, come have a seat.”

  “How kind of you,” Amelia began, “but it will have to wait for another day. We’re on our way out.”

  “To where?”

  “The zoo-lolly gardens,” Ronald supplied, bouncing on his toes.

  “Zoological.” Amelia corrected him with a smile.

  “Yes. That,” the boy said with an enthusiastic nod.

  “I’m sure that can wait until another day.” Miss Singh opened one of the books as if expecting them to change their plans to accommodate her.

  Amelia bit back the apology that nearly escaped, reminding herself that she had no reason to apologize. She’d asked Miss Singh to advise her ahead of time as to when she wanted to discuss India with the children. It wasn’t Amelia’s fault she hadn’t done so.

  “We aren’t able to change our plans.” Amelia placed a hand on each of the children’s shoulders as she ushered them toward the door. “Do let us know when it might be convenient to schedule another time for you to share your stories with us.”

  “But—”

  “Uncle Christopher is coming with us,” Charlotte added. “We couldn’t possibly disappoint him.”

  Much to Amelia’s relief, neither of the children invited her to join them. “Enjoy your afternoon.” Amelia forced a friendly smile as they left the schoolroom, leaving the woman staring after them.

  “Will the zoo be dangerous?” Ronald asked as they started down the stairs. Though Charlotte and Ronald had toured it before, Charlotte only had brief memories of the outing and Ronald even fewer. “That book you read to us said not all of the animals are in cages.”

  “I don’t think we have anything to worry about.” Amelia looked forward to the outing almost as much as the children. The idea of observing animals from faraway places firsthand was exciting. “With your uncle accompanying us you needn’t have any concerns.”

  Christopher insisted he felt better, though she knew his ribs were still sore based on his stiff movements. When she’d suggested they postpone the planned trip, he’d protested. “Looking at the animals will be a welcome distraction from my injuries as well as my lack of progress on the identity of the blackmailer.”

  He’d shared some of the details about his investigation. Amelia hated knowing that he’d soon be placing himself in danger again to try to solve the mystery of the blackmailer’s identity. She understood his wish to find out what had happened to his sister and her husband as well as help the Marquess of Millstone. But not at the cost of additional harm to himself.

  She intended to frequently remind him to take care as the children and his father needed him. As did she. She’d taken the children to his room several times since her return with the hope he’d be more likely to rest as the doctor had ordered if he had visitors.

  Amelia told Ronald and Charlotte that he’d been assaulted. Christopher had been careful not to refer to it as an accident as they associated that word with the loss of their parents. Being able to see him had reassured them both that their uncle would recover. Lady Beaumont had also spent time with Christopher.

  Amelia wasn’t certain whether to be frustrated or grateful they hadn’t had any time alone together. Her feelings for him were already deeper than she cared to admit.

  The previous evening, she’d dined with Christopher and his father while Lady Beaumont and Miss Singh had been out. The meal had been lovely, and it had taken all of Amelia’s resolve to remember she was only a governess here. But her heart refused to listen.

  Watching Christopher and his father struggle to communicate pained her. She continued to try to help bridge the gap between the two men. They obviously cared deeply for one another but rarely managed to breach the distance that held them apart. She wanted them to see the other’s perspective. It didn’t matter that doing so wasn’t her place.

  “I want to see the elephants,” Ronald said.

  “I wish to see the camels.” Charlotte kept pace with her brother down the stairs with Amelia directly behind them.

  “Why camels?” Ronald asked.

  “I read a story that had camels, and I should very much like to see one for myself.”

  “And what of you, Miss Tippin?” Christopher asked as they descended the last stair and joined him. “What would you like to see?”

  She smiled, her gaze meeting his. “Everything.” Much like Charlotte, the idea of seeing animals she’d only read about was intriguing.

  “Then we shall endeavor to do so, won’t we, children?” Christopher smiled as they agreed with enthusiasm.

  “You’re certain you’re feeling up to this?” Amelia asked as Dauber escorted the children out to the carriage.

  “I’m eager to spend a few hours looking at something other than the walls of my home.”

  Amelia was pleased to see he moved more naturally than the previous evening. She hoped that meant he was well on the way to recovery.

  They drove past the lake with the swans and soon they were nearing the gates of the zoo. The children could hardly sit still in their excitement.

  “I know you’re eager to see as much as we can,” Amelia cautioned them, “but you must both stay with us at all times. We will see everything together. Neither of you will wander off to look at something on your own. Is that quite clear?” She looked each of them in the eye to make certain they understood.

  “Yes, Miss Tippin,” they said together.

  She nodded, unable to bear the idea of anything happening to them.

  Yet a glance at Christopher revealed him searching the area through the carriage window as if to make certain no threats were nearby. That was enough to remind her to do the same. He’d told her he’d been in touch with the police as well as the authorities at the racecourse in Newmarket. He hadn’t mentioned whether they’d shed any light on who was behind the attack.

  “Uncle, you didn’t say what you’d like to see.” Ronald alighted from the carriage as Charles held the door.

  “The Tasmanian Tiger.”

  Ronald’s eyes went wide. “That’s an excellent idea. I should like to see it as well.”

  “What year was the Zoological Gardens established?” Amelia asked while Christopher paid their entrance, determined to act like a governess despite her anticipation for the outing.

  “It was formed in 1826,” Charlotte answered. “But it opened to the public in 1847.”

  “Very good. What was the original purpose?”

  “It was opened to the members of the Zoological Society for scientific study,” Christopher said with a wink to the children as he rejoined them.

  Amelia chuckled. “The question was for the children.”

  “I didn’t want to be left out of the conversation,” he told her as the corner of his mouth quirked upward.

  She shook her head at his teasing, though she couldn’t have been more pleased. The children laughed as they all entered the zoo together.

  “Why are the tropical animals kept indoors?” Amelia asked, giving Christopher a look to make it clear he was not to answer.

  “They come from a warmer climate and don’t like the cold,” Charlotte answered.

  “I do hope they give them fresh air,” Ronald said, his brow puckered. “I shouldn’t like to be kept inside all the time.”

  Charlotte clasped Amelia’s hand while Ronald held Christopher’s. A swell of longing filled Amelia. This was something a family might do together. Though she told herself to enjoy the moment and not make too much of it, her heart didn’t listen. They felt like a family no matter how sternly she reminded herself they weren’t.

  She looked about, noting several other governesses with their charges. But none had an escort as she did. She silently said a prayer of gratitude that Christopher had accompanied them. />
  “I see camels,” Charlotte cried as she stood on her tiptoes to gain a better look.

  “Let us visit them first,” Christopher suggested. “If that is all right with you, Miss Tippin?”

  At her nod, they walked toward where the camels milled about the small fenced enclosure attached to a stable of sorts.

  “Why do they have their own house?” Ronald asked.

  “To protect them at night and give them somewhere warm to sleep,” Christopher answered.

  They watched for several minutes as the camels chewed their cud and generally ignored the people staring at them.

  “Ronald, it’s your turn. Shall we find the elephants?” Amelia asked once the children had their fill.

  They walked along the neat paths, making several stops to view other animals until they arrived at the elephants. Ronald held tight to the wrought-iron fence and watched in amazement as the elephants used their trunks to eat and drink.

  “I should like to ride one,” Ronald said.

  “They are so tall.” Charlotte shook her head in disbelief. “How do you get on top of them?”

  “They’re trained to kneel and allow the rider to climb onto its knee to reach the seat,” Christopher explained.

  Amelia was pleased he seemed as interested in the animals as the children. They wandered about the zoo, noting the different smells as they passed. This would give them enough material for lessons for the next month Amelia realized.

  “There’s the rodent house.” Ronald showed almost as much excitement for it as he had for the elephants to Amelia’s dismay.

  The notion of viewing rats and other rodents did not appeal to her. But what sort of teacher would she be if she didn’t accompany the children everywhere they wanted to go?

  They entered the rodent house, and Amelia was relieved to see all of the animals were in cages. Still she couldn’t help a shudder as she glanced around.

  “What’s the matter?” Christopher asked her quietly.

  He stood close enough behind her that she could feel the heat of his body. She fought the urge to ease back ever so slightly. Just enough to feel the hard length of him against her. To forget all else and lean on him if only for a few moments. She swallowed against the longing and straightened with a smile. “I can’t say I care for rodents.”