by Sarah Thorn
When it was over, they separated, and he bowed to her.
“That was lovely, Lady Kathleen. We shall have to do it again.”
“Yes, that would be wonderful, Richard.” She lowered her head and turned away. She had a mane of bright golden hair that made a thick braid down her back and a pretty figure in her bright yellow gown. He watched her skirts whisk out around her as she walked back to where she had been sitting, where another gentleman was waiting for her. Lord Edward Webb. Richard thought they would make a good couple. Neither one had much to say.
He went back to his chair and dropped himself in it, relieved that Elizabeth had a gentleman to dance with. It kept her away from his table. He lifted his drink and watched the ladies and men twirling about in front of him. It was a comforting sight, and he liked the song that was playing. But his boredom soon returned, and he found himself wondering what his children were doing.
An instant smile covered his face. His children were the apple of his eye. He was so proud of them and wished he had skipped the dance to stay with them for the evening. He pictured them in his mind. Charlotte was in the middle and at ten, she had quite a mind of her own. She enjoyed bossing her brothers around. They didn’t seem to mind very much. His son, Frederick, was 12 and had told him several times that Charlotte was brilliant and should be listened to whenever possible.
The memory made Richard’s smile widen. The youngest of his brood was 7, Master Samuel. Samuel reminded Richard of a young packhorse. He was a broad-shouldered, solid little boy who would surely be the strongest boy in his classes every year of his schooling. Thinking about them made him want to go home right now and play with them.
How would that look? He chuckled. Elizabeth had worked so hard to get him to the ball tonight, but his heart just wasn’t in it. It was the second season he had attended, and there was still two more weeks to go. The way he felt now, it was unlikely he would last that long. He knew these women, and none of them interested him. He’d been trying to get that through to Elizabeth since last season.
He looked around once more. He was fairly certain his name was not on anyone else’s dance card for the evening. He could make a quick escape and come back to the next one to satisfy Elizabeth. He stood up and straightened his coat again, looking around for his sister. He picked up an orange from the fruit arrangement that adorned the table and began to peel it subconsciously, his eyes still roaming around the room, trying to spy his sister. She wasn’t dancing now, as the song had ended. He felt a little overwhelmed. There were suddenly quite a lot of people in the room, and his head was swimming trying to see one person among the crowd.
He shut his eyes and regained his balance.
He discarded the orange peel on the plate he’d left behind and picked up a napkin. Then he turned away from the table and almost ran into his sister, who was standing only inches away.
“Richard!” She took a startled step back.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Elizabeth!” He reached out and grabbed her elbow to help her stand steadily. She shook her head.
“It’s all right, I know you didn’t know I was there.” She brushed herself off as though she had fallen into mud. “I apologize to you.”
He patted her hand. “It’s all right. I think I will be leaving, though. I have no more dances to stay for, and I am feeling a bit light headed. I would like to get some fresh air. Would you like to take a quick stroll through the garden with me before I leave?”
“No, I don’t think so, Richie, I have a full dance card.”
He smiled at her. “That’s lovely, Elizabeth. I’m glad.”
She nodded, and her eyes strayed over his shoulder, where couples were joining on the dance floor for the next song. “I think I see Lord Wellington right now. He’s coming this way. So you are going home?”
“Yes, I think I will.”
Elizabeth smiled and gave him a sympathetic look. She leaned toward him and whispered, “You won’t find another lady like Kate, Richard. You must give someone else a chance to show you there is still love in the world.”
Richard nodded. “I know that, sister. I just haven’t found one yet. I’m open to the idea. But so far, there have been no interesting ladies that have come my way.”
“You looked good on the dance floor with Lady Kathleen.”
Richard shook his head. “She is only interested in the dancing. She is very quiet otherwise.”
“She is a beautiful woman.”
He narrowed his eyes at his sister. “The outer beauty of a woman says nothing for what it covers up.”
Elizabeth stood up straight and sighed. She loved her brother, but he could be stubborn sometimes. “Oh, all right, Richie. You just go enjoy your fire and a nice book. I’ll be here dancing. Hello, Lord Wellington. How delightful to see you. How have you been?”
Richard stepped to the side as Elizabeth went around him, extending one hand for the Lord to take. Daniel Wellington was well-known among the ladies and well-liked, as well. He was the same height as Richard, ten years his junior and had the brightest blue eyes anyone had ever seen. They looked out from behind long dark lashes that his sister, along with every other lady at the ball, couldn’t seem to get enough of. The Lord took Elizabeth’s hand and kissed it.
Richard held out his hand, bowing slightly. “Lord Wellington,” He said.
Daniel shook his hand, also bowing. “Duke Wentworth. How have you been, sir.”
“I am well, and you?”
“Also doing quite well, thank you. My lady, shall we move out onto the dance floor and join the others? Do pardon me, Richard, the music has just started.”
Richard shook his head and gestured for them to go. “Not at all, please don’t miss the song on my account.”
Elizabeth called back over her shoulder as Daniel led her to the floor. “I will be home later, Richie. You try to do something fun!”
Richard nodded and lifted one hand to acknowledge he had heard her. Then he swiftly turned and made his way out of the building, avoiding eye contact with any of the people he saw on his way. The night was crisp and cool but he liked it that way. He went directly to his horse and mounted with ease. It wasn’t a bad night, and he didn’t mind going to the balls. He just wasn’t hoping for any new faces to suddenly pop up on the scene and the ones that were already there were not suitable to him. He was extremely picky about women; it was simply the fact that he had his three charges to think about. He didn’t want them to have a wicked stepmother just because she was of the same class and had a pretty face. The pretty face was nice, but the inside had to be just as pretty. Otherwise, he was wasting his time.
Chapter Two
Rose Bennett stood in the front of the room, one hand in mid-air, holding a piece of chalk. She was staring behind her at one of the three children she was teaching, waiting for him to calculate the equation in his mind. Samuel was looking up at the ceiling, obviously thinking with all his might. She pressed her lips together to keep from giggling.
She had been governess for the children for almost ten years now, beginning with the family when Frederick was only two years old. Duke Wentworth – Richard – and his wife, Kate, were influential members of society in those days, visiting, putting on parties and have frequent guests that were notable, including the Prime Minister. But those were days long past and since the death of Lady Kate four years previous, things had not been the same. Gone were the ready smiles and the sound of laughter echoing down the halls of the manor. Richard had been heartbroken and angry for several years.
It suddenly seemed that he had come out of mourning. Rose was fairly certain Elizabeth had something to do with it.
“Four!” Samuel announced proudly. She was pulled back to reality from her thoughts.
“Yes, Samuel, that’s right! Good for you!” She smiled at him and wrote a big four under the equation. “You can go ahead and finish your picture while your brother and sister finish their work.”
The little boy beamed at her, and
she felt a wash of affection for him sweep over her. He was such a sweet boy. All three of Duke Richard’s children were not only intelligent and friendly, they were some of the best looking children she’d ever seen. There were no other children their age in the city that were perfect in their features, with heads of beautiful blonde hair and eyes of violet and blue.
She watched the three of them working diligently on their school work. It was very important to their father that they were educated so that they could carry on business with the best of them. He didn’t want any paupers for children, but he didn’t plan to give them handouts, either.
Rose admired the way Richard was with his children. He always showed them a lot of love and concern, doting over their accomplishments, consoling them in their failures. She was impressed with him but did her best not to let it show. It was not her place as governess to let her admiration show.
The door was thrown open, and Elizabeth came sweeping in, three small velvet bags clutched in her small hands.
“Helloooo.” She sing-songed and struck a pose like a princess.
“Auntie Liz!” All three children called out delightedly and jumped up from their work. Rose smiled wide, watching them abandon their school work for their aunt. They ran to her and threw their arms around her at the waist, almost knocking her down in their excitement. She just laughed and hugged them all one at a time.
“Hello, children!” She looked up at Rose with pretty, wide eyes. “I’m sorry to interrupt, dear Rose. I know you are keeping them hard at work on their education.”
Rose shook her head with a smile for her friend. “Not at all, Liz. They were almost done with what they were doing. How are you today?”
“I’m doing very well, thank you for asking.” Elizabeth turned her attention the children. “Samuel, this little bag has a treat in it just for you! And here’s one for you, Charlotte, Frederick.” She handed the small velvet bags to them. They were color coordinated for each child. Charlotte’s favorite color was purple, so her little bag was purple. Frederick’s bag was green and Samuel’s blue. They each squealed in delight and thanked their aunt profusely. She leaned down so they could kiss her cheek one by one. Then they ran back to their chairs and sat down to look in the small bags.
Rose stood up as Elizabeth approached the small table. She pulled a chair over to sit facing Rose and sat down in it, balling her hands up in her lap. “So, Rose, tell me what kind of tea you have for me today?”
Rose’s smile made her face brighten. She turned to the table and spread her hands out in front of the small basket she brought in every morning. “As you can see, I have a variety of flavors today.”
They both laughed. The tea was never any different from one day to the next. Elizabeth chose one of the three teacups that were on the tray next to the basket and plopped a small tea bag into it. She held it out for Rose to pour in the water.
“Thank you, Rose. How has the day gone for you and the children?”
“Very well. They are learning so fast. So intelligent. It really surprises me sometimes.”
“They take after their daddy. Not that there was anything wrong with their mother.” She added hastily. “But Richard was always very smart. He was ahead of all the other young boys his age all through his schooling. I could never catch up with him, that was certain.”
Rose just nodded. There were a great many things to admire about the Duke. “Was he able to find an interesting match last night at the ball?”
Elizabeth snorted in an unladylike fashion, and Rose chuckled at the sound. “No,” Elizabeth said bluntly. “He isn’t really looking, though, is he? He has had many opportunities, even ladies who don’t mind becoming a step-mother to the children. They step up to him, but he doesn’t respond. That’s very discouraging.”
“Is he really trying at all? Does he participate in the dancing?”
“As well he should!” Elizabeth was a little frustrated with her brother. “But not enough. And when he does, he just…well, he doesn’t seem to want to be involved. And you have to want to be involved, or nothing will ever happen.”
“Perhaps he has high standards.” Rose smiled.
“As well he should!” Elizabeth’s voice was firm, but her face betrayed that her frustration was because she cared about Richard. “But he can’t expect perfection, now can he?”
Rose was sure Richard wasn’t looking for perfection. He was a good man who wanted a good woman who could match him in wits, intelligence and humor. If he compromised, he could end up miserable his entire life.
“He has a right to keep his standards high.” She took the last sip of tea from her cup and set it down on the table, thinking about the Duke. She didn’t think he should compromise his values so that he could marry again. He knew his value and was comfortable being alone for now. He had mentioned several times that it was Elizabeth who was so anxious for him to find someone.
She wasn’t sure how she felt about him finding a woman to marry. Although it would be good for him in status and society, he had his children to think about. He didn’t want to provide the wrong woman for them as a mother. He didn’t want to regret his decisions. That prompted him to be more cautious in his search. She understood that. If Frederick, Charlotte, and Samuel had been her children, she wouldn’t have wanted anything but the best for them. Her eyes strayed to where they were in their chairs, excitedly talking about the small gifts their aunt had brought them, showing them to each other and laughing.
“It was sweet of you to bring them toys and to come and sit with me this afternoon.” Rose looked at Elizabeth with a broad smile. “We always enjoy your visits.”
“It is my pleasure to be welcomed. I know whenever I want a hug, this is where I can go to get one.”
“You only mention your brother’s search for love. What about you? Have you found an eligible handsome bachelor yet?”
Elizabeth reached out with one hand and placed it on the table over Rose’s. “Honey, I’ve known for some time who I will marry.”
Rose looked confused. “Whatever do you mean? I have seen you with no men. Not one in particular anyway.”
Elizabeth laughed. “That’s because he doesn’t know it yet!”
“But what if he seeks out a different woman?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “He won’t. He is just as dedicated to me as I am to him. We just haven’t made it official.”
“How long has this been going on?” Rose was very surprised. Elizabeth was not a shy woman. She would have expected the Lady to announce her intentions, not keep them hidden. “Who is it? Do I know him?”
“You may have seen him when the children were allowed to come to the dance. He is Viscount Miles Clark.”
“Oh, I believe I know of whom you are speaking. He is a banker, is he not?”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes.”
“I do know of him. He is a handsome man, held in high esteem among his peers.”
“Yes. He is kind and compassionate, and I like to talk to him. He doesn’t make me feel unhappy inside.”
“That’s certainly good.”
“You know…”
Rose was taken aback by the way Elizabeth was looking at her. “What is it?” She was a little fearful and stared back at Elizabeth.
A playful smile passed over Elizabeth’s lips. “You have been here with us for a long time now haven’t you?”
“Yes, you know that I have.”
“You would be a wonderful choice for Richard, you know.”
Rose felt her cheeks flush, and she opened her eyes wider. “Oh, Liz! What a thought!” She didn’t admit to her friend that she had thought many times about how highly she regarded the Duke. But as a governess, it was not her place to seek out the love of a Royal. No matter how long she had been with the family or how close she was to the children. “He would never consider it.”
“There is always a chance, dear. You have to keep your hopes up.”
“How did you come to decide my hopes
were up for something like that?” Had she let her admiration for the Duke show? If so, it could be detrimental to her position in the house. She pictured Richard demanding that she leave the house at once. She saw herself weeping, packing her bags and saying goodbye to the children.
“Good Lord, you look as though I just suggested you jump from the third-floor balcony. Don’t look so terrified! Richard is a good, upstanding man.”
“Oh, I do agree!” Rose lowered her eyes to her lap. “But I am his governess, the governess of his children. He would never consider me for anything more than that.”
“I don’t know about that.” Elizabeth’s voice sounded sneaky, and Rose suspected she was hatching a plot in that creative mind of hers.
“What are you thinking, Liz? You have a very strange look on your face.”
“I was just thinking how good you would be for him.” Elizabeth smiled when Rose’s cheeks turned an even brighter pink.
“Oh!” Rose lifted one hand to her mouth and looked at the children behind Liz. They had no trouble entertaining themselves. “I…I don’t know what to say.”
Elizabeth’s grin sparkled in her eyes. “I can see you have thought the same thing. Tell me you have.”
Rose dared not say the words. She nodded once.
“Well, it doesn’t surprise me, Rose. He is a fine catch and of any lady, you know that very well.”
“I also know my place, Liz. I have no nobility at all. I don’t think he would think of me as anything more than a governess.”
“We don’t know that. The man of a mind can be a very mysterious thing.”
Chapter Three
Rose was unable to get her mind off of the conversation with Elizabeth the rest of the day. Richard ate dinner with his children every night that he wasn’t out and that evening, she found herself looking at him more often, wondering what he was thinking when he looked at her. It wasn’t until then that she realized they had never had any real conversations. She knew a lot about him, but he knew very little about her. She didn’t see passion or interest in him when he did speak to her.
