“I hope you keep thinking that because I will not have Derby’s head turned.”
Cherry raised an eyebrow. She couldn’t help it; her snarky side was coming out and baring its teeth.
“Judging from the way he reacted to the two of you being betrothed, that wouldn’t be difficult.”
Miss Velazquez’s eyes flared. Her mouth curled into a grimace. Then there was a third female voice, this one from further up the stairs.
“What are you doing up here, Miss Velazquez?”
Cherry looked up. A petite woman with pale blonde hair wearing a white dress was coming down the stairs. She had to be about fourteen years old and she had the poise and grace of a person who was clearly a member of the nobility.
This had to be the daughter, Cherry surmised. Yorkie had mentioned that Lucy Fontaine was the spitting image of her mother. She knew once Lucy came of age she would have many admirers; she was beautiful now. At eighteen she would be stunning.
Miss Velazquez spoke with a barely contained sneer.
“I was having a friendly word with your new governess, Miss Fontaine.”
“You have a strange way of being friendly, from what I heard.” Lucy stopped a few stairs above, her expression bland. “You are not permitted on this floor. You are not staying here so you should confine yourself to downstairs.”
Miss Velazquez bristled.
“How do you know I’m not?”
“Because in all the time we’ve known you, Papa has never let you stay. Even Grandmama isn’t allowed to let you stay. Papa is not one to go back on what he says.” Lucy pointed towards the foyer below. “Now, go downstairs.”
Cherry watched with some amusement. She had been a confident girl at fourteen but she hadn’t possessed this amount of maturity. Lucy was going to be a formidable woman.
Miss Velazquez hissed at the girl before turning away.
“When we marry, I’m going to make sure you go to a convent.”
Lucy and Cherry watched her flounce down the stairs, striding towards the front door which a footman opened before she got there. She barely gave him a glance. Lucy grunted.
“I’d like to see her try.” Then she turned to Cherry. “I’m sorry about that, Miss…?”
“Cherry Hammortree.”
“Lord Yorkshire’s niece?”
“I am.” Cherry blinked. “You know my uncle?”
“He and Papa are friends. He’s a very nice man.” Lucy smiled. “I’m Lucy Fontaine. I presume you’ve already met my father and grandmother already?”
“I have.” Cherry glanced towards the closed door, her ears starting to hear raised voices. “It was… interesting.”
Lucy chuckled.
“With Grandmama around, saying 'it’s interesting' is an understatement.”
***
Lucy showed Cherry to her room, which was on the far side of the nursery. It was smaller than Cherry’s bedroom at home, which was expected, this was a servant’s room, but it was very nice and beautifully decorated. Cherry’s trunks were already there and two maids were in the midst of putting things away. The housekeeper, Mrs. Dobbins, even told Cherry that they would deal with everything and shooed the two of them into the nursery.
“Shouldn’t I do that?” Cherry asked as she watched the closed door to her bedroom warily. “These are my personal belongings.”
Lucy laughed.
“Mrs. Dobbins is a lovely lady. She’s like a mother hen to the servants and will look after them like her own children. Just let her do her tasks.”
Cherry shrugged and sat. She hadn’t seen much of that back in her parents’ home. It was refreshing. Lucy sat on the chair opposite and leaned forward.
“Now, tell me, how did you end up being here? Because I didn’t hear about this until twenty minutes ago.”
Now Cherry felt embarrassed. She really hadn’t been discussed between the earl and the dowager countess. She felt like an interloper.
But Cherry explained the situation. Lucy listened, her expression saying this wasn’t anything new from her grandmother.
Maybe she could ask Lucy about what was going on. The child seemed eager to confide to someone.
“What is your grandmother’s motivation?” Cherry asked. “Because from what I saw your father didn’t initially want me here, and he was adamant, he wasn’t marrying Miss Velazquez.”
Lucy chuckled.
“He isn’t. He’s not interested in Miss Velazquez at all. It was vague dislike at the start but now it’s intense loathing.”
“I can’t understand why. She is a beautiful woman.”
Lucy groaned.
“Beautiful outside doesn’t mean beautiful inside. She’s all ice cold and very unpleasant. Like the dowager countess if you see her true colors.”
Chapter 5
C herry blinked.
“That’s your grandmother.”
Lucy shrugged.
“She’s always been mean to me and my brother Michael. Just because Papa married Mama, and Mama wasn’t the one Lady Derbyshire picked out for him.”
“I take it your father has never done as he’s told.”
“Not exactly. He’s unconventional with certain things but he doesn’t flaunt it.” Lucy sighed. “It doesn’t make him any less popular but Lady Derbyshire hates it. She’s been trying to get him to marry Miss Velazquez since Mama was buried but Papa pushed her away and refused.”
“You mean during the mourning she was trying to get your father to marry again?”
“Yes.” Lucy bit her lip. “I am afraid that, one of these days, Lady Derbyshire will find a way to marry them without Papa’s consent and Michael and I will be sent away.”
That sounded outlandish even to Cherry’s imagination. She smiled and tried to ease the girl’s thoughts.
“Don’t be silly. If your father’s as strong-willed as you say he is, he’s not going to get in that situation.”
“You’d think that but Lady Derbyshire doesn’t listen and waves his protests away. Miss Velazquez is also incredibly stubborn; Lady Derbyshire has filled her head with all these promises she’ll never get. If Papa’s rejected her today, that will be the thirteenth time this year he’s told her to go away.”
“Wait, what? Did you say thirteen?”
“Yes. I haven’t counted the previous years but I’m sure it’s a lot more than thirteen.”
Cherry’s head spun with that news. Thirteen times that year Lord Derbyshire had turned away one woman? That was a record even for her.
“I don’t understand how someone can persist.”
“You’d be surprised.”
“I don’t think I will. They appear to make them very stubborn around here.” Cherry grinned.
Lucy giggled.
“As do I.” Then she sighed. “I must admit that I’m not happy about having a governess. I’m fourteen, I don’t need one. Lady Derbyshire only hired you because she doesn’t want us to have a close relationship with Papa. But I like you. I’ll ask Papa if you can stay but I do ask one important thing of you.”
“What is it?”
“Keep Michael and I away from Miss Velazquez. She’s threatened to hit Michael. I protect Michael as best I can but if I hear it in my earshot, I might fly at her.” Lucy looked a little chastised. “My temper does get the better of me.”
Cherry could only imagine. She knew now she was being used to separate father from children but she wasn’t about to be placed in that situation. If she was permitted to, she would stay and look after Lucy and Michael. Cherry liked Lucy, and they already had the common bond of a dislike for Isabella Velazquez.
“And you want me to be a buffer.” Cherry shrugged. “I can do that.”
The relief on Lucy’s face was palpable.
“Thank you.”
***
Derby stood on the terrace and watched as Cherry played with Lucy and Michael on the lawn. They were playing a game of chase and Cherry was managing to keep up with the children. Derby couldn
’t help but smile at the way his new governess didn’t care that her face was red, her auburn hair was almost falling down her back and she was the least ladylike-looking person he had ever seen.
But she was still the loveliest looking woman he had ever met.
When he first met her three weeks before, Derby had been stumped. He had expected a plain, fussy little spinster. Yorkshire had spoken fondly and often of his niece, and Derby had heard from Yorkshire’s brother and sister-in-law about their frustrations that Cherry refused to marry someone of their choosing. What he hadn’t expected was a beautiful redhead with an hourglass figure. It was impossible to hide with her clothes and Derby had to stop himself from staring.
Not only was she pleasant and interesting to talk to, she had a sharp wit about her that kept her interesting. When they had gone to his study for Derby to tell her about his mother’s behavior and that Cherry couldn’t stay longer than a week, he found himself changing that decision. Instead, he suggested that she stay and they would see how the children fared with her.
And it was clear Lucy and Michael adored her. Lucy seemed a lot calmer around Cherry and Michael was starting to smile more. They were blossoming, something that hadn’t happened since before their mother’s death. Derby was pleased they were like this now and was delighted Cherry was using whatever influence she had on them.
For once, Lady Derbyshire had done the right thing.
“Derby.”
Derby turned. The Marquis of Yorkshire was on the terrace approaching him. He hadn’t heard the older man arrive. Derby grinned and went to greet him.
“Yorkie. Good to see you.”
They shook hands. Lord Yorkshire was looking a little older and a little grayer but his eyes were still sparkling. He nodded at his niece as she darted around a trimmed bush while Michael came around the other side.
“I thought I’d come by and see how you were doing with Miss Cherry.”
Derby couldn’t stop himself from smiling.
“She’s been wonderful. The children have really taken to her.” He raised his eyebrows as he gave Yorkie a pointed look. “But next time you think I need a governess, could you talk to me first instead of Mother?”
At least Yorkie had the decency to look chastised.
“Cherry wrote to me about that. She’s really embarrassed about it.”
“She’s already told me. I was embarrassed for her.”
Even in her embarrassment Cherry hadn’t broken eye contact. The only time she had was facing him when she first curtsied him. Derby admired that about her; she didn’t back down. She kept her sharp wit while staying cool and collected. She didn’t seem to blink at the shenanigans that happened around her.
Miss Cherry Hammortree was certainly an impressive woman.
“I didn’t realize until too late it was just your mother’s doing.” Yorkie went on. “I swear it, Derby.”
“I’m aware of that now.” Derby patted the older man’s arm. “She’s very good at convincing people.”
“You mean like she’s making people believe a marriage is imminent between you and Isabella Velazquez.” Yorkie shook his head. “Her father has been complaining about you to me.”
“Why doesn’t he be a man and confront me about it?”
“Because he’s a coward.” Yorkie chuckled. “He says it’s been two years and you’ve not made a move to make his daughter an honest woman.”
Derby couldn’t help himself. He burst out laughing.
“Come off it! An honest woman? She’d be lucky if I made her a dishonest woman.” He sat on the wall, facing Yorkie as the Marquis leant on his cane. “If he’s got any problems, he should come to me. Maybe then he’s realize that I’d never marry his daughter.”
“You don’t care for her, then?”
“Are you serious? How many times were you present when I turned her down?”
“I remember one where you threw a ring in her face.”
Derby laughed. That was the second time Isabella had attempted to get him to propose in public. She had even pressed a ring into his hand and whispered in his ear she would like him to present her grandmother’s ring to her. Derby had tossed the ring onto the floor and left. He had still been in mourning even though the mourning period was over and there was no way he would have considered marriage with anyone, the least of all Isabella.
The next day the ring had been sent to him, suggesting that he use it next time he sees Isabella. Derby had sent it back with a note not to be sent it again.
He rubbed his hands over his face.
“I would’ve thought after all the times I’ve turned her down, even in public, she would have accepted it. It’s frustrating that she will never listen to me.”
“Not exactly what you want in a wife.”
“Says the longtime bachelor.”
Yorkie grunted.
“Do you want me to speak to Miss Velazquez about it?”
“Don’t bother. I doubt it will be clear to her until I marry someone else. And I don't plan to do that.”
Although Derby said that with conviction, his mind began to wander. He had vowed never to marry after Henrietta but seeing Cherry, laughing with his children, Derby began to wonder if he was missing something.
Yorkie grunted.
“Well, let me know if you want me to talk to either Miss Velazquez or Lady Derbyshire and I’ll do it.” He looked chastised. “And I’m sorry I pushed Cherry on to you.”
“Don’t be. She has been good for everyone.” And Derby meant that sincerely. “The children are smiling more, and I feel calmer because I’m not so concerned for them.” Derby grunted. “The exception is Mother.”
“Your mother is never happy.”
“It would seem so. She’s been walking around like she’s caught smell of something awful and it gets worse when Cherry’s about.”
“You mean she’s beginning to regret hiring Cherry for you.”
“I’m not regretting it.” Derby looked out and watched as Cherry grabbed Michael and swung him around, Michael squealing with joy. “Sometimes I wonder who actually has the title of earl because she walks around like she owns the place.”
It had been fifteen years since Derby’s father had died, but his mother acted like she still had the same powers from when he was alive. It frustrated Derby no end but she just wouldn’t listen.
“You need to get a backbone.” Yorkie suggested.
“It’s there. But she’s made of tougher stuff.”
Yorkshire sighed and tapped his cane on the stones.
“Well, you’d better sort it out soon, or she’s going to walk all over you and you won’t be able to stop her.”
Derby was worried that he was right.
Chapter 6
C herry couldn’t help but scowl at Isabella as she stood scandalously close to Derby, who was attempting to have a conversation with a neighboring earl. Derby gave her a glare, shook his head and he and the other earl walked off.
“Hasn’t she noticed that she looks like a fool?” She asked.
Yorkie grunted, sipping at his sherry.
“I doubt it. She’s just obsessed with him.”
Cherry watched as Isabella pouted and folded her arms in a sulk. Then she turned away when Lady Derbyshire appeared and began to talk animatedly with her.
“She looks like an embarrassment. Lucy told me she’s been turned down by Lord Derbyshire at least three times in public this year that she’s aware of.”
“It’s definitely been more than that.” Yorkie sighed. “She has no shame. Although I think Lady Derbyshire has something to do with it.”
“She always has something to do with it.” Cherry grunted.
Over the past three weeks, Cherry was certain of three things. One was that she and the children had formed a bond and it was very strong. Another was there seemed to be a mutual liking and appreciation between her and Lord Derbyshire. The third was she didn’t like the dowager countess. The woman seemed to love contro
l, and she acted as if she had more now than when she was the countess. Derby made it clear she had no control of his life but it didn’t stop her from trying.
Cherry didn’t mind stubbornness, but this was overbearing. It reminded her a little too much of her own mother.
“What’s the word you use when the woman’s in charge of the family? Matriarch?”
“That’s the one. But Derby won’t let her. She tries, but he’s not budging.”
Cherry grunted. At least the woman’s son wasn’t letting her do everything for him. It would have driven her crazy if Cherry was in that position.
She grimaced as Isabella went to Derby again. Derby was now by the window talking to the same earl and the man’s lovely young wife. Cherry had had a chance to speak to her earlier at dinner and she was a vibrant lady. Everyone wanted to talk to her, but Isabella practically ignored her as she leaned close to Derby and whispered something in his ear. Derby side-stepped her and said something to the earl’s wife, who smiled and took his arm. Isabella scowled darkly, and the earl shook his head at her before following after his wife.
“I wish she’d stop doing that.”
Yorkie chuckled.
“And people wonder why I’m still unmarried. It’s because of overbearing women like Lady Derbyshire and Isabella Velazquez.”
“I have the same objections because of the male equivalents.”
That and the abusive men her parents seemed to snatch out of the air. It was like there weren’t any good men left.
Well, there was. Lord Derbyshire was a good man, and he was single. But he was not looking for a wife as he had said when they had first spoken. And Cherry wasn’t looking to marry, especially when she was meant to be here as a governess.
Nevertheless, she did wonder what it would be like to marry the earl. He was a little older but Cherry wasn’t bothered. Handsome, charming and sardonic. Derby seemed to click with her; and Yorkie liked him, which was advantageous.
Cherry was startled out of her thoughts when there was a loud thud and the clattering of brass on stone. Michael was in a crumpled heap in front of the fire, very close to the burning coals. The poker set was scattered about around him.
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