by Wendy Vella
Fool that he was, he still wanted this woman.
Lowering a hand, he touched one hip, and confirmed that she did indeed wear padding.
“No!” Milly wrenched away and stumbled backward. Joseph grabbed her seconds before she tumbled into the river.
“Have a care!”
“I told you I would not do that, be that woman for you. H-how dare you take advantage of me, a servant, when you are an earl. It is beneath you!”
Her lisp had disappeared, and she was now every inch Lady Millicent.
“You know nothing of me,” Joseph rasped, grabbing her wrist. “Only that I am an earl, and that you like my kisses.”
“D-don’t.” He released her as she stuttered the word. What the hell was he doing?
She ran before he could stop her, and Joseph let her. What had he been thinking, kissing her here where anyone could see them? She’d literally robbed him of clarity with just a touch of her lips to his, and then her words had doused him in cold water.
She was right about one thing: he should not be kissing her, at least not until this entire mess was sorted out. He understood why she had said what she had, because in her eyes his behavior was beneath him... at least it would be if she were a servant, and not the woman he’d asked to be his wife.
No. Joseph shook his head. There was no excuse, his behavior was irresponsible; he had no right to kiss her. The problem was, she challenged him now, unlike the old Milly. Then, she had yielded to his every whim. He’d often tried to engage her in a debate, but she had simply agreed with him. She did that no longer.
Where was the man she had left him for?
Whatever path her life had taken, it had changed her circumstances beyond recognition.
“What the hell am I to do with you, Millicent Lawrence?”
He gave her a few minutes and then followed, just in case something had happened to her, or she was sitting crying somewhere. Plus, he needed the time to cool his ardor. Joseph couldn’t remember the last time a woman had ignited the passion inside him the way Milly just had. His stride was longer than hers, so by the time he’d circled the river and arrived back in the village, she was just up ahead of him.
She stopped before the Wimplestow carriage, and as he drew nearer, he saw why. His brothers were talking with Apple-blossom and Lady Wimplestow.
“Milly, come and meet the Lord Ellsworth’s brothers. The Honorables Rory Haddon and Charles Haddon.”
Apple-blossom was waving Milly forward, but it was obvious by the way she dragged her feet she had no wish to join her. He knew she had no wish to see his brothers, in case they recognized her. Reaching her side, he placed a hand on her spine and propelled her the last few feet.
“Miss Higglesworth, how lovely to see you again,” he said, urging her forward. “Please allow me to introduce you to my brothers.”
Joseph wondered if Charles and Rory would recognize her, as once they had been well acquainted, especially after the engagement was announced.
“Good day to you, Miss Higglesworth.” Rory bowed, as did Charles, and not by a flicker of an eyelash did either betray their shock at being introduced to Apple-blossom’s governess. The Wimplestows did not stand on ceremony. Joseph knew this, as he had taken tea with them and Milly. He had never been prouder of his brothers; Milly, however, was horrified at the prospect of being recognized. She curtsied and then quickly excused herself to move to the carriage, where she conversed with the driver.
“Are you looking forward to the ball, Miss Wimplestow?” Joseph said, with one eye on Milly.
“Oh, indeed I am, my lord.”
“Excellent, and this time you shall have your governess also at your side?”
“Oh, I-I shall not be in attendance,” Milly said, overhearing him. She kept her head lowered, and addressed Lady Wimplestow.
“I had not thought of you attending,” Lady Wimplestow said. “But of course, Lord Ellsworth is right, you should do, to help Apple-blossom.”
If Joseph had been closer to Milly, he was sure he would have heard her teeth grind.
“Of course, if that is your wish.”
She stepped to the carriage after these words, and entered, taking the seat furthest from where they stood.
They exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then he and his bothers took their leave. Collecting their horses, they made their way back to Greyton.
“What is between you and Miss Higglesworth, Joseph?” Rory’s words nearly unseated him.
“I beg your pardon?” His eyes went from Rory to Charles, who he noted was also studying him intently.
“You kept your eyes on her the entire time we conversed with the Wimplestows,” Rory added. “And I’m sure she was in the Cock and Bull as well.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. She is a governess, why would I be interested in her?”
“As to that, I’m unsure, but I have to own there was something about her that I could not put my finger on,” Charles said. “Something familiar.”
Joseph kept his face calm as his brothers studied him. He did not usually keep secrets from his siblings, but as he was unsure what action to take with Milly, he did so now.
There was so much at stake if he exposed her, and yet if he didn’t, what would happen to her? Could he leave her to live her life as a governess... a Marquess’s daughter?
He must find out once and for all why she had left London, because of one thing he was certain: it had not been for a better life.
Chapter Nine
“Play something for me, Milly.” Rose sat beside her, watching eagerly, as she did every time Milly sat down at the piano.
Slipping into an Irish melody, she used the time to think of how her life had settled into a routine here with the Wimplestow family in the last few weeks. She liked them all now. Angus was shy. Rose, gentle and smart, and Apple-blossom funny and sweet-natured, unless you tried to get her to do something she did not want to. Then she could be as malleable as an oak.
Their manners still left a lot to be desired, but those she was working on. Angus even stood now, to wait for the ladies to sit or leave the room. And just last night, Lord Wimplestow had not belched at the table.
She had thought about leaving after the kiss Lord Ellsworth had given her that day by the river, but had stayed... for now. That kiss had been both disturbing and exhilarating. The feeling of his lips on hers should not have made her stomach flutter, but the truth was, it had.
But he was an earl, and should not have kissed a governess. She hated to label him a libertine, because the man she had once known would not have been capable of such behavior... or had he? Had she been so wrong about him? Would a man who assisted a woman, a servant, on a cold winter morning, and allowed her to share his horse, be capable of such behavior?
He did kiss you, she reminded herself. Why had he done that?
She had been going over and over these thoughts for days now, and had come up with no answer.
“Oh, that was lovely, Milly. I want to play like that one day too.”
“I’m sure you will, Rose, but you must just keep practicing.”
“Now, Milly, I am to muck out the pigs, and you can come with me,” Apple-blossom said.
“I am giving Rose a lesson, Apple-blossom. Perhaps you could do so without me.”
“If I have to learn how speak in well-modulated tones, and to dance quietly, and not kick or caper about the place, nor speak to a gentleman unless he is first introduced, then you can muck out the pigs.”
She had spoken in haughty tones, which set Rose giggling.
“And do not get me started on what is an acceptable conversation topic.” Apple-blossom sighed. “God’s blood, I swear it is taxing, Milly.”
“I know, dear, but perhaps God’s blood should not be spoken out loud either.”
Apple-blossom’s shoulders slumped lower.
“Come, we shall muck out the pigs, and I shall even let you roll about in the mud if you wish to,” Milly said, rising to follow her charge from the roo
m.
“I’m not entirely sure I wish to go into society, Milly.”
They walked side by side through the animals and their leavings, and to her surprise Milly did not even flinch. In fact she was comfortable at Wimplestow Hall now.
“I thought it was your fondest wish?”
The day was clear and cool. The blue sky held no promise of rain or snow, and it was a fine day to be outside, even if there were pigs in her near future.
“I thought it was too, but I’m not so sure now. But I would not want to disappoint Mother or Father by not going. Perhaps if you will go with me?”
She had told the family she was unable to go to London. Surprisingly they had not questioned her further, but she knew they were curious as to her reasons.
“I cannot, Apple-blossom.”
“Is it because you have bad memories of London, and have no wish to see people there again, Milly?”
Surprised at the words, Milly found herself nodding. “Yes, but please do not ask me to tell you more.”
She did not want to lie to Apple-blossom.
“All right, I won’t, but if you wish to confide in me, I am the soul of discretion.”
Milly stopped and looked up at her charge. “You are not the soul of discretion. Why, just yesterday I heard you telling Angus the secret Rose had charged you to keep.”
Apple-blossom waved a hand about. “Oh, that was not important, therefore it does not count.”
Milly found herself laughing. She’d done that quite a bit lately.
Daisy greeted them, barking enthusiastically in her hoarse little voice. The dog loved it here. Romped around fields with whomever was out walking. Wove in and out of horses’ hooves, and rolled in the mud with the pigs. The Wimplestows had four large dogs that worshipped her and followed her everywhere. Lord Wimplestow had become a particular favorite, and was seen striding about with her clutched to his chest when her little legs tired.
“Is someone here, Apple-Blossom, because I heard your father saying he had an appointment?”
“Mr. Howard. His land borders ours to the west.”
Apple-blossom’s words were curt, and unlike her usual happy tone. Hurrying to keep up with her long strides, Milly drew alongside.
“Do you not like this Mr. Howard, then?”
“He’s rude and arrogant, with no manners.”
Coming from a Wimplestow, this was quite a statement. She heard the masculine voices as they approached the stables, which they walked through to get to the pigs. Why she had to help in this area when she was a governess, Milly did not know, but here she was.
“She’ll break her neck on him.”
Apple-blossom stiffened beside Milly at the deep words. One of her hands grabbed Milly’s and clenched it tight as she dragged her forward at a rapid pace.
“You’re squeezing the blood from my fingers, Apple-blossom.”
“Sorry.”
They drew level with the open stable doors, and the girl marched inside. Milly followed slowly, stopping in the doorway when she saw Lord Wimplestow and another man.
Possibly the biggest man she had ever seen. He dwarfed Lord Wimplestow. He had a shock of blonde hair, his face tanned, and two black eyes were focused on Apple-blossom. His hands were huge, as were the two large feet in black leather, parted in an aggressive stance. Milly took his age to be thirty something.
“Don’t you dare tell my father I cannot ride, Daniel Peter Howard!” Apple-blossom braced hands on her hips.
“He’s too strong for you.” The man spoke calmly in the face of her obvious anger. “You’ll not control him when he runs.”
“I bloody well will!”
“Now, my love, there is no need for this, Daniel is just looking out for—”
“He’s not!” Apple-blossom cut her father off. “He’s stirring things up like he always does. Belittling my abilities because I’m a woman!”
Milly had never seen her charge so upset before, nor heard her voice raised in anger.
“It’s not because you’re a woman! God, you’re infuriating.” Color was now riding Mr. Howard’s cheeks. Perhaps he was not as calm as she’d thought. Milly couldn’t be sure, but thought there was a spark of something other than anger in the man’s eyes as he looked at Apple-blossom.
“I’m infuriating?” Apple-blossom roared the words. “You’re bossy, rude, arrogant and....” She spluttered, trying to find the right words.
“Articulate?”
Milly winced as Apple-blossom screeched. She then spun on her heel and walked into Milly, sending her backward. She managed to regain her feet, and then she was being towed outside.
“Have mercy, Apple-blossom, I-I cannot breathe,” Milly wheezed.
“I hate that man!”
“I gathered that you did.”
They arrived at the pig sty, and Milly stayed outside while Apple-blossom entered. Picking up a shovel, she proceeded to shovel muck about the place in a furious whirl of activity. Ducking as a load sailed her way, Milly straightened when she was sure she was no longer in the firing line.
“He’s been our neighbor for five years, and my father thinks him a wonderful man, as does Angus. I loathe him.”
“I gathered that also.” Milly wondered if in fact the girl doth protest overmuch.
“He mocks me.” She jabbed the shovel into the earth. “He thinks because I am a woman I am therefore weak, and he is strong.”
“He sounds perfectly horrible, and you are right to loathe him.”
“Milly!”
She ran to the gate as a piglet made a run for it, but the creature slipped through.
“Run!” Apple-blossom shrieked.
Milly ran after the little pink animal, which had short legs but was surprisingly agile. It darted left and then right, then around the side of the little pen, and headed for the driveway.
“Hurry, Milly!”
With Apple-blossom on her heels, she ran. The ice caught her unaware. She slid, arms flailing, feet sliding, and then she fell, arms outstretched. She tried to brace against her fall, but instead landed face-first on the cold ground. In seconds the mud and water from the ground were seeping into her clothes.
“Sodding animal!”
“Trouble?”
Oh, no, no, no. Keeping her head down, Milly scrambled to her feet. His hands helped, but she quickly stepped away.
“Lord Ellsworth.” He had kissed her when last they had seen each other. Had he forgotten the moment, dismissing it as nothing, while she had thought of little else?
“It seems you have adapted quite well to the Wimplestow household, Miss Higglesworth. Not only can you conjugate verbs and recite Virgil, there is now the small matter of pig wrangling.”
He stood there in the cold breeze looking handsome and unruffled, clothes immaculate, laughing at her, while inside she was in turmoil. His eyes sparkled with humor, and Milly battled the urge to snarl as they ran over her muddy form.
“In fact, you look like one of the family.”
“I fell, my lord, while chasing a piglet.” Milly tried to unclench her teeth.
“A pig-chasing governess. As I said, you have adapted well, Miss Higglesworth.”
“I’m sure such activities are beneath a man such as yourself, but I must do as I am directed.”
“Actually, I had to rescue a cow from the river once. Took someone days to scrub the stains from my clothes.”
Someone! She inhaled deeply. His words were careless and deliberate. It was as if he was taunting her to get a reaction, but why would he? He had no idea of her true identity, so why speak to her in such a manner?
Can you not see who stands before you?
She had no right to have those thoughts, indeed did not want his recognition, but a small voice inside her head wondered if he had cared for her at all. How could he, when he did not recognize the woman he had supposedly loved, when she stood a foot away?
“I’m sure whoever did the chore worked tirelessly to ensure your
clothes were clean.”
“You sound upset that someone had to clean my clothes, Miss Higglesworth, but surely you cannot have expected me to do the job?”
“A mighty earl,” Milly muttered. “What a scandalous thought.”
“You’re quite mouthy for a mere governess, but then I came to that conclusion when you rode before me.”
Milly bobbed a curtsy in preparation for her departure. She did not want to think about that night, or how it felt to ride seated between his thighs. Looking to the right, she saw the piglet rooting around in the dirt.
“Lord Ellsworth, good day to you.”
“Miss Wimplestow.” She heard the deep voice greeting Apple-blossom as she approached the animal, determined to catch it now that he had mocked her, and show this man she did not care about his words. The piglet lifted its head and stared at her. “You will not run, you little heathen.”
“Good day, my lord.”
“Lord Wimplestow, Howard.”
Milly heard Joseph greet the men as she reached the piglet. Dropping to her haunches, she reached out a hand and scratched its back. A little snuffle came from the animal, and then she had it in her arms.
“Well done, Milly!” Apple-blossom cried.
Throwing Lord Ellsworth a triumphant look, she ignored his nod, and moved to replace the piglet in its sty. Small victories, Milly realized, were often all a person had. Throwing the handsome man a final look, she met his steady gaze before making her way inside to wash.
“We shall go for a ride, Milly. I don’t want to see that man again.” Apple-blossom stormed into her room minutes later.
“Excellent idea,” Milly said. She had no intention of running into Lord Ellsworth either.
Bundling Apple-blossom into her coat and outer things, Milly had them outside as soon as she had pulled on hers.
“Are you in a hurry, Milly?” Apple-blossom said as they once again headed to the stables, this time by way of the rear of the house, thereby avoiding Lord Ellsworth and Mr. Howard.
“The weather is turning?”
Looking skyward, Apple-blossom shook her head. “No, it isn’t.”
“Your mother is expecting us back for tea in an hour.”
“No, she isn’t. You want to leave here as much as I do, and I would like to know why.”
