by Dawn Brower
Sophia’s pleading blue gaze locked on him. “Daddy, do say she can stay. Please. Pretty please with crumpets on top.”
Aaron’s resistance faded under his daughter’s pleas. Resigned he proffered his arm to Miss Baxter. “I would be honored if you would consent to join us.”
“The honor is all mine, Your Grace.” She took his proffered arm while Sophia grabbed his free hand.
He inhaled a cleansing breath as he led them toward the house. All would be fine. It was only a meal after all. What harm could come of it?
Emma sat to the duke’s left across from Lady Sophia. She’d been given a room to freshen up in, along with a bath before coming down to dinner. The duke had even sent a maid to assist her. To her chagrin, the maid had taken her wrinkled, dusty gown to launder and given her a new frock to wear down to super.
“Is your room to your liking, Miss Baxter?” Lady Sophia asked.
“It is a lovely room, thank you.”
The girl smiled. “I picked it out special for you.”
“You did?” Emma smiled back at her. “Well you did a splendid job.”
“Daddy says I am not to pry, but I cannot stop myself. Won’t you consider spending the night? I do so love the idea of having a lady’s company.”
Emma watched as the duke fairly choked on his wine. “Miss Baxter has places to be, Sophia.”
“On the contrary, I have no commitments,” Emma said in a rush.
She felt terribly out of place in such a grand home yet safer and better cared for than she had in weeks. If only she could stay—even for a few nights—she might be able to come up with a more permanent solution to her problems.
“Wonderful. Then you will stay as my guest if not Daddy’s.” Lady Sophia sipped a spoonful of soup.
Rather than consent to the girls wishes, as bad as she wanted to do just that, Emma looked to the duke for direction. He sat stone still, a blaze in the depths of his sky-blue eyes. Would the duke take pity on her if she revealed her situation to him?
She sat her water glass aside and studied him at the head of the table. He might sympathize, might even offer to protect her, but what if he saw her as a danger? She simply could not risk being tossed out tonight. Not when Lady Sophia had invited her to stay. She’d be gone soon enough at any rate.
Giving the duke what she hopped was a sympathetic look, she shrugged her shoulders as if to say, ‘sorry but what would you have me do’. Emma was about to turn her attention back to Lady Sophia when the duke gave a nod of what Emma hopped was consent. She smiled at him, then looked at the girl, “I would be honored to stay as your guest, Lady Sophia.”
Emma ate her fill of each course, soup, fish, foul…as Lady Sophia chatted about a myriad of topics. Everything from fashion to favorite pastimes and deserts was covered by the time the meal concluded. She enjoyed listening to, and chatting, with Lady Sophia a great deal. The girl’s exuberance and innocents proved infectious. And Emma’s mood had been lightened a great deal, her worries somehow lessoned during the meal, as a result of Lady Sophia’s good cheer.
She placed a bite of sherbet into her mouth and relished the way it melted on her tongue. When had she had such a delectable treat? Certainly never at Uncle Silas’s home, perhaps her parents had given her such sweets? She could not recall.
“Daddy?” Lady Sophia sat down her spoon, a serious expression overcoming her heart-shaped face. “I have something I must confess.”
The duke swallowed, setting his wine glass aside. “Do have out with it, Poppet.”
Emma’s curiosity peaked at the girl’s words, though she did her best not to look overly eager as it seemed like a private moment.
Lady Sophia averted her gaze for a moment, bringing her hand up to cover a small grin. “Mrs. Dowerly says you will be very upset, but I told her you would understand.”
Emma pushed her desert around in the crystal bowl, pretending to eat rather than invade on Lady Sophia’s confession. Though, in truth, she was riveted. What could the small girl have done?
The duke nodded, his gaze on his daughter. “Tell me what happened.”
“Well, you see, I never meant to upset Miss Farthington.” Sophia reached for her glass.
“What has your governess to do with it?” The duke’s eyebrows knitted together.
“Everything, I am afraid.” Lady Sophia gave a coquettish look.
“How so?”
Lady Sophia brushed a golden curl from her cheek. “I only meant to play a joke when I put the frog in her shoe.”
“You put a frog in Miss Farthington’s shoe?” The duke chuckled.
Sophia smirked. “I did, however, Miss Farthington found no amusement in it. She packed her bags and left.” Sophia had the good sense to look ashamed. “She said I would have to get a new governess. One who did not mind unruly girls who belonged in barns rather than estate houses.”
The duke’s face flamed, his eyes fairly glowing.
Emma’s throat grew tight with worry. Lady Sophia had not done anything out of the norm for a child her age. Surely the duke did not mean to punish her. She caught the Lady Sophia’s gaze and offered a sympathetic smirk.
“Your Grace, if I may say something in Lady Sophia’s defense.”
The duke turned to Emma. “My daughter needs no defending.” His tone cut through her like shards of broken glass.
“But surely you can see how wrong this Miss Farthington was to act in such a way.” Emma stared into his eyes, besieging him. When the ire faded from their blue depth and humor took root, she arched a brow in confusion. Was he laughing at her?
“I am not at all cross with Sophia. It is the governess whose neck I’d like to wring. The nerve of the woman…speaking to my daughter in such a way.”
“Truly, Daddy?” Lady Sophia sprung from her chair, going to the duke’s side.
“Truly.” He scouted his chair away from the table, then pulled Lady Sophia onto his lap. “You are a gem, Poppet. I did far worse things as a boy then put a frog in someone’s shoe, and you would have to do far worse to incite my anger as well.” He tapped her nose with his finger tip and she giggled.
Sobering, Lady Sophia said, “But I do not have a governess now?”
“I will find you a new one. A better, kinder, and smarter governess.” The duke brushed the curls away from the girl’s forehead. “One who deserves the honor of your company.”
Emma’s heart melted at the tender scene and an idea formed in her mind. She could be Lady Sophia’s governess. How wonderful it would be to stay here and spend her time with the girl. Her heart seemed to lighten as she smiled at the duke.
“Your Grace, might I have a word with you…in private?” Emma asked, for she had no wish to excite the girl when she had no idea whether or not the duke would accept her in the position.
He nodded then dropped a kiss on Lady Sophia’s head. “Off with you. I will be by to tuck you in later.”
The girl smiled and jumped from his lap. “I am counting on it, Daddy,” she said, as she made her way out of the dining room.
The duke retrieved his wine glass, then settled back in his chair. “You have my attention, Miss Baxter.”
“I did not want to back you against a corner by mentioning anything infant of Lady Sophia.” She blinked causing her eyelashes to flutter.
“Go on.” The duke notched his chin.
“I could not help but hear that she needs a new governess. I am an educated woman who happens to find the lady delightful and am in need of employment.” She bestowed a bright smile on him. “I would be honored to fill the position, Your Grace.”
“You have experience as a governess?” The duke studied her, caution etched in the fine lines around his eyes.
“Well, no, not exactly.” She rushed to continue. “Though I am well versed in arithmetic, literature, and science, as well as dance and needlepoint…. To name a few things. And I am confident in my abilities.” Emma fought the urge to fiddle with her skirts as she remained focused o
n the duke. “Do say you will allow me the chance to prove myself.”
His Grace massaged the back of his neck, his eyes closing for a moment before meeting her gaze again. “It is late. Let us revisit the possibility in the morning.”
Emma’s heart sank, but what could she do? It would serve no purpose to argue with him. She nodded. “As you wish, Your Grace.”
Chapter 3
Aaron sat behind his large mahogany desk in his private office, a contract resting on the hard surface when a rapping came at the door. “Enter.”
He had spent countless hours tossing and turning last night as he thought about Miss Baxter and her offer as well as how she’d come to be in his carriage. Now he wished to get on with their meeting.
One thing was for certain, Sophia was smitten with the woman. Last night when Aaron had taken her the doll he’d bought, she’d hardly paid mind to it as she rushed to ask him if Miss Baxter could stay for a spell. Sophia went on to tell him that she found Miss Baxter to be a lovely lady and wished to become better acquainted with her. Big words for a seven year old—and they went right to his heart.
Miss Baxter stepped into the office, closing the door behind her.
“Please sit.” Aaron indicated a chair. He watched the subtle sway of her hips as she crossed the room to sit in the high-back leather chair. She was a beautiful woman, the kind that could bring a man to his knees if he were not careful.
She folded her hands on her lap and met his gaze, her violet eyes cautious. “Good morning, Your Grace.”
He smiled on impulse. “Good morning, Miss Baxter.” He could easily understand why his daughter liked the woman as she did. Since Sophia’s mother ran off with her lover, she’d not had a young, pretty woman around to spend time with. Her nanny had served as his nanny and was now quite advanced in years. The same was true of the house keeper, old governess, and cook.
Dismissing his musings, he focused on the task at hand. “I asked you here so that we could further discuss the possibility of you becoming Lady Sophia’s governess.”
Miss Baxter beamed, the worry he’d recognized in her gaze faded away. “I would be honored.”
“Very well.” He tugged at his cravat not at all certain he was doing the right thing. After all, he knew nothing of the woman. That would change here and now. “First I must know more about your background. Where do you hail from? Where did you receive your education?”
“My aunt and uncle raised me for most of my years. Aunt Charlotte taught me everything I needed to know in order to do well in life, and be able to mix with the higher classes. She always said it was imperative for a lady to be well educated, though one must never wear it openly, and to perfect the things expected of women.”
He settled back into his plush leather chair. “Your aunt sounds like a smart woman, though I disagree with keeping ones intelligence hidden. I wish for my daughter to be proud of her learning and abilities.”
“Aunt Charlotte was a smart woman indeed. She has passed on to her final reward.” A small frown pulled at Miss Baxter’s bow-shaped lips.
“I am sorry to hear it. I think I would have liked her.”
“I do not doubt that you would. Lady Sophia would as well. Your daughter is a delightful young woman and I agree with you, Your Grace, she should be happy to show off her brain as much, or more so, than her pretty face.”
The more they talked the more he relaxed. Regardless of how the woman came to be at his house, she seemed to belong. Furthermore, she was well spoken and conducted herself as a lady should. She’d told him she was well versed in the areas a governess must be, and she liked his daughter. He could find no reason not to hire her.
Aaron tapped the contract resting on the desk in front of him. “Have a look and let me know your thoughts.” He slid it toward Miss Baxter who lifted it from the polished surface and began to read.
After she reached the end of the contract she laid it back on the desk then looked up at him. “It is a generous offer, Your Grace. I am pleased to agree with all the terms you’ve laid out, except for one.”
He arched a brow in surprise for he could not imagine what she might disagree with. The contract included every provision he could think of right down to a new wardrobe and time away from the estate for personal matters and relaxation. He held her stare and asked, “Which might that be?”
“I am an accomplished singer and therefore have no need of attending Lady Sophia’s singing lessons. In fact, I should like to instruct her myself.”
Not an unreasonable concession. That is if the woman truly was accomplished. “Let me hear a sample of your skills.”
“As you wish.” Miss Baxter stood with her posture straight though not at all stiff. She drew in a breath then belted out the first lines of Robin Adair. “What’s this doll town to me? Robins not near…”
When she reached the end of the first stanza she stopped and smiled at him.
He had become lost in her voice, mesmerized. Miss Baxter had sung like a nightingale. He could listen to her for the rest of his days and never cease to be held in awe of her skill.
Bloody hell, by the time she reached the second line of the song, he had become completely captivated.
He reached for the contract and struck through the bit about Sophia’s singing lessons, then inserted that Miss Baxter alone would be responsible for her instruction. By the time he had made the change, he’d recovered his wits and turned his attention back to Miss Baxter. “That was lovely indeed.” He dipped the quill in ink and offered it to her.
“Thank you.” In a smooth and fluid motion of swirls and lines, Miss Baxter signed the contract. She angled her head, bringing her attention back to him. “I would like to start immediately.”
Aaron grinned at her enthusiasm. “Then allow me to take you on a tour of the house and most importantly, familiarize you with the school room. Once we have finished, you can begin your instruction.”
She nodded, rising to her feet. He came around the desk and offered his arm. When she rested her gloved hand on his coat sleeve a wave of longing passed through him. He’d wanted to reach over and cover her hand with his, but he resisted the urge instead leading her from the room. As they made their way down the corridor, he pointed out the various rooms they passed, stopping to peek into each one.
Miss Baxter asked him questions about the staff, the pictures on the walls, and the collection of leather-bound novels in the library. By the time they reached the private family drawing room the two of them were chatting like old acquaintances. He could not help but relax in her presence, and given his experience with beautiful women that terrified him.
He swallowed back his worries and led her toward the door. “This is the family parlor where we spend much of our time together.” He guided her into the room, stopping to gaze at his daughter who sat with her nanny at a table near the fire place.
Sophia looked up with a wide smile. “Daddy! Miss Baxter! Come see my drawing.”
Miss Baxter moved her hand from his arm and crossed the room to look at Sophia’s picture. “How lovely, Lady Sophia.” Miss Baxter pointed at the parchment. “I can tell that this is you and your daddy.” She trailed her finger up to the top of the drawing. “Who is this?”
Sophia angled her head up, meeting Miss Baxter’s gaze. “That is mama, she’s an angel.”
Aaron came to stand behind his daughter. He rested a hand on her small shoulder and looked at the parchment before her. She’d drawn a garden with cobbled paths and flowering bushes. He stood beside her, holding her hand on a path as they both gazed at the bright sky. His dead wife rested on a cloud, her wings spread and halo glistening. His chest tightened, not for her but for their daughter.
“Daddy, do you like it?” Sophia asked.
Aaron swallowed past the tightness in his throat. “You are a wonderful artist, Poppet.”
Her smile grew larger, lighting her eyes. “Good. I thought you might hang it in your office or bedchamber.” She shaded in a colo
rless flower then held the drawing out to him.
He hesitated a moment before reaching for it. “Might you rather hang it in your room?”
Sophia averted her gaze, her expression crestfallen. “You do not like it.”
“On the contrary,” Aaron said, searching for words to erase the hurt he’d caused. What a bloody fool he was when it came to his daughter’s grief. Still he could not help but be angry when his deceased wife entered their lives. She had no place in Sophia’s heart after what she’d done to them.
Miss Baxter reached out for the picture. “May I?”
Aaron allowed her to take it from his hand. She made a great show of studying the drawing and complementing Sophia on her skill. “I think this would be perfect in the school room. Then your mama would be watching you as you learn and grow. I just know she would be proud.”
“But I do not have a governess to teach me.” Sophia looked to Aaron, a small twinkle of good cheer back in her blue gaze.
“Oh but you do. Miss Baxter has agreed to fill the position.”
Sophia’s eyes took on their usual sparkle as she turned to Miss Baxter.
“And I would be honored if you would consent to hang your art in the school room.”
“Let us do so now.” Sophia jumped from her seat and grabbed Miss Baxter’s hand.
Miss Baxter smiled. “So long as your daddy does not object.”
He grinned at them. “Not in the least. We can continue our tour on the marrow. Meet me in the foyer after breaking your fast and I will show you the grounds before Sophia’s lessons.”
Aaron watched as the pair left the room hand in hand. Perhaps Miss Baxter would be good for his daughter. The way she had handled the drawing and seemed to sympathize with both him and Sophia spoke volumes to her character.
She’d proven herself to be a compassionate woman even if she held a secret. None-the-less, he had to get to the bottom of said secrets. He could not go on blind faith that she was trustworthy and safe to be around his daughter.
Tomorrow he would ask her how she’d come to be in his carriage as he’d meant to do today. God willing her answer would not make him regret allowing her close to his daughter.
