by Aston, Alexa
“Spoken like a true governess,” quipped Gray, his eyes lit with amusement by her prim response.
“Do you like being a governess, Miss Nott?”
“I do, Lady Harriet. Especially when I have such bright and well-behaved charges as you and Lady Jane.”
“I think I’m going to be a governess when I grow up,” Jane said.
“No,” Gray said, “you are a lady, Jane. You will go to London and have a Season or two and find your match.”
Charlotte swallowed. Without him knowing, Gray’s words cut her to the quick. She had been a lady who’d never gotten her Season.
Jane frowned. “What does that mean?”
“You will go to live in London and make your come-out. You’ll attend balls and routs and garden parties and meet all kinds of handsome young men. Hopefully, one will appeal to you and you’ll decide you wish to wed him and he wishes the same. You’ll marry and have children of your own.”
Jane thought a moment. “Could I be their governess?”
“No,” Gray said emphatically.
The girl looked at Charlotte. “Will you be governess to my children, Miss Nott?” she asked innocently. “I might have a Rodger, you know.”
“That’s far in the future,” Gray said, closing the matter.
Then out of the blue, Harriet asked, “Will you get married, Miss Nott?”
She gripped her hands in her lap. “I know of no governesses that are wed.”
“But you could if you wanted to,” Harriet prodded.
“I’m quite happy as I am, my lady.”
Harriet wasn’t ready to let the matter drop. “You could always marry Mr. Linfield. He likes you.”
Charlotte’s face flamed at the suggestion.
“He likes everybody, Harriet,” Jane said.
Harriet gave her sister a knowing look. “He especially likes Miss Nott. I’ve seen him smile at her. In a special way. And they sing so well together.”
“What’s that called, Miss Nott?” Jane asked.
“Harmony. Harmonizing,” Charlotte managed to say.
Jane nodded. “That’s it. Uncle Gray, you should ask Miss Nott and Mr. Linfield to sing for you in harmony. It’s when the notes are close together and they get along, isn’t it, Miss Nott?”
“Yes, my lady,” she said and turned to look out the window. She sensed Gray stiffening beside her.
“Tell us what we’ll do when we’re in London, Uncle Gray,” Harriet begged.
As he began talking about different activities, Charlotte kept her face averted until the evidence of her embarrassment had faded.
The rest of the trip went by swiftly and they arrived in the city just after eleven o’clock, the second carriage pulling in behind them. Parker and Betsy got out and footmen appeared to carry their luggage inside. Gray introduced them to the butler, Mr. Roy, and housekeeper, Mrs. Purcell. The woman led them upstairs to their bedchambers. Harriet and Jane would share one. It was in shades of yellow and blue and both girls exclaimed how pretty it was.
Charlotte turned to Betsy. “Would you unpack for the young ladies?”
“Yes, Miss Nott.”
Mrs. Purcell led Charlotte down the hall and opened the door to a very large room decorated in a soft moss green shade.
She frowned. “I thought I would be nearer my charges.”
“His lordship said to give you this room, Miss Nott. Betsy is to stay in the room next to them. Lord Crampton said she will see to the young ladies’ needs.”
“I see.”
“Shall I unpack for you, Miss Nott?”
“No, thank you, Mrs. Purcell. It won’t take me long and I know you have other duties to attend to.” She paused. “May I ask what agency you came from?”
“The Hammond Employment Agency, Miss. So did Mr. Roy and several of the footmen and maids.”
“I used The Plummer Employment Agency,” she said, not wanting to arouse suspicion.
“I’ve heard of them but I’ve found employment three times with Hammond’s now. Oh, luncheon will be in half an hour, Miss Nott. Lord Crampton asks that you and his nieces join him. I’ll return shortly to bring you downstairs.”
A maid entered and the housekeeper added, “Ah, here’s your hot water to freshen up.”
Charlotte removed her hat and gloves and washed her face and hands. She was a little uncomfortable, being treated more as a guest than the family governess, but she wouldn’t dampen the girls’ spirits. Already, they seemed to have a burden lifted from them. She knew this brief respite from Gray Manor would be good for them.
Luncheon consisted of roasted chicken and vegetables, with a toffee pudding to end the meal. Charlotte had to ask Harriet not to dip her finger into the bowl.
“But I’m trying to get every last bit, Miss Nott. It’s so good,” she protested.
“Good manners mean using a spoon to eat your pudding, my lady. No fingers.”
The girl looked to her uncle in hopes he might be on her side.
“Miss Nott is always correct, Harriet. Haven’t you learned that by now?”
“Could we have toffee pudding again while we’re here?” she pleaded.
“I’ll tell Mrs. Purcell how fond you are of it. I’m sure that can be arranged,” Charlotte said.
“I hope you’ve saved room for something special,” Gray told his niece, his eyes twinkling. “No trip to London is complete unless you’ve gone to Gunter’s for an ice.”
A lump formed in Charlotte’s throat. Her father had always taken her to the shop bearing the pineapple sign outside it. Gunter’s had been their favorite place to visit.
“Even though the day is cold, there’s no wind to speak of,” Gray continued. “I thought we could ride in the barouche and see the city’s sights.” He looked to her. “What do you think, Miss Nott?”
“I think the young ladies would enjoy that quite a bit. Maybe the trip to Gunter’s could occur at the end of the tour.”
“A splendid idea. I’ll let our driver know and have Mrs. Purcell locate plenty of lap blankets to keep us warm.”
Half an hour later, they were seated in the barouche, piled with blankets. Gray sat next to Charlotte, their bodies touching from their shoulders to their calves, heat from him more than enough to keep her warm. He slipped one hand underneath the blankets and wrapped his hand around hers. Even through both of their gloves, she sensed the spark between them. They rode through the city as he pointed out various places, telling the girls they would visit some of them during the upcoming week.
As promised, the last stop was Gunter’s. Usually, Charlotte had been to the sweet shop in much warmer weather and she and her father had eaten their ices from their carriage. This time, Gray escorted them inside and the four of them enjoyed ices and biscuits at a small table.
After her first bite, Harriet declared, “This is better than toffee pudding!” and then added, “But I’d still like more of that, too.”
They returned to the townhouse and though Charlotte had suggested they suspend lessons this week, Gray asked if they could do their usual reading hour. His nieces readily agreed and he led them into the library, where a cheery fire burned in the grate.
“Let me find something,” he said, going to skim the shelves.
Charlotte sat on a settee and Harriet plopped close to her. Gray returned with a book and took the place on her left. Jane scrambled into his lap and wiggled around, trying to get comfortable. She pushed against his pockets.
“Watch out, Jane,” he said, pulling a paper from his pocket. “You might crush one of my prized possessions.”
“What’s that, Uncle Gray?” she asked.
He unfolded it. “You should recognize it.”
Her eyes lit with pleasure. “It’s one of my drawings. Why is it in your pocket?”
“Because I always carry it with me. To remind me of you.” He smiled at her fondly.
Charlotte could see that the page had been folded and refolded many times. She wondered if he’d
looked at it each day he’d been in London, separated from the children. Warmth spread through her, seeing how touched Jane was.
And melted her own heart.
This was a good man. He was trying his best to do right by his nieces. He would become the father they never had. It also strengthened her resolve to leave soon so the three could get on with creating a life together.
All four of them read aloud, the girls first so Gray could hear how they were doing, then he said he wanted to read to them. His voice was deep and clear and mesmerized his nieces, not to mention Charlotte herself. Then he passed the book to her.
“Your turn, Miss Nott.”
She took the volume and picked up where he left off, reading until the end of the chapter. As the clock struck six, she closed the book.
“It’s time to see to your supper,” she told them.
Mr. Roy entered the library. “Mrs. Purcell has asked that the young ladies come and eat. Betsy will supervise them.”
They rose from their seats, Charlotte with them.
“I was hoping you might dine with me tonight, Miss Nott,” Gray said, his face serious but his eyes dancing with mischief.
By now, the girls had left the room with Mr. Roy.
“Lord Crampton, I think—”
He took her wrists and pulled her back to the seat she’d just vacated. “That’s your problem. You think far too much.”
His hands cupped her face. “Although thinking can be good. I’ve thought about this all day.”
He lowered his lips to hers and it was as if a powder keg exploded.
Charlotte surrendered to the kiss, reveling in his taste and touch. When he finally broke it, he said, “You will dine with me.”
Rising, he took her hand and helped her to her feet. They moved to the small dining room where they’d eaten luncheon with the girls. The meal was as delicious as the first had been and Gray was in a good mood, talking about his friends Burke and Reid and sharing some of their antics growing up. When dinner ended, he asked if she would accompany him to the drawing room and she agreed, reluctant to part from him.
He poured himself a brandy and asked what she might like.
“Brandy,” she told him, remembering how she loved the taste of it on his tongue.
They sat side by side, sipping their drinks, a congenial silence between them.
Then Gray asked, “Would you play for me, Charlotte?”
“If you’d like.”
“I would. Very much so.”
She went to the pianoforte and sat, deciding to play Beethoven for him because she found it soothing. As usual, Charlotte lost herself in the music, forgetting he was even there—until Gray came to stand behind her, placing his hands lightly on her shoulders.
She finished the piece, having to use all her concentration to make sure her fingers hit the correct keys. She placed her hands in her lap and gazed up at him.
Gray sat on the bench beside her, his back to the instrument. One arm encircled her waist.
“That’s was lovely,” he said softly. “You are lovely.”
She knew he was going to kiss her and opened to him the minute his lips touched hers. His other arm went around her and they kissed for a long time.
“Will you come to my bed now?” he asked.
Charlotte shouldn’t but she knew she’d most likely have a new post within the next few days. Telling him she was leaving and the fallout she expected wasn’t something she looked forward to. Gray was a man used to getting his own way.
She decided tonight would be their final time together and that she would enjoy every minute of it.
Placing her palm against his cheek, Charlotte said without hesitation, “Why don’t you come to mine?”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Gray accompanied Charlotte to her bedchamber. He’d made sure she’d been given one far away from his nieces for this very reason. He’d spoken to Betsy and told her that Miss Nott had been working very hard lately and she deserved a bit of a holiday. The servant agreed with him completely and said she would bathe and dress the girls and supervise them in order to give Miss Nott some much needed relief.
Charlotte opened the door and breezed in. Everything she did was with grace and assurance. He quickly closed the door behind him and came to her before she turned, wrapping his arms about her and pulling her against him. His lips found the nape of her long, elegant neck and he kissed it tenderly. She shuddered against him and Gray sensed the depth of emotion running through her.
He turned her to face him and his mouth was drawn to hers. He could kiss this woman until the end of time and it would never be long enough. Her arms looped around his neck and she pressed her body against his.
Gray deepened the kiss, ravishing her mouth now, already growing hard and longing to be inside her. Her fingers tugged on the hair along the nape of his neck while his pushed into hers. Pins spilled everywhere as he combed his fingers through her luxuriant, thick hair.
“I want you,” he murmured against her lips and dragged his own down to her throat. Her pulse pounded violently there and he licked it, matching the rhythm it beat to.
Charlotte whimpered, the sound increasing his desire to please her. To make her his. Always. He scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed, which a maid had already turned back. Placing her on it, he stepped back and stripped off his clothes as quickly as he could. He enjoyed watching her watch him do this, her eyes dilating with desire.
She pushed up on one elbow when he’d finished, arching one eyebrow.
“Care to help me do the same, my lord?” she said suggestively.
“You little minx,” he growled and grabbed her wrists, pulling her from the bed and kissing her long and hard.
Her hand came between them and began stroking his erection.
“Not yet,” he said. “I want to see to you first.”
Nimbly, he removed her layers of clothing until she stood naked before him. Not shy as he’d thought the governess in her would be. Instead, Charlotte was all woman and proud of it.
His arms enveloped her and he kissed her until her lips were swollen. Releasing her, he playfully pushed her back onto the bed and she laughed after hitting the mattress. Gray climbed onto it, his body hovering over hers, and then bent and took her breast into his mouth.
He explored her leisurely, not leaving anyplace untouched, until she panted beneath him, begging for him to enter her.
“Remember, it won’t hurt,” he reminded her.
“I wouldn’t care if it did. Just hurry,” she implored.
He pushed inside her until he was completely sheathed by her body. Charlotte gasped, her nails digging into him. Slowly, he withdrew and surged forward again, enjoying the noises coming from the back of her throat. As before, they found a rhythm—their rhythm—and the ritual of lovemaking seemed something they had invented. Their secret. Their joy.
They reached their climaxes at the same time and he kept himself from roaring in triumph. This woman was his. Now. Forever. Always.
He rolled to his back and brought her with him. She sprawled atop him, totally spent. Her breathing evened out and he knew she dozed.
He gave her an hour. The only thing that kept him from awakening her was enjoying the feel of her against him. He stroked her back, the skin like velvet beneath his fingertips.
Finally, he could wait no longer and began kissing her shoulder, nibbling and licking as he went. Charlotte stirred and the fire lit between them again. This time he took her, hard and fast, and it was over quickly.
When it ended, he cradled her in his arms. “Was I too rough?”
Her throaty laugh caused him to relax. “Not at all. It was different. But I liked it. Very much.” She raised her head and smiled at him.
Gray pushed her head back down to his chest. “Sleep,” he ordered.
Twice more during the night he awakened her to make love to her. Each time was different yet special. When dawn approached, he rose and dressed as s
he watched.
He came to sit on the bed and kissed her again. “Thank you.”
“I should thank you,” she replied, her fingers joining with his.
“I hope we have enough stamina today for two very active girls.”
“Gray, I think you should spend the day with them. Alone.”
“Alone?”
“Yes. They need attention from you. I think it would be special if they had a day with their uncle all to themselves. Harriet, especially, would thrive having quality time with you.”
“I’m not sure I can handle the two of them without you,” he admitted.
“Major Grayson, you had how many men under you? I don’t think two small girls will be a problem.”
“Soldiers are one thing. Young, unruly nieces are something entirely different.”
“You’ll be fine,” she told him.
“What will you do?”
“I have a distant cousin in the city that I haven’t seen for some time. I may call on her. Or I may see about having a new gown made up.”
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Your wardrobe is atrocious. It hides all of your luscious curves.”
“It’s fitting for a governess,” she said primly. “I’m not a part of the ton. I dress for my station in life.”
Gray kissed her hand again, anxious for the day he could dress her as his countess.
“At least come to breakfast with me and the girls,” he urged.
“All right.”
Gray went to the door. She looked so appealing, the sheet drawn to her waist, her full breasts exposed, her hair tumbled about her. It took all his willpower not to return to the bed and love her again.
“I’ll see you in a few hours.”
He returned to his own suite. He would spend today with his nieces and when they arrived back at the townhouse, he would speak with Charlotte about their future as man and wife.
*
Charlotte breakfasted with Gray and the girls and he told her they would return by five o’clock so they could all read together again. She went to her room after eating to retrieve her cloak, hat, and reticule. A maid was about to make up the bed.
“Here, let me help you.”
