Page 24 of The Viscount's Daring Cinderella
That was fair enough. He did not expect her to work every day.
“Agreed.” All he could think about was the fact that he agreed there would be no kissing because he quite enjoyed it. This was not going to be easy. He sighed. How the hell was he going to stick with it?
CHAPTER 9
Bowden Park, Buckinghamshire
Inexplicably, Beryl had allowed Lord Bowden to kiss her. In hindsight it was utterly reckless and ruinous, but also wonderful. The very memory of the kiss caused her heart to beat erratically, and a crackling liveliness surged through her veins. She may like the touch of his lips and his taste, but this would be the last time. She meant it.No more kissing.
She was already in a vulnerable position, and she could not afford to be careless. As a governess, Beryl must be gentle, modest, reserved, and dignified. Modesty and dignified reserve did not provide enough of a deterrent to some unscrupulous gentlemen who were determined to take liberties with an unprotected lady. She was grateful that Theodore offered her protection, but she would not fall into his bed and become his lover. Even if his kisses were delightful, and he revealed himself to not only be a charming rogue, but also a gentleman who was considerate.
Beryl used the next week to pack her belongings, and they had agreed she would send word to Lord Bowden when she wasready to depart. He sent a grand carriage and footmen to escort her to Bowden Park, and Beryl was pleased to see he was treating her with this kind consideration. Beryl did not travel far since Chalfont House and Bowden Park were neighboring estates. When Beryl arrived at the viscount’s estate, she was surprised to find Lord Bowden there to greet her.
A footman helped her down, and she dipped into a curtsy. “My lord,” she greeted.
“Welcome to Bowden Park, Lady Beryl. You have arrived at an opportune moment because I was just about to run an errand on the estate. Would you like to accompany us? My steward, Mr. Fogg, will also be riding along,” Lord Bowden said.
She was curious to see more of his home. “Thank you, my lord. I will.”
“Good. I will have them arrange the horses, and you can meet me in the courtyard when you have changed.”
He spun around and disappeared with purposeful strides. The butler led Beryl upstairs in the direction of her trunks. She quickly found her riding habit and dressed. She descended the stairs and met Lord Bowden and his steward in the courtyard. Lord Bowden had made the introductions before he took them on a tour of the estate grounds. It was a pleasant day; although it was cloudy, it did not rain.
The viscount was riding slightly ahead of her, and Mr. Fogg was behind. Lord Bowden hung back as the trail widened. “I remembered you liked riding just as much as I.”
Beryl glanced at him. “Yes. It is so relaxing; how could I not?”
“When I am in London, it is what I miss most. Riding is not quite the same there.”
“I agree. I went riding whenever I got the chance, which was almost every day at Penrose Hall,” Beryl said, smiling.
“You ride well. Gracefully.”
“Thank you, my lord.” She felt the heat rise on her cheeks. Beryl did not know why she was flushing at such a simple compliment. “When we first met, I could tell you liked horses. He is a beautiful beast.”
Lord Bowden chuckled and patted his horse. “That he is.”
“If you do not mind me asking, have you told the children they will have a new governess?”
“I have, indeed.”
Beryl flashed him a smile, but she was a bit nervous about meeting them. This would be her first position as a governess, and she wanted to get it right. What if the children did not like her?
Good heavens.
What if they were absolute terrors? She had her doubts, but she certainly would not mention them to the viscount. Beryl had never particularly liked the idea of being a governess because her position was lowered, but she accepted that she had no choice. It was a new life, so it held some excitement, the unknown. Yet, she knew that she must do whatever she could so that she could gain valuable experience that she would need when she moved to another family. She would also need good references. She hoped she would be treated with respect and dignity.
What she had seen of the house and grounds so far was divine. She would enjoy exploring, so it was important for her to know she could have some time for herself.
“They are very excited to meet you.”
“As I am looking forward to meeting them,” Beryl said, glancing at his side profile. How austere he seemed. “You appear contemplative, my lord.”
A small frown creased his forehead. “Riding across the estate reminds me so much of William. He was the one who oversaw the everyday maintenance of the estate, the farm, which provides a great deal of food for the house, and any legaldisputes. I would sometimes tag along,” Lord Bowden said. “To be fair, I did not pay as much attention. It was William who would inherit the title and lands. Why did I need to bother? I need to make up for that now.”
“It is fortunate that he had you, and you shared such a bond.”
A wry smile touched his mouth. “I suppose so, although if you listen to my uncle, I am making a muck of it.”
