Page 21 of The Defiant Governess
“For Peter’s sake, yes,” she replied. “But I shall not accept a single penny more than what Mrs. Fairchild offered when she hired me.”
“Suit yourself.”
All vows of curbing her tongue went flying out the window. “If I didn’t feel that the poor child needs someone to show him a little warmth and affection, don’t think for a moment that I would remain here.”
“Another reminder of how sadly my character is lacking? How kind of you to inform me,” remarked Saybrook, his voice heavy with sarcasm. “Pray, might I request that the next time you feel obliged to inform me of my countless defects in character you choose to do it in a private manner such as this.” He had not raised his tone, but his voice was taut with barely controlled anger.
Jane could think of nothing to say. Part of her was furious at his high-handed manner, while part of her acknowledged his right to be angered and humiliated by her actions at the fair. And part of her was happy that she didn’t have to leave Highwood.
“Am I excused, my lord?”
“Indeed you are not,” he muttered. “But yes, you may go.”
She hurried through the door, letting it shut with something suspiciously like a slam.
Saybrook swore under his breath and downed the contents of his glass in a single swallow.
“You had best keepan eye on your King’s knight,” cautioned Jane.
Peter looked up at her quickly, an accusing look breaking his mask of concentration. “I was going to move it,” he said. “Tothere.” His small fingers grasped the ivory figure and placed it near her Queen.
Jane frowned in mock consternation. “I seem to be in the suds now, Peter. You have gotten quite good at this.”
The boy grinned as she pondered how to allow him to checkmate her without being too obvious … and then suddenly she was aware of a shadow falling over her.
“Uncle Edward! I have Miss Jane in check,” announced Peter.
Saybrook surveyed the board. He was still dressed formally in black, but his cravat had been loosened, giving him a more informal look, and his hands were thrust into his jacket pockets.
“Indeed you have. And your response, Miss Langley?”
Jane moved a Pawn. It was a clever piece of thinking which gave the boy a victory only if he was advanced enough to see it.
Saybrook’s face remained impassive at her move, but he watched Peter intently. The boy studied the board carefully, taking his time. When he made to advance his Bishop, he hesitated, almost making the wrong move, then quickly corrected himself and placed it on a different square.
“Check!”
“Mate,” added the marquess softly. “Well done, lad.” He smiled faintly at the boy, who beamed with pleasure.
Jane tipped her King over in defeat. “And now young man, I think it’s well past your bedtime.”
For a moment, it looked as if Peter might try to argue, but then his face brightened. “Oh, very well. I want to hear what happens to Galahad.”
Saybrook cocked an eyebrow at Jane. “Galahad?”
“We are reading King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, milord,” she replied as she rose from her chair. “I trust you do not disapprove—it was in the schoolroom library.”
“I am familiar with it,” he remarked dryly. “Illiteracy is not one of my faults.”
Jane flushed.
Turning back to the boy, he asked,” Does Miss Langley read to you every night?”
“Oh yes. It is very exciting. There is jousting and swordplay and Sir Galahad was very brave, but he was hurt and … would you like to listen too?”
Saybrook looked surprised.
“Peter,” said Jane softly. “I’m sure His Lordship has more important …”
