Page 29 of The Defiant Governess
“Milord, you play beautifully!” she exclaimed. “I never would have expected that a gentleman …” Her voice faltered.
“That a gentleman would play the piano?” he finished. His lips compressed in an expression of bitterness. “Yes, I know. It is not considered manly—as my father told me on countless occasions.”
“But you have a real gift!” Impulsively she covered his left hand, which still rested on the keys, with her own. Somehow, she wanted to brush away the hurt she saw in him. “As if anyone could question your …”
Flustered, Jane abruptly fell silent.What in heaven’s name was she doing?She snatched away her hand, covering her embarrassment with a cough, before continuing. “I must be getting back, sir. Mrs. Fairchild must be wondering what’s become of me.”
Saybrook was staring at her with an unfathomable look on his face. As she tried to rise, his hand grasped her firmly by the elbow.
“I really must go, milord,” she whispered, not daring to meet his eyes.
“Enough of me,” he said. “It isyou, Miss Langley, I wish to discuss. Such as where you learned to play like that.”
“I … I told you. I was educated with a squire’s daughter.”
His grip tightened. “Do you take me for a gudgeon? What country squire has a music master such as that? What’s his name? Where does he live?”
“It is none of your concern!” she cried.
“Indeed it is! You are employed to look after my ward. I have every right to know your background.”
Jane’s mind was a blur of panic. All the carefully rehearsed lines were forgotten in the face of his steely gaze. Desperately she sought for something to say. All she could think of was the truth.
“Please sir, I cannot tell you that.” To her consternation, she felt tears in her eyes. “I assure you there is nothing in my background that would make me unfit to be Peter’s governess. It’s just that ….” She paused, wondering whether to go on. Saybrook’s eyes had never left her and she knew he would demand more. “You see, I’ve run away from my father. I would prefer it if no one knows where I am from. I feel safer that way.”
“Why?”
Jane took a deep breath. “He wished to force me into a marriage that I did not want.”
Saybrook’s hand slipped from her arm. She was surprised to see his brow furrow and a look of pain cross his features. “One should be free to marry whom one chooses,” he said slowly.
Though Jane was free from his grasp she made no move to leave. “That is a strange opinion for you to hold, sir. I thought Society expected those of your station to marry for … pragmatic reasons.
He gave a bitter laugh. “You are correct. But that doesn’t make it right.”
She looked at him with sudden understanding. “You don’t like having to do what’s expected of you.”
This time his laugh was real. “And neither, Miss Langley, do you.”
There was a moment of silence.
“Perhaps I could speak to your father for you.”
Jane’s eyes widened in amazement at the offer. The idea was nothing short of intriguing—it would be an interestingconfrontation. However, she merely shook her head. “You don’t know my father.”
“And you, perhaps, do not realize how persuasive a title can be.”
Jane repressed a small smile. “I’m not sure it would matter in this case. But I thank you for your generous offer. It is truly most kind of you.”
“You have only to ask if you reconsider.”
This time he made no move to stop her as she rose. However, he thrust his handkerchief in her hand. “Wipe your eyes before you go back. I am sorry for upsetting you. I shall not press you further on the matter.” he said rather gently. “And please feel free to come play whenever you wish.”
As Jane reached the door, she turned. “Sir, would it be alright with you if I teach Peter to play?”
Saybrook looked startled for a moment, then gave a nod. “If he wishes.”
“I think it would be a splendid idea. And perhaps you might help him, too.” She didn’t miss the spark of interest that flashed in his eyes. “I know you must have many more pressing matters to attend to since you spend so much of your time locked away in your library. But perhaps you could spare an odd moment or two. I know Peter would be in alt if you did.”
