Page 57 of The Defiant Governess
Avanlea made as if to speak, then caught himself. “Go on,” was all he uttered,
“Miss Langley has told me that one of the reasons she went into service was that her father meant to force her into a match she did not want.” Saybrook fixed a cool look on the duke. “I am sure that, for the sake of your daughter and her feelings, you would not wish such a thing. I would like to ask you to speak to her father. As we both know, the influence of a title can be most persuasive.”
The duke stared at him mutely.
“I would also like your assistance in contriving to make a settlement on Jane so that she does not have to go into service again,” went on Saybrook. “She is too spirited a girl to have to endure that.”
“On that, you are quite right,” whispered the duke. He eyed Saybrook sharply. It was a stare that normally intimidated the person under scrutiny, but the marquess looked back at him with perfect composure. “Sir,” he barked suddenly. “Why such interest in a governess? Have you bedded the girl and now wish to buy the family’s silence?”
Saybrook went pale, but replied calmly. “A gentleman does not discuss a lady’s reputation with another man.”
Avanlea’s eyes flashed angrily, and to Saybrook there was an odd familiarity. “What the Devil,” he began, then trailed off.“I cannot argue with you on that account, sir,” he continued ruefully. “But you must understand that I have … fatherly feelings for Jane. I am most concerned for her well-being.”
“I understand, Your Grace.” Saybrook looked at him unwaveringly. “In light of that, let me only say that a father would have no cause for concern.”
A sigh of relief escaped the duke’s lips.
“I would also ask your leave to speak with Miss Langley.” In answer to the duke’s questioning look he added, “It is only proper that I seek to inform you as to my intentions regarding someone on your estate.”
“But not my permission?” Avanlea permitted himself a slight smile. He rather liked the cool demeanor and quiet purpose of the gentleman before him. A strength of character was certainly evident—and he appeared neither dissolute nor a rake.
Saybrook merely inclined his head slightly but remained silent.
Another question occurred to the duke. “Why did Miss Langley leave your employ?”
A long silence followed. “That is something that concerns only Miss Langley and myself, Your Grace.”
The duke leaned back in his chair and gazed out the library window, deep in thought. “I shall arrange for you to see Jane,” he finally announced. “In the meantime, I invite you to pass the night here. You must be weary from your journey, and my son and daughter would be happy to have another face at dinner, I’m sure.”
Saybrook bowed. “I thank Your Grace, but I do not wish to impose any further. You see, my ward is accompanying me.”
“How old is your ward?”
“Eight years old.”
“Rather odd,” remarked Avanlea.
“Peter has been taking Miss Langley’s departure hard. He is quite attached to her. Given the circumstances, it would have been rather heartless to abandon him. Until recently I have spent little time at my estate, and he feared I was leaving him, too.”
Again the duke was struck by Saybrook’s sentiments. They were hardly those of a libertine or jaded buck.
“The nursery here is quite cheerful, and one of my kitchen maids is quite used to helping out with my niece’s brood when they visit. She would be quite happy to see to your ward’s needs.”
Saybrook took a deep breath. His side was beginning to ache something fierce, and for a moment he felt a wave of dizziness,
“Are you alright, sir?” Avanlea rose in concern.
Saybrook held up his hand. “It is nothing. A recent accident has left me a trifle weak at times.”
“In that case, I won’t hear of your leaving,” broke in the duke as he rang for his butler.
Saybrook steadied himself with the back of a chair. “Thank you, sir. Perhaps it would be best if I take advantage of your generous offer.”
The duke gave the necessary instructions to Grimsley, then turned back to Saybrook. “I hope you do not mind that we keep country hours here at Avanlea. Please join us at six in the drawing room for a glass of sherry before we go in to dine.”
Saybrook bowed and followed the butler from the room.
Avanlea seated himself once more and stared at the closed door, his hands steepled before him on the massive desk. He considered himself a shrewd judge of character and there was much that impressed—and intrigued—him about the Marquess of Saybrook. The fellow seemed to possess a will as strong as his own!
