Page 59 of The Defiant Governess
When neither of them answered, Avanlea cleared his throat. “It appears that Jane has spent the last number of months as governess to Lord Saybrook’s ward.”
“Good Lord,” breathed Thomas, looking at his sister in astonishment.
“Representing herself as Jane Langley, a farmer’s daughter, I might add.” The duke looked reprovingly at his daughter. “Most unfair of you, missy. Do you realize what a potentially disastrous position you placed the marquess in?”
She looked at him, startled.
“Why,” continued her father, “if the merest whisper had gotten out, His Lordship, as a gentleman, would have been forced to offer for you, regardless of his feelings in the matter.”
“I … I hadn’t thought of that.”
“Not to speak of your own reputation!” Avanlea turned to Saybrook, who had turned a shade paler at the duke’s words. “I beg your forgiveness for my daughter’s reckless actions. I trustyou will agree with me that it is best that this matter go no farther than this table.”
“Of course. You have my word,” said Saybrook.
The duke nodded. “And you mine,” he added pointedly.
Thomas in the meantime had recovered from his initial shock. “A governess,” he chuckled, ignoring the pleading look from his sister. “Willful, stubborn, impatient, opinionated—I can hardly credit that my dear sister wasn’t more trouble than her charge! You don’t mean to tell me that she actually obeyed orders without a scene?”
The duke noticed that for the first time a smile, a very faint one, came to the marquess’s lips. “Well,” he replied softly, “if you discount the time she threatened to take a horsewhip to me …”
“She didn’t!”
Jane’s face was nearly crimson as Saybrook nodded in assent. “Indeed, she did.”
“Good Lord! And you didn’t turn her out immediately?” Thomas looked at him in puzzlement. “Why?”
“She was right. I had behaved abominably towards a child, my ward. I do not turn out my people for speaking the truth—though I did request that she express her future opinions of my conduct in a more moderate fashion.” There was a slight pause. “And she was an excellent governess—kind, generous, patient and understanding.”
“But what of the times she wasn’t right? I know my sister well enough to know she isn’t always right.”
“There were numerous differences of opinion that demanded discussion. However, I only had to send her to her room on one occasion.”
Thomas let out a shout of laughter
Jane’s face was even redder.
Her brother then shook his head in admiration. “You must have the patience of Jove, given my sister’s fiery temper.”
“I believe Lady Jane would not care to repeat several of the epithets she used while in the heat of the moment,” answered Saybrook dryly. “The words would not have led one to believe she was a Lady of Quality.”
Thomas’s grin grew wider. “I’m afraid I’m well acquainted with my sister’s vocabulary.”
Jane lifted her chin. “I should hope I am as fair-minded as Lord Saybrook. I acknowledge that I wasn’t always right.”
The duke decided it was time to change the subject. “I hope, Saybrook, we shall have the pleasure of your company for an extended visit. I look forward to meeting the young lad who has occupied so much of my daughter’s attention for the past months.”
Saybrook shook his head. “I think not. It would be best if we leave in the morning now that there is no need to see to my former governess’s welfare.”
“Surely not!” interrupted the duke. “I’m certain it would do your injury no good to travel again so soon, and I can see that my daughter would be bitterly disappointed in not being able to spend some time with the boy.”
Before Saybrook could speak, Avanlea quickly added, “You see, we have a ball planned for my niece and are in dire need of all the gentlemen we can muster. I would take it as a great favor if you would at least stay until then.”
“I …”
“Please, sir.” Jane’s voice was nearly inaudible.
The turmoil was evident on Saybrook’s face. “I …”
