Page 5 of The Duke's Bride in Disguise
"He's going to find you a position as a governess."
"A governess?" Ava had echoed him in disbelief, "Only ladies are hired for that position—I am no lady."
"No," Percy had bestowed a kind smile upon her, "You are not; but Mr Hobbs feels that nobody needs to know the circumstances of your birth. Besides, apart from lineage, you are most qualified to teach children simple letters and arithmetic. They would be lucky to have you."
Gemini. Ava had flushed at Percy's compliments and hastily agreed that she would take up whatever position Mr Hobbs was able to find for her.
"And, once you have demonstrated to one family how able you are," the elderly servant had said as he left, "You shan't find it hard to find another position. You will always have a home, as a governess."
And so, Ava had waited patiently for news from Mr Hobbs for nearly a month, until finally a letter arrived instructing her to arrive at Hiddlestone Manor in Kent in a fortnight, to present herself to the Duke of Hemsworth.
Ava had immediately given Boris notice of her intention to leave, which had been met with much grumbles about ingratitude and people having ideas above their station, which she had ignored.
For nearly two weeks she had carried out her tasks with an absent mind, both excited and frightened by the prospect of a new career, nay a new life, as a governess.
"If you're quite finished dawdling, I need you to fetch Miss Edgeworth's latest and bring it to Lady Georgiana in the reading room."
Boris' dispassionate voice was the first thing that greeted Ava when she returned from emptying her bucket. Glad to have a task that, for once, did not involve a mop, Ava quickly found a copy of Castle Rackrent and made a beeline for the reading room.
Lady Georgiana was Ava's favourite customer, mostly because of her gay and friendly disposition, though the fact that she was always accompanied by her handsome Uncle—the Duke of Kilbride--also helped.
The young lady, who was seated on one of the plush chaise lounges by the fire, gave Ava a warm smile in greeting.
"My thanks," she said, as she accepted the book with a sigh of excitement, before addressing her uncle. "They have it Uncle Raff, you were right."
"Mr Hobbs' is known for holding every copy of every book in existence—even dross like that," an amused voice called from behind a newspaper.
Ava held her breath, hoping that the duke would lower the pages, so that she might catch a glimpse of his piercing blue eyes one last time. For the past year, the Duke of Kilbride had brought his niece to Mr Hobbs' once a week, and every time he entered the same room as her, Ava felt as though all the air had been sucked out of her body.
It wasn't his title, or his handsome good looks that so affected her, but rather the strange feeling that she knew him, that she understood him, heart and soul. It was, of course, complete fantasy on her part, but in the duke's soft, blue eyes Ava detected the same feeling of loss that filled her own soul and she longed to reach out and comfort him.
Imagine the duke's reaction if he knew that you, a mere servant, felt pity for him, she thought, as she gave Lady Georgiana a curtsy and made to leave the room.
"How is Mr Hobbs?"
The deep, masculine voice stopped her in her tracks, and with shaking knees Ava turned to the man who had addressed her.
"He is much better, Your Grace," she replied, her voice just a little above a whisper. "The country air suits him and, I am told, he enjoys having more free time for reading."
"Good, I am glad to hear he is well."
The paper was lowered and a set of piercing blue eyes met Ava's. The instant their eyes locked, the duke gave a frown, as though perturbed by something. Hoping that she had not been too forward in meeting his gaze, Ava lowered her eyes to the floor and was grateful when Lady Georgiana spoke again.
"I must tell Lady Emily that she might pick up a copy here too," Lady Georgiana said in reference to the book in her hands. "Oh, I am so glad that you have chosen a bride who reads as much as I do, Uncle Raff. I wouldn't have been able to stand it if you had become betrothed to some ninny-headed twit."
"Indeed," the duke replied, though his gaze still lingered curiously upon Ava.
"Do you have a second copy?" Lady Georgiana enquired of Ava, who, grateful for the excuse to leave, replied that she would go and check.
Silly girl, she chided herself as she raced outside to find Philip, to look a duke so obstinately in the eye. What did you imagine—that his eyes would meet yours and he would instantly feel the same connection as you? You're lucky he did not call for Mr Hobbs and have you ejected!
Too nervous to return to the reading room, Ava implored Philip to go and tell her ladyship that there was, indeed, a second copy of Castle Rackrent, and that they would hold it for Lady Emily. Then, lest Boris took it upon himself to give her another task, Ava hastily reached for her mop and began to clean the floor by the doorway, which once again was covered in rainwater.
The duke and his niece must have left in the few minutes in which Ava had retreated to the alleyway to empty her bucket of water, for, as she passed the reading room, she did not spy him there. She quashed her feeling of disappointment, arguing pragmatically with herself that there was no point in mooning over a man like the Duke of Kilbride, for he would never fall in love with as lowly as she—no matter how much she felt she understood him.
