Page 60 of A Governess' Unbridled Passion
As they left the dance floor, they celebrated how they’d fooled everyone. Phillip led her outdoors; his gloom now turned to pure joy. Arriving on the stone veranda, Miss Alice let out a light laugh.
“I did it,” she said, removing the full-length gloves from her arms. “Thank you, Lord Phillip; if not for you, I would still be dithering in there.”
“Come, let us take a stroll. The oil lamps have been lit along the pathway,” he suggested, not wanting to let her go. “That was a brave move, Alice, and I am thankful I found you, even if only to share a dance with you.”
“It is I who should thank you, Lord Phillip,” she said shyly. “I have achieved what I set out to do.”
They passed by another couple, each bowing their heads in acknowledgment to the others.
Once they were clear of prying eyes, Phillip asked, “And what was it you set out to achieve?”
Miss Alice stopped and looked at him. He could see her blue eyes twinkling in the silvery moonlight through her mask.
“I wanted to dance with you,” she admitted, giving him a wonderful smile of satisfaction. “Now I have achieved that and will be leaving the ball.”
“No, please, Alice, stay with me,” he pleaded. “Until I found you, the ball was so very dreary. And then you appear, and suddenly, I am enjoying myself.”
Miss Alice took up the pace again, strolling along the lighted pathway. He followed, watching her as she looked up at the moon.
“I must say, that once I had your attention, my nerves began to settle,” she told him, still staring at the black sky. “I do love the night sky, especially when it is clear enough to see the twinkling stars.”
Phillip wanted to get up closer, but he knew they might be seen, not that it bothered him, but he must also be sensitive to Miss Alice’s wishes.
“I do wish I could kiss you right here and now,” he said softly, looking up at the dark sky.
“Yes, that would be the icing on the cake, would it not?” she agreed, turning his way.
“Ah, Lord Phillip, there you are!” a familiar voice called out, and he could see Lady Davina heading his way.
“Oh, Lord no!” Miss Alice whispered between her teeth.
“Stay calm and tell yourself she has no idea who you are, not with that mask covering your face,” he assured her. Before he turned to acknowledge Lady Davina, he brushed his hand over Miss Alice’s back, hoping the contact would help soothe her nerves.
“Lady Davina?” he questioned, turning away from Miss Alice. Phillip took a few strides away from her so his stepsister wouldn’t get too close. “What is it that you need now?”
As it happened, Lady Davina showed no interest in the woman he was strolling around the garden with.
“It is time we showed ourselves to the guests,” Lady Davina told him rather than asked. “I insist that we be seen together.”
That was the last thing he wanted, and nor did he want to bend to her every demand. “As you can see, I am otherwise engaged at present. A later time would be more convenient.”
For the first time, Lady Davina glanced at the woman he was walking with, and he felt a need to distract her. He took her arm and led her away from Miss Alice, speaking quietly to his stepsister.
“If you make such demands in front of the guests, it will not go down well,” he told her. “Whatever your devious little plan is, surely you do not wish to make yourself look foolish to our guests?”
His stepsister looked down at the ground and nodded. “Do not think you have won this war, brother dear,” she chided him, looking angry. “You might be wooing the ladies, but I am not fooled. You will give me what I should have had years ago, and I will not leave your life until I am richly compensated.”
He bowed his head, not answering. “Do you mind? I must return the lady to the ballroom.”
Again, she glanced at his companion, and it relieved him that she seemed to have no idea who she was.
“I will have your full attention after the ball, of that I can assure you,” Lady Davina spat at him before swiftly turning and marching away.
Phillip watched her leave, ensuring she was well away before returning his attention to Miss Alice.
“See how well your disguise fools everyone,” he stated to Miss Alice, taking her elbow to guide her back to the house. “You are a brave one, Alice. No wonder I am madly in love with you.”
“I only feel brave when I am with you, Lord Phillip,” she quivered. “I thought for a moment I would flee, but you led her away from me, and I knew you were protecting my identity.”
