Page 25 of The Iron Duke's Flaming Christmas
At least you are not approaching her. You are leaving her well alone. That is progress.
“The new governess is very… spirited,” he continued, with a rueful grin. He stared at his friend. “She reminds me of Mary in that way.”
Thomas looked stunned. “Really? She sounds like a very interesting character, if she has won your approval so quickly! You usually despise the governesses, saying they are spineless, lackluster creatures, who Lenore wipes her boots upon!”
Ian grimaced, reddening more. Perhaps he had been a shade over critical about the past governesses. Or perhaps Miss Bomind was just very exceptional. It was like comparing chalk to cheese. And the most amazing thing about it was the fact she didn’t even have any formal tutoring experience at all.
“I believe that Miss Bomind is a natural born teacher,” said Ian. “There is no other accounting for her remarkable progress with Lenore in such a short amount of time.”
“You sound very impressed, Trenton,” said Thomas, with an arched smile. “I have never heard you talk in such a rapturous way about a woman since… well, since Mary.”
Ian gave a bark of laughter, feeling embarrassed. He turned and stared into the fire, not knowing what to say to his friend. Clearly, he had let his tongue run away. He shifted in his chair, mortified beyond measure.
“Do not be ashamed of it, my friend,” said Thomas, in a gentle voice. “I think it is utterly splendid to hear you talk in such a way. You usually do not speak of your feelings at all. You have completely closed yourself down since Mary’s passing.” Hesmiled slowly. “They do not call you the Iron Duke for nothing, you know.”
Ian scowled turning toward his friend. “I know what they call me,” he said, smiling slightly. “And I know what they say about me behind my back.” His face sobered. “Maybe I like things the way that they are… and it is probably a good thing if people fear me, Redford.”
Thomas looked askance, shaking his head. “No, Trenton. Closing yourself down is not good. It never has been.” He hesitated. “And if this new governess lets a little bit of light into your heart again… well, is that a bad thing?”
There was a tense silence. Ian’s heart was racing. Quickly, he stood up, gazing with unseeing eyes into the fire for a moment, making certain his face was composed before he turned back to his friend.
“It would most certainly be a bad thing,” he said, in a crisp voice. “She is a governess, Redford. I am a duke. Enough said.” He paused. “Now, to business matters. How goes it in London?”
***
“Oh, it is so good to see you, Emma,” cried Selene, gripping her best friend’s hands and squeezing them. “And you have the honor of being my very first caller since I became governess at Trenton House.”
Emma gave a light laugh, reaching out and kissing Selene’s cheek. “I accept the honor… and it is wonderful to see you as well, dearest.”
They sat down at the table in the kitchen. Mrs. Kittles had very kindly ordered tea for Selene and her visitor, along with some thick slices of seed cake. The housekeeper had taken Lady Lenore for a walk while Selene spoke with Emma.
Emma gazed around the kitchen, looking rather boggle eyed, while Selene poured the tea.
“It is enormous,” stated her friend emphatically. “And so very busy. Being here is rather like seeing the inner workings of a well-oiled machine.” She turned to Selene, smiling widely, as she removed her gloves. “How are you? How is the new position?”
“It is… challenging,” admitted Selene, passing a cup of tea to her friend. “Lady Lenore is as spirited as they say. She is rather like a bee in a bottle—trying to keep her still long enough to focus on her lessons is hard work.” She took a deep breath. “But she is also clever, and curious… and I think she likes me, so that is a great start.”
“Well, if anyone can tame that child, it is you, dearest,” declared Emma, nibbling on a slice of seed cake. “You are very resourceful and clever, yourself. I think your forthrightness is just the thing that the young lady needs.”
Selene felt a flush of pleasure at the praise. “I hope so. I can only do my best and hold fast to my beliefs in what is the best way forward for her.” She hesitated. “The hardest thing, really, is dealing with her father. He can be quite intimidating—his moniker is well earned, indeed.”
“Has the Iron Duke growled at you a lot?” whispered Emma, her eyes widening again. “Has he been very stern with you?”
Selene reddened, thinking of what had actually been happening between her and the duke. The testy fire between them, unlike anything she had ever encountered, that made her insides melt. The fiery kiss they had shared in the library… and how they had almost kissed again. If she hadn’t turned and fled, she knew it would have happened.
She blinked rapidly. Could she confide in Emma? Would her best friend be shocked and appalled… or would she give her some much-needed counsel?
“He has been very stern with me,” she replied eventually, taking a quick sip of her tea. “He has very strong, rather outmoded ideas about education, and we have clashed a few times about how to educate his daughter.”
Emma nodded. “That is not surprising.”
Selene hesitated, before continuing. “But… he is also very dedicated in his duties to the duchy and takes great pride in fulfilling them,” she said slowly. “I believe he truly wants to do the best for Lady Lenore and the estate… he simply struggles with being approachable.”
“I think he is a good man who has been devastated by tragedy,” said Emma, wide eyed. “That is what I think.” Her face turned pensive. “You know, this house needs a bit of light and frivolity… it needs the festive spirit. You should really try to persuade the duke to allow some Christmas decorations. It would greatly help him and his daughter.”
Selene gave a bark of incredulous laughter. “That is not likely, Emma. He despises Christmas. He sent the carolers packing. It devastated Lady Lenore.”
“You should still try,” urged Emma. “It cannot hurt to try.”
