Page 29 of The Enigmatic Governess of Buford Manor
“Last year, Harry grew quite upset with me on our toboggan trip.”
“Why?”
“He claimed that it wasn’t the same as when he went with his parents because his mother was missing, and he did not want to do this again.”
The words pierced through Rose like a quick-bladed cleaver.
Lord Buford has been trying to be their father in any way he can, but he cannot be their mother too. That is why he is asking me to accompany them.
She did not know for whom she ached more, Harry who missed his mother or Lord Buford who attempted to alleviate the pain that the children felt.
“So, you see why I have come to you with this rueful expression on my face and ask for your help?”
“Yes,” Rose breathed, her pulse racing at the injustice of it all.
“I understand that you find this odd, but I assure you, it is for the children.”
“Of course. Forgive me, my lord, of course I would be overjoyed to come. Thank you for extending the invitation.”
“Thank you, Miss Rose!”
He spun back, a relieved look on his handsome features as he pulled the door open.
“We will leave after services on Sunday,” he explained again, and she nodded, watching as he stepped over the threshold.
Just minutes ago, I thought he might be here to attack me. Now he leaves me with my heart thudding with compassion.
“Miss Rose,” Lord Buford called, abruptly spinning back around to look at her speculatively.
“Yes, my lord?”
“You are a vision in coral,” he replied, smiling disarmingly before vanishing into the shadows of the corridor. Rose stared after him for the longest moment, willing her heart to beat normally once more.
Slowly, she closed the cumbersome door, pulling her skirt up to hurry through the bedchambers. She slipped off her dress quickly, casting it aside on the bed before sitting at the writing desk, donning only her corset and drawers. Suddenly she knew precisely what she wanted to say to the Boyles, and she did not wish to blot ink on her fine dress.
After all, I am a vision in coral,she chuckled to herself.
Chapter 10
Nicholas was already quite late for church that Sunday morn when the Duke and Duchess left him behind in his tardiness to join them at his leisure. Nicholas knew it was not truly at his leisure for his mother was discontent and made no secret about it.
Yet it was not Nicholas’ fault per se. He’d had a terrible time putting his mind to rest as he prepared for the day ahead. To say he was excited was putting it mildly. The tobogganing excursions with his cousins were the brightest aspect of the yule season since the Arlingtons had arrived at Rosecliff. He had not realized that he had grown so attached to the event and the pleasure it seemed to bring them.
Before Betsey and Harry had arrived, the Duchess had explained the importance of maintaining some semblance of normalcy in the household, despite the glaring differences the children faced under the Frampton’s roof. It had not occurred to Nicholas at the time, but the more he considered what his cousins had endured, the more he saw how important his mother’s words were.
I cannot fathom being so young and losing not only one, but both of my parents,he oft thought, staring at the siblings with admiration. He could barely fathom the thought of losing his parents at the age of thirty and one, the thought oft keeping him awake at night. It was why he had so much admiration for his cousins. They had much to overcome and were thriving considering such an immense loss.
Nicholas liked to believe that he had a key role in their continued development by maintaining traditions like the sledding at the nearby dales and for the past three years, the snow had cooperated, ensuring for white days and red cheeks. It had not always but it was as if God knew the Arlingtons needed the snow at Christmas to feel somewhat secure.
Yet that morning, as the marquess hurried to dress himself for services, he knew he was filled with anticipation for another reason also. It would be the first opportunity he had to spend with Rose Parsons away from the silent eyes of Rosecliff.
It was not as if Nicholas felt conspicuous in his home. His life was filled with comfort after all, his parents liberal and forgiving. However, since the governess had arrived, he found himself wishing that there was more privacy in the grand estate.
What nonsense,he chided himself with exasperation.You behave as if Peter or Theodore consort with father about your comings and goings. And if they did, what of it? You have done nothing worthy of shame.
Perhaps it was the lingering thoughts in the back of his mind which occasionally sparked him with flashes of guilt. He could not deny that he found the fair maid desirable in most all aspects.
I fib. I find her desirable in all aspects, not merely most.
