Page 39 of The Enigmatic Governess of Buford Manor
He has much to do with his father. I must not expect him to prance about with us when there is work to be done. I was blessed to have him even for the days he bestowed upon us.
“Miss Rose, Nicholas tells me you are an orphan.”
The statement took her aback and before she could catch it, her jaw fell open to gape at Duke Buford. Casting Nicholas a shamed look, she lowered her eyes and quickly closed her mouth.
“I am, Your Grace.”
“Pity that,” he commented, reaching for his pipe and lighting it before sitting back in his chair. “Such a tragedy for the young to lose their parents.”
“Grayson!” Duchess Buford snapped, and Rose was shocked to hear her refer to her husband so informally in present company. While they had dispensed of formalities around her, she found using his given name was stunning.
“Yes, darling?” he asked, clearly perplexed by her sharp tone as he sucked back his pipe. “
“Your niece and nephew are quite in earshot!” she growled and Duke Buford had the good graces to appear ashamed of his insensitive wording.
“It is quite all right, Your Grace,” Betsey volunteered. “It is true that we have lost our parents but we have been blessed with a stable home now, among family. Miss Rose was not so fortunate.”
Good God!Rose thought, her eyes dancing from one sympathetic face to another.Does everyone know of my unfortunate childhood now?
She would speak with Nicholas privately and explain her discontent, but at this moment, she was forced to respond to intrusive inquiries which she had no desire to relive.
“I had family,” Rose replied, trying to keep the anger from her tone. “My husband was a lieutenant in the Royal Navy and he provided well for us.”
She would not sully Philip’s memory over something as trivial as money. Their lack of pence did not seem so important until Philip was gone and there were none to be had.
“Moreover, we had caring friends and neighbors, ones who tended to me when he was at sea and after…”
She could not finish her thought.
“Indeed!” Duke Buford announced, his face growing ashen when he realized he had caused her pain. “I meant no harm by asking, Miss Rose. Precisely the opposite, in fact. It was brought to my attention that you were quite close with our former governess’ in-laws. Miss Eloise arranged for this position, did she not?”
“Yes…” Rose replied slowly, unsure of where the conversation was headed suddenly. She had read it as an attack on her character somehow yet the family did not seem to be regarding her with contempt. Duke Buford glanced at his wife before continuing his thought, clearing his throat nervously as if he regretted bringing forth such a topic.
“I wished to know if you would fancy having your friends visit over the holiday. We would see to the arrangements, of course.”
Rose raised her head, and met his eyes, unsure if she had heard him correctly. She knew it was improper to stare at him so directly, but she could not believe her own ears.
“Come here?” she asked, her mind whirling slightly at the idea. In her plans, she had always foreseen herself extending an invitation to the Boyles once she was settled but she had only been at Rosecliff a short while, not quite two months. Making such a request was presumptuous and apt to be dismissed.
Yet, they have asked me. I am truly blessed.
“Miss Rose?”
“Yes!” she gasped. “Oh, yes, thank you, yes!”
In her excitement, Rose knew she was blubbering but she could not stop the tears of joy misting her eyes. She pulled her gaze from the duke and stared at Nicholas, knowing he was responsible but he had turned away, pouring himself a drink from the decanter.
Indeed, I will speak with him privately and thank him profusely for such a kind gesture. If I write John and Bridget today, will the mails reach them afore Epiphany?
It did not much matter. Even if she was unable to see them before the holiday ended, she would see them soon enough.
“Thank you, Duke Buford, Duchess Buford! A thousand times thank you!”
In her happiness, Rose had not noticed she had risen to her feet, her pink slippers dancing nervously across the wool rug at her feet, her skirts swishing at her calves. Duke Buford chuckled, waving his hand dismissively and his wife hid a smile but not before Rose could see the glint in her eyes. Yet Nicholas still did not meet her gaze. Rose was much too busy planning her letter to the Boyles.
“Forgive me,” she sighed breathlessly. “May I be excused to write the Boyles? If I send a note soon enough, perhaps they will arrive before the decorations come down.”
Rose wondered if she was trying her good fortune but there was no stopping her now, her pulse racing.
