Page 49 of The Enigmatic Governess of Buford Manor
“It is only for an afternoon,” Rose sighed. “Going forward, we will have free run of the manor again while they are out in the forest.”
There was little reason that they could not go back into the main part of the house, but Rose did not wish to see Captain Balfour.
“We will make do,” Bridget said crisply as if sensing Rose’s discomfort. “Let us start the fireplace and we will play a game.”
“Have we lessons today?” Harry asked Rose hopefully and she shook her blonde braid.
“Certainly not,” she replied. “Why should the men have all the fun?”
But as they settled by the fire, waiting for their arms to warm, Rose wondered if she was not also avoiding Nicholas.
I have no reason to do such a thing. Nicholas and I are nothing more than friends,she told herself sternly and while she lied to herself, she caught a whiff of his cologne in her nostrils and envisioned the line of his jaw just out of her touch, yearning to be stroked.
Yet how could she ever act on any feeling she might have when Captain Balfour was nearby? How did the duke know such a man?
“Rose?” Bridget murmured. “The children want to play Blindman’s Bluff.”
“Of course, we shall!” Her tone was much louder than she had intended but she bounced to her feet and clapped her hands together, determined to keep the children entertained and her mind off whatever the men were doing below.
* * *
That evening, Rose, the Boyles and the children were instructed to dine with the servants in the kitchen as the duchess entertained the hunting party in the formal dining room.
It was the first time since she had come to Rosecliff that she had been asked to sit apart from them and while she knew it was foolish, Rose felt dismissed.
Would you prefer to dine with Captain Balfour as he stares at you with those cold, calculating eyes? Do not be daft, Rose. Your place is here. Even Harry and Betsey are here and they are true nobility. If anyone should feel displaced, it is them.
Rose suspected there was a good reason for keeping the Arlingtons out of earshot and her also; whatever the men discussed over whiskey and port was likely not healthy for young ears.
Yet she could not help but wonder what was said among them. Did they cuss and speak vilely or were there business negotiations occurring? Of course, Rose knew nothing of business or politics but she would give a week’s pay for just a few minutes of conversation.
Perhaps John and Bridget should have institutionalized you after Philip passed. You are going stark raving mad.
“Miss Rose, why do you not have children?”
The question seemed to fall from the sky and Rose instinctively looked up as if God had spoken. Alas, it was not God but Betsey who peered at her with curious eyes as she continued to chew her food. Oddly, however, the inquiry did not pierce Rose as she would have expected.
“That is a vile question, Lady Arlington!” Bridget exploded, immediately jumping to Rose’s defense. “Have you no shame?”
“It is quite all right, Bridget,” Rose interjected, holding her hand up. “She is only a child.”
“A petulant child!” Bridget stormed, and Rose watched as Betsey’s eyes filled with tears.
“I did not mean – “
“It is quite fine!” Rose said again, casting her friend a warning look. “I will answer your question.”
“You needn’t!” Betsey choked, contrition etched in her finely boned face. Rose was struck at how lovely a woman she would become in just a few years time.
She will marry a count or baron and bear many children of her own one day. She is curious about her future and I am happy she is comfortable enough to ask me. Lord knows, Duchess Buford will not be as accepting of these queries.
Rose inhaled deeply and thought of all the times she and Philip had spoken of starting their family. Then she offered Betsey a warm smile.
“As you know,” she began. “I was married before I came to live here.”
“But your husband died,” Harry intoned. Those words had a greater impact on Rose than Betsey’s question, but she dared not show her anguish.
“Indeed, he did. His name was Philip and he was a lieutenant in the royal navy. He fought bravely, proudly and sadly, he perished doing what he felt he was fated to do—protecting our glorious country.”
