Page 69 of The Enigmatic Governess of Buford Manor
“That is not something you can postpone? It is rather important I speak with the young lord and it seems every time I make an attempt, I feel that I am…what is the word – discounted?”
Harry remained silent, his blue eyes pleading and Rose felt her spine stiffen.
“I am certain you are mistaken, Captain Balfour. After all, you have become like part of the family here. How could you feel ignored?”
The remark was not lost on the man and his smirk faded. He stared at Rose as if seeing her for the first time.
“I daresay, you have also made yourself quite comfortable inside Rosecliff, Mrs. Parsons. I know that the late duke was much more liberal in his views but I am sure you will find the new duke is more conservative in his thinking.”
Rose almost laughed aloud at the notion that Nicholas was not a spitting image of his father, but she saw that Balfour seemed to believe what he was saying.
“I am sure that the 6thDuke of Buford will run matters precisely as he sees best, both inside Rosecliff and out,” Rose answered, a strange pang in her heart.
She knew that Captain Balfour had been spending an inordinate amount of time with Nicholas, but she could not imagine him swaying Nicholas’ sense of righteousness. From what Rose had gleaned, Nicholas did not much care for the man, especially since he had been one of the men to leave Duke Grayson Buford to die.
He is attempting to intimidate me,Rose realized, holding his gaze.For what cause? Does he regard me as a threat to him somehow?
“Perhaps I can see Lord Arlington now,” the captain said suddenly, the faux smile relighting his lips. “It will only be for a short time.”
Rose smiled frigidly.
“Oh, I would like to permit that, Captain Balfour but as you say, Duke Buford is not as liberal as his father. I do not wish to jeopardize my position by allowing lessons to be cut short.”
Their eyes locked again and the anger in Balfour’s eyes was unmistakable.
“As you wish, Mrs. Parsons,” he said shortly.
“Her name is Miss Rose!” Harry called, speaking for the first time since Balfour’s untimely arrival. The captain turned slowly and Rose felt her blood run cold as bemusement lit his face.
“Miss Rose?” he repeated. “Is there some shame in keeping your deceased husband’s name, Mrs. Parsons? As I recall, Philip was an honorable man and cared very deeply for you. He spoke of you often on the sea.”
The query was meant to sting and it did, an image of her beloved Philip in her mind instantly.
“Of course not,” she replied evenly. “It is common for a governess to be referred to in such a fashion.”
“Only an unmarried one. Or perhaps you consider yourself available for courtship again?”
Heat shot through her face and she gaped at him in disbelief.
He is determined to make you his nemesis but why? What benefit could that possibly have? Or perhaps he is simply miserable to all whom he encounters.
“Captain Balfour, if there is nothing else, I must earn my keep,” she told him coldly.
“Forgive me for keeping you. Lord Arlington, I look forward to our discussion.”
The captain disappeared into the attic and Rose whirled to stare at Harry.
“Thank you, Miss Rose,” the boy exhaled in a breathless gasp. “I – I – thank you!”
“What is the meaning of that?” she demanded. “What has he to speak to you about?”
Harry hung his head.
“I haven’t any idea,” he mumbled but Rose could see he was not being truthful.
“Harry–”
“Please, Miss Rose, I do not wish to discuss it,” he pleaded and Rose reluctantly nodded. There was no point in forcing the child to speak. He was clearly afraid and forcing the issue was not going to bring him any peace.
