Page 75 of The Enigmatic Governess of Buford Manor
“Is it selfish that I wish to return to my carefree days as a marquess?” he chuckled. “When you and I would take the children to the bluffs and I would see your lovely face at supper but every night?”
Her heart was pounding so loudly, she was certain he would hear.
He says everything I wish to hear and yet, he is right, nothing is as it was.
“Your Grace, I must speak to you about Captain Balfour,” she whispered, not wanting to upset the warmth between them in that moment. Yet Rose knew she had so few opportunities to see the duke alone. Her concern for Harry outweighed the need to connect with Nicholas, perhaps because she knew with her attraction came a deep shame.
One which Captain Balfour insists on keeping alive with his mentions of Philip and his mere presence.
“Miss Rose, I know that him being here upsets you, but he has been a great assistance to me in the past months,” Nicholas told her, a glimmer of sympathy in his eyes. “You must overcome the ill feelings you have toward him. He has done nothing but deliver tragic news.”
Rose stared at him, her mind whirling slightly. She had not expected that Nicholas would embrace Captain Balfour with such open arms, not after the fire she had seen following his father’s death.
“It is not about me, Your Grace. I feel that he has some connection with Harry, one which instills fear in the young lord.”
Nicholas scoffed slightly.
“You believe that Harry and Balfour have business?” he asked, and Rose’s shoulders rose in defensiveness.
“I fail to believe that a boy has any business,” she replied slowly. “I only know that the captain appears to scare Lord Arlington. He has demanded an audience with him, in my presence.”
“From that you glean that there is something untoward occurring? Really, Miss Rose, I did not take you as a conspiratorialist. Of course, Balfour wishes to speak with Harry. He is attempting to connect with the entire household, have you not noticed?”
Rose had not but she did not argue, sensing that somehow, Captain Balfour had managed to win over the duke.
Are you imagining issues where there are none?She wondered. Rose knew it did not matter how accurate were her concerns; Nicholas did not wish to hear a word against his new advisor.
“Of course, Your Grace.”
She said nothing else, resisting the urge to flee from the study.
“Miss Rose? Please look at me.”
Reluctantly, she lifted her head, blonde strands falling over her face.
“It has been an adjustment for all of us,” he told her. “I have made allowances to ensure that I will be at Rosecliff with more frequency going forward, but you must do your part.”
“My part?” she repeated. “How do you mean, Your Grace?”
“If the children are becoming unraveled, you must keep them in line. Captain Balfour is not our nemesis. He has no reason to stay here if he has not pure intentions.”
“Yes, Your Grace. I will ensure I do what I am able.”
“Thank you.”
“I am very tired, Your Grace,” Rose fibbed. “Again, forgive the intrusion. Good night.”
She spun to leave, hoping he would allow it this time.
“Miss Rose,” Nicholas called, and she paused, inhaling sharply.
“Your Grace?”
“I rather long for the days when you called me Nicholas.”
Rose closed her eyes, grateful that he could not see her face with her back turned.
“It seems rather inappropriate, Your Grace,” she murmured. “Good night.”
