Page 44 of The Enigmatic Governess of Buford Manor
“A goat you say?” Nicholas called out as Rose ushered them from the salon. “I must hear of it also.”
“She is not a goat. She is the spawn of the devil,” John growled under his breath and Rose smothered a smile. Finding amusement in the situation was almost cruel but she could not deny her affection for Dora.
Theodore appeared in the doorway, sensing he was needed.
“Shall I show the Boyles to their apartment, Miss Rose?”
“Please, Theodore. Thank you.”
“Mr. Boyle would you care for a heated salt bath?” Nicholas added. “Do not permit them to dissuade you and I imagine they are famished. Arrange for them to take food wherever they please.”
“Yes, Lord Buford.”
“I will call on you when I return,” Rose promised as they were shuffled away under Theodore’s watch, their discomfort almost tangible.
“You needn’t fret; Theodore will tend to them well.”
Rose pivoted back to look at him, her brows rising.
“You knew nothing about what your parents were planning?” she asked, mildly confused about what she had learned. Rose could not reconcile why the duke and duchess had kept the Boyles’ arrival a secret.
“Nothing,” Nicholas agreed, rising from the chaise. “It is quite suspicious, is it not?”
Rose narrowed her eyes, and she shook her long hair slightly.
“Suspicious? I would not say so. It is lovely and kind. I could not have asked for a better gift.”
Instantly she was reminded of the presents she had made for the household.
I will give them this afternoon following mass.
“If you believe so,” Nicholas replied, stalking out into the hallway before she could respond.
Of course, it is lovely and kind. What other reason could they have for sending for the Boyles in secret? They wished it to be a Christmas surprise and that it is.
The grandfather clock in the foyer chimed the hour of eight and Rose darted toward the stairwell, knowing they needed to leave for church soon. She was reluctant to leave John and Bridget behind, but she knew the travels had worn on them greatly. She dared not ask them to accompany her, despite her silent wish that they would.
If I asked, they would come but it would be cruel to put them in such a position.
A small part of her considered also staying behind, but she knew her first commitment was to Harry. She could not repay the duke and duchess’ graciousness and hospitality with a slight.
No,she determined with resolve.This morrow is for Harry, this afternoon is for John and Bridget. Today, I will spend my day with all the best I adore most in this world. The least I can do is thank God in His house for such blessings.
* * *
The service was exceptionally long and Rose found herself trying not to fidget as she sat pressed between Harry and Nicholas. She wondered if it was the marquess’ nearness which was causing her such heart palpitations or simply the anticipation of returning home. It was more than likely a combination of both.
Be still, Rose!She chided herself.You are moving around more than the children.
It was a fact; neither Betsey nor Harry had moved in over an hour, both having fell asleep against one another, their heads supporting the other.
“Do you suppose that is an option for us?” Nicholas murmured and she covered her mouth with a gloved hand to cover a giggle, focussing her attention on Father Benchman, who appeared to be growing weary of hearing his own tones.
“I am happy your friends have arrived, Rose,” Nicholas whispered in a voice so low, she thought she had imagined it. She whipped her head to the side, the strings of her bonnet flying behind her golden crown of hair.
He used my given name. No. I must have heard him wrong.
She searched his face and saw no signs of guile or disdain. He was truly happy that she had reunited with the only family she had. Yet earlier, he had seemed odd.
