Page 86 of The Enigmatic Governess of Buford Manor
We have enclosed the post he has left, lest Captain Balfour does not wish you to know it. John and I miss you terribly and we hope to see you again soon. I suspect that Dora longs for you too. Perhaps you will come back to Dartford, if only for a visit.
God’s Blessings,
Bridget and John
The letter spoke volumes to Rose who could read the concern her friends had for her.
They wish for me to return to Dartford, to leave this place. They must have sensed the darkness here or perhaps they already knew about Balfour. I should heed their subtle warning and return to the only home I have ever known.
Yet Rose was not the same woman she had been when she had arrived at the sprawling estate in November. The desolate innocence had given way to that of wariness and caution. No longer could she entertain the notion of leaving Rosecliff, not when she had learned to care for the residents so well. She was no longer a green girl and even a short visit to Dartford was beyond the realm of possibilities, not when so much was at stake.
The man she was certain was responsible for her husband’s death not only resided in the same walls but may also have been party to another tragedy.
He has come here because of me but has stayed because he saw an opportunity to seduce the mourning duchess. He is despicable and he must be stopped.
However, there was another thought creeping into Rose’s mind, one she wished she could silence and ignore. Was the duchess also responsible for her late husband’s death? It seemed inconceivable that she could move on so quickly following the duke’s untimely demise and yet…
“Miss Rose, you are not paying me any mind!”
Harry’s voice brought her back to the schoolroom.
“Forgive me, Harry,” she sighed. “What is it?”
“Will the duchess marry Captain Balfour?”
“Goodness no!” Rose replied with more force than she intended. “Whatever gives you the idea that Her Grace would act so inappropriately? Her husband has only been gone five months!”
“And yet she carouses with the captain as if they are newly in love,” Harry bit back bitterly. The governess was mildly surprised by his observation. While it was true that the duchess and captain were not secretive about their romance, Rose could not imagine why Harry would recognize the signs of their apparent love for one another.
Betsey has likely schooled him in such mature matters. I should have a word with her about what she says to Harry. He is much too fragile for more darkness.
Rose admitted that the boy had a point, but she would not encourage his thoughts, not when he already had so much on his young mind.
“You must not worry about Her Grace,” Rose told him softly. “She is a strong, wise woman who will not tangle with such a man.”
“Miss Rose, she already is!” Harry exploded, his blue eyes flashing with anger as if he was not being heard. “We cannot permit this to happen!”
“Mind your tone!” Rose snapped but she immediately regretting yelling at the child. He was merely reacting to the unbearable stress he was experiencing.
After all, Harry had been threatened by the captain. He was not to be faulted for being quite on edge. Rose quickly changed her own tone and offered the young lord a solution.
“Harry, you must allow me to tell His Grace what you know about the captain. He will tell the duchess and the captain will be sent away from Rosecliff. Is that not what you want?”
“No one will believe anything I have to say,” Harry replied bitterly, turning his head to look out the dusty windows of the attic. “I am but a bantling to everyone.”
“You are not merely a bantling,” Rose assured him, wishing away the forlorn look in his face. She tried to recall the last time she had seen Harry smile genuinely and she could not.
“I believe you, Harry,” she reminded him. “I will tell Duke Buford what you have told me, but I will not say it came from you. He will investigate the charges personally. He has much better resources than either of us.”
Harry scoffed lightly and turned to eye her through his peripheral vision.
“He will not believe you,” the boy said, matter-of-factly. “You have no credibility.”
Rose’s mouth parted at the snide comment.
“Lord Arlington, I realize that you are upset,” Rose told him tersely. “But you may not speak to me in such a fashion. Apologize at once.”
Harry turned his face twisted into an expression she could not read but he shook his head.
