Page 20 of Escaping the Earl
“Yes, please.” She followed him into the kitchen, where they each prepared another cup of tea.
“You don’t think it’s a silly profession?” she asked.
“No, I do not. I know those who laugh at governesses, or complain about them bitterly, but it is usually not the fault of the governess for a mismatched pairing with a pupil. Most governesses are very bright women who care about their charges. It is unfair to color them any other way than courageous.”
“That is such a good thing to hear,” Sabrina said. “I came from a gentle-born family, but after my parents died... Well, my brother was not gifted in managing our wealth, nor was he clever in creating new wealth.”
“Ah yes, and by virtue of birth, you, the sensible and clever child, were relegated to obeying him simply because you are female. Such nonsense. Women can be as good or as bad as men in wealth management.”
“I quite agree.”
“So you left your brother’s home and sought your own fortune?”
“Exactly.”
“I am sorry to have asked you here, then. As a gentle-born woman, surely you worry about your reputation, being seen alone with a bachelor such as me?”
“No one knows I am here, and you’ve been so very kind. Would you mind overmuch if I came again soon?”
“I would be glad for it, if you don’t mind the risk.”
Her melancholy smile tugged at him. “I do not mind. There is so little left to protect that it hardly matters.”
Peregrine wondered what she meant, but he didn’t ask, lest it give her more pain.
She looked toward the clock on the mantel. “Heavens, is that the time?”
“Yes, I believe so.”
“Oh, I must go! I’m so very sorry!” She set her teacup down and rushed toward the door. He followed her to the stables and saw that she mounted up safely.
Then he stood in the doorway of the stables, watching her ride away. It felt as though some part of him had been tucked into the folds of her riding habit and carried away with her.
Who was Sabrina Talley? It didn’t escape his notice that two women in eight months had caught his eye, and yet he knew so little of them both.
8
Sabrina was still an utter mess by the time she and Celeste arrived at Mr. Russell’s country manor house. She was covered in dried splatters of mud, which would have to be washed, and she was already succumbing to her sense of guilt.
Mr. Lennox had spent a small fortune on her wardrobe when he’d first engaged her as Isla’s governess, so much so that the modiste had raised a brow when she’d confirmed with her that all the gowns must also be suitable for a governess and were to be gowns that Sabrina could get into and out of without a maid’s assistance. And while the wardrobe was indeed practical, the cuts and fabrics were both fine and elegant, including the dirty red velvet riding habit she currently wore.
She slipped off Celeste as she reached the stables and asked a groom to see to her.
“She fell into a mud bog, and I fear she may be injured. Will you please check her over?”
“Of course, Miss Talleyrand.” The young man took Celeste’s reins and gave the horse a pat on the neck, offering soothing words as he led her away.
Sabrina trudged up to the servants’ entrance of the Russells’ home. Servants were fluttering about belowstairs. Ever since the guests had descended on the house, such as herself and Isla and Mr. Lennox, the household had been busy. Sabrina kept out of the way as much as possible.
“Ah, Miss Talleyrand, there you are.” Mrs. Benson, the Russells’ housekeeper, stopped her in the hall and then blinked in surprise. “What happened, dear? Are you all right?” She touched Sabrina’s shoulder in concern.
“My horse fell into a bog on the side of the road. She was stuck.”
“Oh my, is she alright?”
“Yes, at least I hope so.” Sabrina sighed. “A gentleman came along and rescued us.” She left out the part where she had visited Mr. Ashby alone at his house.
“Well, why don’t you take a bath and change? Isla will be fine in the nursery until you’re ready for her.”
