His Unusual Governess (18 page)

‘I wish that I might, Miss Hardcastle.’ The look he gave her was so warm and admiring that Sarah’s heart jolted. She had thought he might like her quite well at the start and he had sent messages of goodwill and flowers while she was ill. ‘Had it not been such a difficult time—but you have been ill. I must keep another engagement, but I hope we shall meet again soon—should you visit London or perhaps Bath.’

‘I do not think there is any intention of it as yet,’ Sarah replied. ‘We are here until Christmas, I believe—but we shall certainly be in London next year.’

‘Then I may call on you before Christmas,’ Lord Phillips replied, looking oddly shy. ‘Sometimes one wishes one did not have so many engagements.’

He was a gentleman and it restored Sarah’s pride to know that any feelings he might have had for her were not motivated by her wealth. He liked her for herself.

Sarah smiled and murmured something appropriate. She was not sure if he was hinting that he would like to make her an offer if the circumstances were more auspicious. Clearly, he felt she was not well enough to deal with a matter of that nature now.

Rupert had not let such notions weigh with him. He’d made his intentions very clear and, perhaps in something of an emotional state, she’d accepted his offer. A night of rest and reflection had not changed her mind, though she was aware that her position was not ideal.

She would be a fool to demand too much. Her ideas of loving and being loved were perhaps the dreams a young girl might cherish, but did not apply to a woman who was past five and twenty. No, she must accept passion and companionship and not look for romantic love.

Lord Phillips rose to his feet, having finished his breakfast. He bowed his head to Sarah and said he hoped they would meet again soon, took his leave of Sir Freddie and went out. She heard his voice addressing someone and thought he was asking for his trunk to be brought down.

‘Now we are alone, Miss Hardcastle …’ Sir
Freddie looked at her a little uncertainly across the breakfast table. He cleared his throat. ‘I was thinking … I mean, I should very much like to speak to Miss Francesca this morning. Do you think she is well enough to see me?’

‘Yes, I am very sure she will be,’ Sarah said and smiled at him. ‘Indeed, I think your failure to do so might be more distressing than anything else that has happened to her.’

He looked struck, then his eyes lit up. ‘Do you say so? By Jove! Then there’s hope for me?’

‘You must ask Francesca,’ Sarah replied with a smile. ‘But I think everything may be as we should all wish.’

‘You are an angel. She told me how wonderful you were …’ He got to his feet. ‘I think I’ll go up and change. Want to look my best, you know.’

‘I’ll speak to Francesca. Shall we say half-past the hour of ten in the small back parlour?’

‘Thank you. Thank you …’ He bowed to her and hurried off and Sarah heard him speak to someone in the hall. The next moment the door of the breakfast parlour opened and Rupert entered. He had been riding and, as she looked at him, she saw a small cut at the side of his mouth. It had stopped bleeding, but swollen a little.

‘Rupert …’ She got to her feet and went to him. ‘Are you all right? Did you have a fall?’

‘No, I called on James Monks. We had a fight. I think you could say that he came off worst. It was my intention to thrash him and I did—but he threw a lucky punch.’

‘I cannot pretend to be sorry that you gave him a good hiding,’ Sarah said. ‘But I think your lip may be sore for a while.’

‘It was better than calling him out—besides, that honour is reserved for gentlemen and he does not deserve the name. I do not imagine he will bother you or Francesca again.’

‘No, I should imagine not,’ Sarah said and laughed. ‘Well, since you are no worse, I shall go up and speak to Francesca. Sir Freddie intends to speak to her this morning.’

‘Yes, he told me. I warned him that Merrivale will not think of allowing the marriage before she’s had a Season—but there’s no reason they shouldn’t have an understanding, is there?’

‘None, as far as I am concerned. The marquess would not forbid her—would he?’

‘Oh, I think Sir Freddie is eminently suitable. He actually knows Merrivale quite well. I imagine there can be no objection. He will have to be told and I expect he will come down. The engagement might be announced at Christmas.’

‘I think that should make them both content.
She is still young in years, though as sensible as girls much older.’

‘Your influence, I imagine?’ His eyebrows rose.

‘Oh, in part, I dare say. She has a lovely nature and might have been taken advantage of by that rogue had I not been here.’

‘Then I dare say Merrivale will forgive the small deception.’

‘I suppose he must know?’

‘He will need to be informed, but I shall vouch for you, Sarah.’ Rupert’s tone was teasing. ‘Do not look so anxious, my love. I shall tell him of our engagement when I write—and that reminds me, I must give you a ring. You will, of course, have your pick of the family heirlooms when we are married, but I am not sure of your preference—emeralds, rubies or sapphires for your ring? Or do you prefer plain diamonds?’

‘I’ve never worn rings, though I have Mama’s,’ Sarah said with a frown. ‘I think something fairly simple would suit me—perhaps diamonds in the shape of a daisy. I think it is possible to purchase such a ring, is it not?’

‘Perfectly possible. I shall send to my jeweller in London. In the meantime, perhaps you would care to wear this?’ He took a small box from his pocket, in which, when it was opened,
nestled a plain gold band set with one rather fine diamond. ‘This was my mother’s wedding ring. She stopped wearing it before she died, because her finger became too thin. You must have your own rings—but for the moment …’

There was a question in his voice. Sarah held out her hand and let him slip it on to the third finger of her left hand, where it fit perfectly.

‘It is so beautiful. Do you think we might use it as our wedding ring?’

‘If you wish.’ He looked pleased. ‘Wear it for now and I will buy you a ring of your own when I am in town.’

‘Are you leaving us?’ Her heart sank for she had hoped that they would have a period of quiet time when they could get to know one another better.

‘Only for as long as it takes, Sarah.’ Rupert smiled and it was a caress, making her heart leap. ‘I have to settle certain matters. Someone almost killed you. We’ve searched for the villain, but I believe he must have left the district. I need to know who is behind this business.’

‘I thought Sir Roger …’

‘Yes, I think it likely he tried to take his revenge on you for refusing him.’

‘I have always disliked him, but I did not think he would go that far. How could he benefit from my death?’

‘I have no idea. It is one of the matters I mean to investigate.’

‘When must you leave?’

‘I shall not go until I know the outcome between Francesca and Sir Freddie. If that goes as we think, I shall ask him to remain here until I return—and, as I said, I think Merrivale will come down.’

‘We shall have company, but—you don’t think I am still in danger?’

‘I hope that the danger is past, but I intend to make certain if I can. It would distress me greatly if you were to be shot at again. I find it outrageous that a lady in my care should be treated so shamefully.’

Sarah thanked him. His words at one moment seemed to indicate his care for her and at another his outrage that any woman should be subjected to such treatment. He certainly gave her no cause to think that he loved her. He had spoken of passion when he proposed, but that, of course was a different thing.

After they had parted company, Sarah ran up to Francesca to warn her to be ready to receive Sir Freddie. The girl stared at her with a mixture of delight and apprehension in her eyes.

‘Do you think he means to ask me to be his wife?’

‘I should not be at all surprised, my love. Is that not what you want?’

‘Oh, yes, with all my heart. It’s just that … what do I say? How do I answer? I mean, should I smile and tell him I should be pleased—should I let him kiss me?’

‘I do not think there is a set rule for these things, my love. You must answer from the heart. I think he will tell you he loves you, perhaps in words stronger than mine—and you might tell him his feelings are reciprocated, if you wish. If he offers to kiss you, I see no reason for you to refuse.’

‘Oh …’ Francesca went pink with excitement. ‘I am so lucky. I cannot believe he truly wants me. I thought he might like Miss Rowton better—or you, Sarah.’

‘He is a kind gentleman and polite to everyone, but I am sure he thinks only of you. Besides, I do not think Rupert will mind if I tell you. He has asked me to marry him and I have accepted.’

‘Oh, Sarah, that is wonderful,’ Francesca said and hugged her. ‘We shall be related and you will visit me and I shall visit you. Nothing could be better. I am so glad he asked you. I thought he liked you rather a lot, but you cannot always tell with Uncle Rupert.’

‘No, you can’t,’ Sarah agreed. ‘What shall
you wear, Francesca? What about the jonquil silk—or would you prefer one of your white-muslin gowns?’

‘I think the jonquil,’ Francesca said and looked nervous. ‘I want to look my best, after all, and the white morning gowns are very simple. Yes, I like my yellow silk. Will you help me to change? It is almost half-past nine already. I do not want to keep Sir Freddie waiting.’

‘He won’t change his mind, dearest,’ Sarah teased, but smiled at the girl’s obvious pleasure. ‘You do know your grandfather will need to give his permission and he might insist you wait for a while—but Rupert agrees that there is no reason you may not have an understanding.’

‘I know Grandfather must be consulted because he has been so good to us—but I am sure he would not disagree. He must approve of Sir Freddie, mustn’t he?’

‘Yes, I’m certain he will,’ Sarah said. ‘Turn around and let me unfasten your gown. You can send for Agnes in a minute to dress your hair as you would like it.’

‘I’m so happy. Yesterday, I thought everything might be ruined, but now it is all coming right.’

‘Yes, it is,’ Sarah said and smiled at her. ‘I’m glad you’re happy. We were all concerned when
it was thought you might have eloped—or been abducted.’

‘I was, but no one needs to know that,’ Francesca said, her face aglow. ‘I must be the luckiest girl in the world.’

‘Weak fool!’ Sir Roger looked at the younger man sitting opposite him in the inn with scorn. ‘You had the girl. Why let her talk you into taking her home and concocting that stupid story to save her reputation? You should have seduced her and made sure of her. If you’re ruined, it’s your own fault. There’s no use in coming to me for help. Unless I can pay my creditors by the end of the month I shall have to leave England.’

‘I’m thinking of it,’ James Monks said gloomily. ‘What’s a fellow to do when his pockets are to let and the girl of his dreams doesn’t want to know?’

‘You had your chance. Now you must take the consequences.’

‘You’re one to talk. If you venture back to London without a penny to your name, you’ll end in the Fleet.’

‘Damn you! Do you imagine I don’t know that? It’s why I’ve hung around here after … That damned woman seems indestructible. She won’t listen to threats of exposure, tells me to go ahead and tell her story—and twice she’s
been shot at. The idiot who missed her the first time has been dealt with. He won’t talk now.’

‘You mean … you killed him?’ James Monks was shocked.

‘He could have betrayed me and I’ve no wish to hang.’ Sir Roger glared at him. ‘I had her uncle eating out of my hand. He told me how valuable those mills are. If I could have gotten her to marry me, I could have taken control and my troubles would have vanished. I even made her an offer for them because I thought she might think of marriage if they were off her hands.’

‘You couldn’t have paid for them.’

‘No, but by the time she realised that they would have been mine through the marriage.

If she caused too much trouble, I’d have found a way to be rid of her soon enough.’

‘You’re an unscrupulous devil. If Myers knew what you’d done, he’d kill you.’

‘What’s it to him?’

‘According to something I heard, she’s agreed to marry Rupert Myers.’

Sir Roger swore ferociously. ‘I feared that might happen, but if I’m quick there may still be time to act.’

‘But what are you going to do?’

‘Exactly the same as you, but I shan’t let her go when I have her. She may resist, but I know
ways of bringing a woman to her knees. I shall rather enjoy teaching Miss High and Mighty Hardcastle her lessons—and she will learn to beg on her knees before I’ve finished with her.’

James Monks touched his sore nose gingerly. ‘He will come after you if you lay a finger on her—and he’ll kill you. I thought he was going to kill me… .’

‘Well, he may have a go, but I’m a pretty good shot. I would have had her the other day if someone hadn’t come. I saw him from the corner of my eye and it spoiled my aim.’

‘Well, rather you than me.’ James pulled a wry face. ‘I shan’t be around, so don’t ask me for help. I’m driving down to my uncle’s for a visit. He’s asked me to call. If he comes up with the dubs I’ll be in town next Season—if not, I’m off to the Americas.’

‘Coward.’ Sir Roger’s lip lifted in a snarl. ‘I can manage without your help. Fat lot of use you’d be. You couldn’t even manage a teenage girl.’

‘Fran has a lot of sense,’ James replied. ‘I rather liked her. If she’d married me, I’d have been good to her. I might even have settled down.’

‘Violets and roses.’ Sir Roger’s tone was one of disgust. ‘I have no such feelings for that uptight
Hardcastle. I’m going to enjoy making her crawl at my feet.’

‘I must go. I have some packing to do,’ James murmured and rose from the table.

He was thoughtful as he left the inn and mounted his horse. Sir Roger was eaten up with bitterness, his anger against the woman who had refused him so white-hot that he was surely a little mad. He didn’t really intend to harm Sarah Hardcastle, did he? An abduction that forced her to either pay him money or marry him was one thing … but there was something distinctly unpleasant about the look in his eyes.