A Lady Becomes A Governess

He thought he’d behaved abominably? She almost softened towards him. ‘Did you also think boorishness was preferable to a simple apology?’

‘A simple apology seemed inadequate.’ He frowned.

He turned his horse and rode on. This time she held back a little.

He had not discharged her! She could still pretend to be Claire.

Her cheeks burned with shame. She had called him a boor and here she was, nothing but an imposter.

* * *

Garret had even more reason to chastise himself. He’d assumed she would know he regretted what he’d done to her—and what he’d almost done. He’d simply made matters worse by not speaking of it.

They stopped at an inn to change horses.

He dismounted and turned to assist her. ‘Let us get some refreshment.’

She looked down at him with a haughty expression. ‘As you wish.’

She slid off the saddle, landing nearly as close as when he’d kissed her the night before. He must keep more distance.

The ostlers took charge of the horses and Garret escorted Miss Tilson into the tavern. At this morning hour, the public room was nearly empty and Garret thought better of a private room. Best not to be private with her.

He chose a table some distance away from the other diners, helped her sit and chose the chair across from hers. He ordered tea and biscuits for them which came quickly, accommodating those patrons who needed to be quickly on their way.

She poured the tea for him.

He knew they must discuss what had transpired between them. He searched for a way to begin.

She spoke first. ‘I want you to know that I did not intentionally entice you, sir. I have been accused of such wiles before, but, I assure you, I do not know precisely what one does to entice.’

Who was it who’d accused her? he wondered in a surge of jealousy.

Jealousy? He had not the right.

He leaned towards her and spoke quietly. ‘What transpired last night was entirely my fault.’

She raised her eyes to his. ‘I must have seemed too willing. That is what disgusted you, I am sure.’

She had been willing, he remembered. She’d kissed him back and resisted nothing. She’d kissed him back with a fervour matching his own.

‘You did not disgust me,’ he told her.

She persisted. ‘But you left so angrily.’

‘Anger at me, not you.’ Let her be clear about that. ‘It was wrong of me to kiss you.’

Her gaze did not waver. ‘Then why did you?’

Why? Because she was a fascinating combination of vulnerability and strength. Because her animated features fascinated him. Because she’d been game enough to ride a whole day and never complained. He admired courage, even in small matters. She’d even been courageous enough to talk to him about the kiss when he could not think of a word to say. Because she was the first woman he’d truly wanted to kiss in a long, long time.

‘You were enticing,’ he admitted.

‘I did not mean to be!’ she cried.

He placed his hands on the table. ‘I know, Miss Tilson. I placed you in an intolerable position.’

She straightened in her chair. ‘I refuse to allow you to take all the blame.’ She touched his hand.

It made him remember her eager response to him. The attraction was strong between them, which only made it more difficult for him.

He withdrew his hand. ‘You are in my employ. A governess is at the mercy of her employer. I will not take advantage of you again.’

Something akin to self-reproach crossed her face. ‘Then how are we to go along?’ she asked, her voice nearly a whisper.

‘I will behave correctly from now on.’ He took a sip of his tea, lukewarm now. ‘And I will not stay at Brookmore for very long.’

She looked more disappointed than relieved. Even more reason why he should only stay long enough to be certain his nieces accepted this enticing governess.

* * *

They finished their tea and walked out to mount fresh horses. This steed was not as spirited as Rebecca’s previous one, but her mind was too preoccupied by her conversation with Lord Brookmore to care. The joy of the day before had disappeared and she was left with regret and disappointment. Regret that she’d not shown more restraint when he’d kissed her and disappointment that he did not intend to do so again. Instead he planned to leave.

They passed a house with a model of a ship above the door, reminding her that things could be so much worse for her—had been so much worse for Claire.

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