Forever Yours

Copyright

CHAPTER ONE

Abigail Henley felt a bump and a jolt as the wagon in which she was riding rolled to a stop. She glanced over her shoulder at the friendly man who’d transported her from the village.

Is this the spot? she asked him.

Yes, this is it. He pointed toward the trees. The lane is just there. Follow it and you’ll come to the house without too much walking. You can’t miss it.

Thank you.

She climbed down and pulled her portmanteau to the ground. It contained all of her belongings so it was very heavy. It landed with a muted thud.

She wondered how she’d lug it to her destination. For a fleeting instant, she considered requesting that he take her the rest of the way, but she’d never be that rude. He’d already been more than helpful, and she wouldn’t presume on his kindly nature.

Her new employer, Mr. Alexander Wallace, was supposed to have sent a servant to meet the mail coach and deliver her to his home of Wallace Downs. The fact that he hadn’t was annoying and disturbing.

At age twenty-five, she’d been a governess for the better part of a decade, having begun the year she finished school at sixteen.

Early on, she’d learned that the first days at a post were the best ones. Initially, people were eager to impress her, but matters usually went downhill after their primary spurt of optimistic behavior. With Mr. Wallace ignoring her arrival, she was off to a rocky start and certain that there would be no good days in the future.

But hadn’t Mrs. Ford warned her?

Mrs. Ford owned the agency that placed Abigail in her various positions. The older woman hadn’t exactly been thorough in describing the problems Abigail would face with Mr. Wallace, but she’d been clear there would be challenges.

Abigail didn’t mind a challenge. She didn’t mind hard work or frustrating situations. What she didn’t like was discourtesy, disrespect, or harsh treatment.

Will you be able to manage with your bag? the driver asked.

Yes, I’ll be fine.

He frowned at her, his look worrisome, and she figured he had a few pertinent and derogatory remarks to offer about the occupants of Wallace Downs, but in the end they weren’t voiced.

I’ll wish you luck then, was all he said.

She grinned. I hope I won’t need it.

He snorted and bit down a reply she was sure would have been caustic. On what topic? Her employer? The children? The family?

He called to his team, clicked the reins, and his horses lumbered off. As he vanished from view, she was suffering from the worst urge to chase after him, to beg him to drive her back to the village.

She had coins in her purse and would love to purchase another ticket on the mail coach and simply head to London, but she wasn’t a coward. She was one of Mrs. Ford’s favorites because she’d never shirked a task or refused an assignment. She’d never failed in the past and she wouldn’t fail now.

The area where she was dawdling was surrounded by thick, verdant woods, and the summer afternoon was very quiet.

She cocked her ear, anxious to hear the sound of cows or horses or people—or perhaps even waves crashing on the beach. The property where she’d be staying was right on the coast, but there was no hint of habitation. There were just birds chirping in the sky and a slight breeze rippling the leaves in the trees.

She might have been the only human on Earth.

Yet she was in no rush to reach the residence. Nor was she eager to meet Mr. Wallace. According to Mrs. Ford, he was difficult and demanding and disagreeable, but Abigail expected she’d like his two daughters. She was coming to teach them, not their father.

Mrs. Ford had had limited information about them except that they were nine-year-old twins, and Abigail imagined they’d get on brilliantly. She was always better at handling girls than boys.

She plopped down on her portmanteau and stared toward the lane as if it were the road to Hades. At breakfast, she’d squirreled away a slice of bread and a piece of cheese. She retrieved them from her reticule and enjoyed small bites, chewing slowly so the moment would last.

It was never a good idea to show up with an empty stomach. No one ever remembered to feed her, and she’d wasted many aggravating hours, yearning to declare that she was dying to eat and when would supper be ready?

Her personal circumstances were in total disarray, and she often felt as if she was outside her body and gawking at some other poor woman who was simply trying to scrape by. How could she be struggling so furiously? How could she have plummeted so far down society’s ladder?

In light of her sheltered, prosperous upbringing, it had never occurred to her that calamity could strike so quickly or so completely. After it had, she’d frequently attempted to make sense of what had happened, but there was no rational explanation, and efforts to understand her plight were futile and exhausting. The world was a mystery she couldn’t unravel, and she had to get up and get moving.

There was no reason to delay. She’d taken the job and had contracted to remain for a year, with the possibility of a second year if Mr. Wallace was satisfied with her teaching skills.

But as she stood, she realized a man was over in the woods, leaned against a tree and watching her. He was focused on her in a way that was alarming and acute, and she blanched with dismay. How long had he been there?

She was alone, and with the exception of the teamster who’d conveyed her from the village, she hadn’t seen another soul. What was his intent? If he had wicked designs, she was in trouble.

He noted that she’d observed him, and he emerged from the shadows. On her being able to view him more clearly, much of her trepidation eased.

He was thirty or so and quite tall, six feet at least, with broad shoulders and a muscular physique that indicated strenuous endeavor, but she perceived no menace. He definitely appeared as if he could be violent or aggressive if provoked, but he exuded no outward belligerence.

He was dressed in casual clothes—tan trousers, black boots, and a flowing white shirt—and the garments were professionally tailored and sewn from expensive fabric. Who was he and why was he lurking in the forest?

He approached until he was much too close, and with his excessive height and her being barely five-foot-five in her stockings, he towered over her. He was a male so he would automatically assume he was superior to her, and she never liked to feel that anyone was above her. Few people were, but that was a story from a very different period in her life.

His hair was dark black, worn too long and curling about his shoulders. He hadn’t bothered to tie it back with a ribbon. He had an aristocratic face—strong forehead, stark cheekbones, a generous mouth—but it was his eyes that held her rapt. They were an amazing sapphire color, probably the shade the Mediterranean was reputed to be.

His skin was bronzed from the sun as if he spent much of his time out-of-doors and engaged in arduous activity, but he didn’t look like a farmer or laborer. His demeanor was much too refined.

Most odd and bewildering was the fact that he had an earring in his ear. An earring! A little gold hoop. She’d never seen a man with an earring before, and it made him seem especially exotic. Had he traveled to foreign lands? If so, he would prove to be a fascinating character.

Did I frighten you? he asked.

Yes.

I apologize. I wasn’t going to announce myself, but with you noticing me I don’t suppose I can continue to pretend I’m invisible.

You’re adept at hiding. I’ve been sitting here forever without realizing you were there.

I was spying on you—and being blatantly uncivil about it too.

Yes, you were. I was simply loafing. Weren’t you bored to tears, waiting for something exciting to transpire?

Nothing exciting ever occurs at Wallace Downs.

That’s not so bad. I’ve had tons of excitement in my life, and I’ve had plenty of monotony and tedium. Between those choices, I prefer the monotony and tedium.

You climbed out of that wagon ages ago, but you didn’t walk on. Are you lost?

No. I’m merely being slothful.

Are you regularly a slacker?

No, she said again. Usually, I’m energetic and vigorous, but I’m in no hurry to arrive at my destination.

What is your destination?

Wallace Cottage. I’m starting a new job.

Ah… he mused. It’s why you’re in no hurry.

I like working, but the first day can be…interesting. I’m proceeding with caution.

He chuckled and assessed her, his gaze a tad irreverent as it brazenly slid down her torso then back up.

Let me guess what your post is to be, he said.

Considering my conservative attire, I doubt it’s much of a mystery.

You’re the governess Mr. Wallace hired.

It was her turn to chuckle. You’re very clever to have figured it out—and so swiftly too.

Yes, I’m renowned for my cleverness.

And your quick thinking?

Absolutely.

I am Miss Barrington. She used the false surname she’d adopted once calamity had tossed her out into the cold, cruel world. She never liked to proclaim her true identity. There was no point.

Hello, Miss Barrington. Welcome to Wallace Downs.

He didn’t mention his own name, and she was curious as to why he wouldn’t. He was too tidy and well groomed to be a bandit or shady rogue. She had a dozen reasons to conceal her real surname, but she couldn’t fathom why he would need to. Despite the name he supplied, she’d have no idea who he was.

"The teamster who brought me said the cottage is up the lane, but he didn’t say how far up the lane."

It’s a bit of a distance. He gestured to her portmanteau. Your bag looks heavy. May I carry it for you?

She’d like to accept his gallant request, but she couldn’t have an unknown man escort her to the door. What if he was a scandalous fellow? It would definitely get her off on the wrong foot with Mr. Wallace.

I can carry it myself, she insisted, but thank you for offering.

He stepped in even closer, the toes of his boots slipping under the hem of her skirt. Suddenly, the air between them was charged with a potent surge of energy as if their proximity was generating sparks.

His expression was very smug, as if he’d planned to produce just such a sensation and was eager to see how she’d react. His bold manner provided her with the distinct impression that he was a flirt. He was probably hoping she’d flinch away or swoon, but he was in for a rude awakening. With how she’d spent the past decade, there was very little that could daunt her.

Who are you? she asked. You never said.

No, I didn’t, he maddeningly replied.

You don’t appear inclined to introduce yourself which is your prerogative, but you’re being incredibly brash and forward. If you’re expecting to rattle me, you couldn’t possibly.

Why is that?

Because I take care of children for a living, and I have suffered through every bizarre, astonishing situation you could ever imagine. You could never disconcert me in the slightest. She nodded and moved away. Good day, sir.

Good day, Miss Barrington. It’s been a pleasure.

She scoffed at that and picked up her satchel. It was as heavy as she remembered it to be, but she was determined not to show that she had any difficulty lifting it. She spun and walked away, the cumbersome bag banging against her thigh so she was forced to limp as if she was crippled.

Before she realized what was happening, he snuck up behind her and yanked the portmanteau away from her.

I can carry my own bag! she protested more vehemently.

Of course you can, but you don’t have to. I intend to assist you. Don’t be so stubborn.

I’m not stubborn. I simply don’t believe I should waltz up to the front door, accompanied by a strange man.

And there’s no one stranger than me.

She shot him such a hot look of agreement that he laughed.

Who are you afraid might see us? he asked. Mr. Wallace?

Yes.

He’s never at the cottage so don’t worry about him.

She scowled. If he’s never there, where is he?

Over at the main house.

His daughters live in the cottage without him? That’s ridiculous.

He shrugged. It’s a long story.

It certainly must be.

The servants will fill you in on all the gory details.

I’m sure they will too, but I hate to gossip.

Do you? You’ll be the first governess in history to ever feel that way.

You don’t have a very high opinion of the women in my profession.

It’s not just those in your profession. I don’t have a high opinion of any woman.

We have a lot in common then.

How so? You don’t like women either?

No. I don’t have a high opinion of any man. He laughed again, and she said, You seem to be extremely familiar with the Wallace family.

"I wouldn’t say extremely familiar, but yes, I know a bit about them."

It was unseemly for her to inquire, but she couldn’t stop herself. What is Mr. Wallace like?

You haven’t met him?

No, I was sent by an agency in London. He hired me sight unseen.

That’s quite daring. Why would he? What would have swayed him? Was it your stellar qualifications? Your impeccable references?

I assume those were the reasons.

Or perhaps it’s such an awful position in such an awful spot that you were the only one brave enough to come.

I hope that’s not true.

She peeked up at him, and there was a twinkle in his eye. Was he jesting? Was he teasing her?

You still haven’t told me what you think of Mr. Wallace. Are you acquainted with him?

Yes. He’s crossed swords with nearly everyone in the area.

Crossed swords? Is he temperamental?

Yes, he’s bossy and arrogant.

Rich men usually are.

He’s also domineering, overly confident, exceptionally rude, and wildly dissolute.

Be serious, she scolded.

I’m serious as an apoplexy. He’s passionately attached to extravagance, and he never behaves appropriately. The rumors about him are so severe that the vicar offers up special prayers on Sundays.

For his debauched, immoral soul?

No, for the servants who work for him at Wallace Downs. It’s a veritable den of iniquity, and the entire neighborhood has been in an uproar about it for years. But there’s nothing they can do.

Why can’t they?

A man is entitled to revel in his own home.

I suppose, but doesn’t he care what others say about him? Isn’t he worried about his reputation?

Trust me. Mr. Wallace’s reputation is the very last issue that concerns him.

Abigail digested the information, wishing she hadn’t pried. The oaf was uncouth and crass, and after they parted company he was the type who would march into the local tavern and stir trouble for her by announcing that she was a gossipy chatterbox.

Even though Mr. Wallace is dissolute, she asked, is he kind to his servants at least? Is he courteous to them?

No. He’s vulgar and abrasive and no one likes him.

No one?

No, not even his mother. He’s that depraved.

She peeked up at him again, and he was grinning, brimming with mischief. He probably didn’t even know the Wallace family.

I can’t decide if you’re telling the truth or not, she said.

I guess you’ll see for yourself very soon.

I guess I will.

Have you any fortitude, Miss Barrington? Can you muddle through in difficult circumstances?

"Yes, but I’ll have to wait to learn if I’m about to encounter difficult circumstances or not. I’m convinced I shouldn’t take your word for anything."

I’m honest as the day is long, he huffed with feigned offense.

You won’t even reveal your name so I’m sure I shouldn’t seek your opinion on any topic.

You just might be a very good judge of character.

I couldn’t have succeeded at this if I’d been a ninny or a fool.

How long have you been a governess?

Nine years.

Nine! You don’t look to be twenty. When did you start? When you were ten?

I was sixteen.

So you’re twenty-five.

Yes.

You never married?

No.

Why haven’t you? Has no man ever asked? Or is it because you have such a low view of the male species that you weren’t interested?

She could have begun a lengthy diatribe about her past, but she never talked about herself. On her initially signing with Mrs. Ford’s agency, Mrs. Ford had insisted she not mention her name or history. It would simply upset potential employers and make it harder for her to find work.

And she absolutely had to work. She had no other option.

When she was fifteen and near to finishing her education, her parents and brother had been returning from a trip to Italy. Their ship had sunk, and they were presumed deceased.

Her cousin, Jasper, had inherited her father’s earldom and his title of Lord Middlebury as well as her family’s home and other properties. He and his wife, Desdemona, had swooped in like greedy vultures, and they’d been adamant that Abigail and her two sisters, Catherine and Sarah, weren’t welcome at Middlebury.

She and her sisters all earned their livings. They had no other choice. Jasper claimed their father had been a spendthrift, that the estate was bankrupt and their dowries squandered. They had no money to fight Jasper in the courts, no power to prove he was lying.

In the blink of an eye, they’d lost everything, and she had no idea how to get it back.

To add insult to injury, Jasper was a gambler and notorious roué, his repute as black as a kettle. She didn’t dare admit he was her cousin. She had to maintain a pristine reputation, and with his careless habits known by all, people might wonder if she possessed any of the same despicable tendencies. Who would hire her then?

If I thought it was any of your business, she said, I would tell you that I haven’t married because I never had the chance.

No dowry, huh?

No dowry.

But if a rich, stable fellow swept you off your feet, would you jump at the opportunity to be a bride? Would you run off and leave poor Mr. Wallace in the lurch?

No, I wouldn’t leave him in the lurch.

Why not? Aren’t you eager to wed?

She scoffed. In my experience, fairytales are silly. There will be no wealthy beau to sweep me off my feet.

You’re not a romantic at heart?

No. I don’t have a romantic bone in my body.

What an odd woman you are.

Why? Because I don’t pine away for a husband?

No, because you don’t believe in love and romance. I’ve never met a female who didn’t obsess over both.

I’ve never had the time to obsess over them.

How boring your life must be.

My life is fine, she said and usually it was.

She missed her sisters though. And she’d never quite accepted that her parents and her brother, Hayden, were deceased. Especially Hayden. He’d been so vibrant and charismatic. She still expected to glance over her shoulder someday and he’d be sauntering toward her.

She missed her prior existence too. She missed their home at Middlebury and the easy, opulent era she’d passed there.

She recognized that Fate could be cruel, that situations could change in an instant, but why did they have to change so drastically and completely? Why couldn’t she have lost just a bit of what she’d had? Why did she have to lose every blasted thing?

They’d been walking through the woods, and suddenly the trees spit them out into a clearing. The cottage was up ahead.

It was a beautiful house, two stories high with big windows, flowerboxes, red brick and black shutters. The summer foliage was bright green, and behind the house she could see the ocean, the blue of the water providing a stark contrast.

Rose bushes splashed color everywhere, and ivy climbed up a trellis. She thought it was the kind of place where a person could be happy, where a person could settle in and not note how the years were drifting by.

Oh, my, she breathed, it’s lovely, isn’t it?

He wrinkled his nose. "I don’t know if lovely is the word I’d use to describe it."

What word would you use?

Tiny. Drafty. Inconvenient.

Have you been inside?

No, I’ve simply heard people talking. The rooms are small, the ceilings low, and the chimneys smoky.

She snorted with disgust. For some reason, you’re trying to discourage me or perhaps ruin my arrival, but I can’t figure out why you would.

I’m not trying to discourage you. I’m testing your mettle.

Has it withstood your barrage?

I haven’t decided.

He dropped her portmanteau on the ground. This is where I leave you. Can you get your bag to the door on your own?

Yes. I could have lugged it all the way myself, but you wouldn’t let me.

It was too heavy, and you’re a woman so I wasn’t about to listen to you.

I stand corrected. I’m weak and feeble, and you have rescued me from myself.

You’re lucky I came along when I did.

Why were you lurking in the woods? You never explained.

No, I didn’t. Goodbye.

He raised a hand to his forehead and gave a jaunty salute, then he turned and left. She watched him go, and it seemed she should offer a pithy parting remark, as if the conversation hadn’t really ended.

Goodbye, she called.

He glanced back, and his focus was riveting and cheeky. His impertinent eyes wandered down her torso again, assessing spots he had no business assessing. Through the entire encounter, he’d deliberately attempted to rattle her, and she would deny him the satisfaction.

Thank you for carrying my bag, she told him.

Even though you didn’t want me to?

Even though.

I didn’t have anything else to do this afternoon.

Well, that certainly makes me feel special.

We’ll cross paths again, he said like a threat.

Will we?

I guarantee it.

Will you tell me your name when we do?

Maybe.

They both grinned, and it occurred to her that she was flirting with him which was insane.

Governesses were to be quiet and invisible, to be dull and placid and content, to have no opinions or convictions, and most particularly not to appear pretty or witty or interesting. Under no circumstance were they to notice any gentleman in the immediate vicinity.

He nodded to the cottage. I believe they’re expecting you.

How would you know?

You’d be surprised.

No, I wouldn’t.

Without further comment, he continued on and was swallowed up by the trees.

She tarried, his departure leaving her a bit sad. It had been a long time since she’d strolled down a country lane with a charming, handsome fellow. Would she ever see him again? He’d insisted she would, and she hoped he’d meant it.

Ready for any type of debacle, she hefted her bag off the ground, went to the front door, and knocked.

CHAPTER TWO

Show her in.

I won’t, Alex. I’m not your servant.

No, you’re not. I apologize.

Alexander Wallace stared at his half-sister, Faith. She was twenty-five and looked exactly like him—black hair, blue eyes, a slender physique—but they were very different people.

Their father had been a philandering roué, and her mother his favorite housemaid at Wallace Downs. She and her brother, Trevor, who’d also been sired by Alex’s father, had always lived at the estate, although Trevor was away at school.

They were a blunt reminder that his father had been an unscrupulous ass. Faith had been born the same month as Alex’s brother, Nathaniel, and Trevor had been born the same month as Alex’s sister, Winifred. Those pesky details shamed every involved party, but most especially Alex’s mother, Britannia, who’d been forced to share the same house with her husband’s paramour and illegitimate bastards.

Their continued presence was a thorn in his mother’s side that she’d never been able to pluck out so she was very bitter. It was why she rarely visited Wallace Downs. Whenever she bumped into Faith or Trevor—her spouse’s other children—she was at a loss for words so Faith was the perfect barrier to keep her away.

Would you care to ask me again? Faith said.

Yes, Faith. He grinned. "Would you please bring her down to speak with me?"

That’s better.

I try, he sarcastically said.

You do not, she scoffed.

They were in the front parlor at Wallace Cottage where Faith resided with his daughters, Mary and Millie. Faith had received plenty of education for a female—his father had insisted on it—and she refused to be treated like a servant. Nor would he dream of treating her like one.

She wouldn’t teach the girls herself so governesses were necessary.

What is your opinion? he inquired.

On what topic?

On Miss Barrington.

She’s incredibly pretty.

Is she? he casually mused.

She’s blond and blue-eyed and fresh-faced as a dairymaid.

Governesses are supposed to be fresh and innocent, aren’t they?

You didn’t meet her before you hired her.

No.

Camilla will hate her.

Probably, but Camilla hates everyone.

Camilla was his mistress. They’d been together for years and were so cordially attached they were like an old married couple. They carried on as if they’d been wed for decades, but he persisted with her only because he lacked the desire or the energy to replace her.

She suited his decadent habits, and besides who else would have him? No sane woman that was for sure. With his past scandal still reverberating, his reputation was completely beyond repair.

You had Camilla pick the last five governesses, Faith pointed out. Why did you decide to handle it yourself this time?

"Because we’ve had five of them. I want someone who will stay. I want Mary and Millie to have a bit of stability."

Faith snorted with aggravation. You’re not concerned about their stability. You’re just weary of having to constantly fuss with a new person.

Yes, he admitted. I detest having to fuss. It annoys me.

When Camilla sees how fetching Miss Barrington is, she’ll chase her off.

Camilla was no fool, and she was very possessive and jealous. She selected ugly, elderly crones whom Alex would never notice.

We won’t let her scare Miss Barrington away, he said. How about if we devise a plan to thwart Camilla? You’d like that, and it would protect Miss Barrington.

You and I—protect Miss Barrington from Camilla? That’s a laugh. Camilla does whatever she likes. You’ve allowed her to run roughshod over all of us for too long.

"We could try, Faith."

Camilla manages this property as if she’s your wife, and you never focus on anything that matters. If she starts in on Miss Barrington, how will we stop her?

I promise to pay attention for once.

I won’t hold my breath, she grumbled, and she walked out.

They had an odd relationship, with Alex not realizing until he was twelve that she was his sister. A tenant’s son had spilled the appalling secret during a quarrel as an insult against Alex’s father. Alex had knocked the boy on his ass, called him a liar, then had proceeded to the manor to ask the butler if it was true.

The man wouldn’t answer, and when five other servants had declined as well, he’d been forced to accept reality. Both his father and Faith’s mother had been dead by then, and Alex had felt honor-bound to assist his half-siblings. His mother certainly wasn’t going to.

Yet it hadn’t been easy to be their kind, benevolent half-brother. They were a proud, surly pair, and they weren’t grateful for any aid he tendered. They never appreciated his efforts on their behalf, but he’d done what he could.

He listened to her climbing the stairs, listened to her speaking quietly to Miss Barrington. It was a small house so there wasn’t much privacy. As they marched down, he shook his head with disgust, curious as to what he was about.

He should have hosted this first meeting over at the manor, should have had Miss Barrington escorted into his grand library where he could have awed her with his wealth and magnificence. But he didn’t want to welcome her at the manor, didn’t want to set a precedent where she might visit frequently in order to nag over paltry issues.

So they were at the cottage, and he didn’t have his massive desk to hide behind. He just had the two sofas and a chair over by the hearth, and they didn’t seem appropriate for the pending encounter. He went to the sideboard and poured himself a whiskey, and when she entered he was slouched in the chair and sipping his drink, acting as if he was bored with the entire affair—which he was.

Here she is, Faith said, sounding grouchy. Don’t bite her or you’ll frighten her away. Then I’ll have to get used to somebody else, and I like her.

With that snide comment, she huffed out and shut the door.

The cottage belonged to Alex, but Faith had lived in it for years and viewed it as her own home. She bore the brunt of people who came to Wallace Downs, but whom he didn’t bring over to reside in the manor: her brother Trevor, the twins, their nannies and governesses. She was always testy when someone new arrived so he wasn’t surprised by her grumpy attitude.

He tamped down another grin, wishing he appeared stern and forbidding, but he couldn’t pull it off. Miss Barrington spun toward him, and she was smiling and very poised, even though she had to be nervous as hell.

Hello, Miss Barrington, he said. It’s lovely to see you again.

Her jaw dropped in astonishment, and her smile turned to a scowl. It’s you!

Yes, it is.

You accosted me on the road. You were lurking in the forest, spying on me.

Yes, he said again.

No wonder you wouldn’t provide your name. You didn’t want me to guess who you were.

No, I didn’t.

Why?

I figured I’d have a much better idea of your character if you weren’t aware of my identity.

It was badly done of you. Her tone was scolding. You urged me to gossip and speculate about my employer.

"In my own defense, I did most of the gossiping and speculating."

"You claimed Mr. Wallace was domineering, rude, and wildly dissolute."

I wasn’t lying. I’m dreadful.

She studied him. You look…different.

I clean up rather well, don’t you agree?

You shaved at least. Should I be honored?

Yes, and I donned a coat and cravat just for you. My intent is to bowl you over with my radiance.

You haven’t. She studied him more closely. "You’re still wearing an earring. Why? It seems a…peculiar piece of jewelry for a man."

Isn’t it though? He sensed that she had a thousand questions as to how he’d come by it, but he wasn’t about to tell her. The servants—or Faith—would be more than happy to fill her in on his pathetic history. He gestured to the sofa. Sit, please.

She hesitated for so long that he thought she might stomp out. She had a bit of spunk; he’d give her that much. And Faith was correct that she was very, very pretty.

Faith had also been correct that Camilla wouldn’t like her.

Her hair was golden blond, her eyes big and blue. She had the face of an angel, blushing cheeks, rosy lips, dimples, freckles. She was slender and lithe, but curved in all the right spots, and he couldn’t deny his attraction.

The realization was extremely troubling. He’d never imagined himself as the type who would be fascinated by a servant. His father’s scurrilous conduct with Faith’s mother had caused too many problems, and Alex had always sworn he’d never behave in the same despicable fashion.

But he vividly recalled what it had been like to stand next to Miss Barrington out on the road. Sparks had shot between them, and he could definitely see himself acting shamefully toward her. She made him think that seducing a winsome, lonely governess might be a perfectly fine notion.

Was this how his father had felt about Faith’s mother? Had she been so tempting it had seemed foolish to resist?

Well? he said. Will you sit or not?

Yes, I’ll sit, she ultimately replied.

She walked over and eased down, her hips barely perched on the edge of the sofa cushion. She was tense and jumpy, like a deer caught in the carriage lamps. If he uttered one wrong word, she’d likely bolt, and it would be a disaster if she left.

He never liked to dicker over the cottage or the twins’ care and education. The reason he retained governesses, nannies, and other servants was for them to serve him so he didn’t have to fret about the two girls. He hoped Miss Barrington would be the precise person he needed, the person Camilla was never able to find.

You look anxious, he said. Are you afraid of me?

She scoffed. Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not afraid of anything.

Good. I hate to waste time so let’s get on with this, shall we?

Yes, let’s get on with it. I’m clear on what’s expected of me so why was I summoned? What is it you wish to tell me?

"I’d like you to tell me why I should hire you."

She gaped at him as if he’d spoken in a foreign language she didn’t comprehend. "Why you should hire me?"

Yes, I’m eager to hear your opinion. Earlier, you mentioned stellar qualifications and references. Share some information that will astound me.

Her brow wrinkled, her perplexity blatantly visible. I’m confused. I was told in London that I was already hired.

By who? By that old bat, Mrs. Ford?

Ah…yes.

She must be deaf then. I insisted I’d have to see you first. Why would I proceed without talking to you?

I have no idea. It seemed bizarre to me.

What are the terms? Are you assuming we have a contract in place?