Mr. Gardiner and the Governess - Sally Britton Page 0,39

whatever it was that had almost happened.

“Tomorrow is my half day, after the children have breakfast,” she blurted. “I can work more upon the illustrations then.”

Mr. Gardiner’s expression changed to bemusement, then slowly he shook his head. “I cannot allow that, Miss Sharpe. You must have some time for yourself. Even I must take breaks from this work, to clear my mind and let it rest. When one works until they are overtired of a subject, they are more likely to make mistakes.”

He turned back to studying the swarming bees at the edge of the wood. He crossed his arms over his chest and relaxed.

“But I could spend the entire day on your sketches,” Alice protested, canting her head to the side. “I might accomplish much without interruption.”

Mr. Gardiner chuckled, still facing the trees.

“Absolutely not. I will not hear of it.” He spoke with a friendliness she had not expected, despite issuing his suggestion as a command. “Come now, Miss Sharpe. There must be something else you would rather do. What plans did you have for your half days before I appeared, confounding you and claiming all your free moments for my own?”

Alice considered the question, sorting through her thoughts and trying to remember if she had ever had any plans. A short walk would take her to the village supporting Castle Clairvoir. Lambsthorpe’s main street boasted little more than a grocer and millinery, with a public house and inn should she wish to find a bite of food.

Then she looked back the way they had come, knowing the gardens would be overrun if the next day proved pleasant. That left her with little to do outside of the castle.

Perhaps she might enter the library—but then, since the duke and duchess had guests, she might be unwanted in the public rooms.

When she peered up at Mr. Gardiner again, and somewhat sheepishly lifted one shoulder in a shrug, she had to admit the truth of her situation. “I honestly cannot think of another way to spend my time. Perhaps reading. Or preparing lessons for the coming week.”

His eyes stayed upon the trees and bees, and the muscles of his jaw worked a moment before he spoke in a way that sounded off-hand.

“Perhaps you might spend part of your time with me.” He still did not look at her as he extended the invitation. “You might tell me more about your interest in flora. Or we might walk through the statue gardens—you were in such a hurry that first time, you may have missed some things.”

Could she believe her own ears? Had Mr. Gardiner, a gentleman and guest to the Duke of Montfort, invited her on an unchaperoned outing?

Of course, as a governess, no one really expected her to ever need a chaperone.

But no one expected a governess to be courted.

Was he attempting to court her?

No, of course not. She was merely overthinking things.

But what if—?

She had waited too long to speak, as his reddening cheeks accompanied his next words.

“If you would rather not, I understand—”

She hastened to interrupt him before she quite knew what she was doing. “I would be delighted, Mr. Gardiner. What time would you like to meet for a walk?”

Finally he turned to face her, a smile upon his face which lit up his entire countenance. He rubbed the back of his neck with one hand, arching an eyebrow at her. “If it is agreeable to you, perhaps we might meet before tea? I may be able to procure us something from the kitchens, to further enjoy the afternoon.”

Her heartbeat sped up rather alarmingly. “That is most agreeable.” Oh dear. Those words came out more breathless than she expected. “Two o’clock, then?”

“Yes. That will do nicely.”

At that time of day, most of the ladies would likely retire to their rooms to rest before the evening meal. Children would be forced into quieter indoor activities to keep them out of the heat of the day, too. No one would see them, which meant no one would gossip about why a gentleman and a governess wandered through the gardens together.

Alice had to force away her own delighted smile. “Wonderful. I look forward to it. But for now, I must go. I have left my charges in the care of others too long.”

“Of course.” He bowed but kept his gaze upon her. “Until tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow,” she repeated with her curtsy. Then she hurried away, only glancing back once she was safely beneath the chestnut trees.

Mr. Gardiner watched and raised his hand in