Mr. Gardiner and the Governess - Sally Britton Page 0,48
one corner of her mouth creeping upward in a smile.
Rather than watch her go, he searched out Lord James. The duke was speaking to his son in a quiet, stern voice.
“—after the incident with the other frogs, I thought you knew better than to bring more of the creatures indoors.”
“But this isn’t a frog, Papa,” the boy said quietly, expression earnest. “It is a toad.”
The duke appeared momentarily surprised, then he covered a grin with his hand. “Regardless, your animal needs to be outside where it belongs, James. They are not meant to live indoors any more than you are meant to live in a pond.”
“Your Grace, Lord James.” Rupert bowed to them both. “I wonder if I might assist in returning the creature to its home. I should enjoy a little fresh air before dinner.”
The duke turned to Rupert with a welcoming smile. “Ah, Gardiner. I am certain my son would appreciate your company.”
Lord James nodded. “Yes, thank you, Mr. Gardiner.”
“Before you go on your errand of mercy,” the duke said, placing a hand on Rupert’s shoulder. “You must tell me. Has Miss Sharpe proven an apt colorist? I meant to ask you last evening if you could bring me a sample of her work.”
“As I have said before, Your Grace, she has a true talent. I am most grateful she has taken the time to help.” Rupert gestured to Lord James. “I know she has used her personal hours to accomplish much, rather than allow her work as a governess to suffer. Tell me, Lord James, what do you think of Miss Sharpe as your governess?”
If he could do Alice a good turn, Rupert meant to do so. She deserved praise, and to be noticed, for her dedication to the duke’s children.
Lord James did not disappoint him. “Miss Sharpe is the best governess we’ve had. She isn’t dull at all, and she likes teaching us about things. She is letting me construct a trebuchet, but only after I can memorize King Henry’s speech.”
The duke appeared interested. “‘Once more into the breech’?”
His son nodded. “That one. We’re learning about the history of England. Miss Sharpe says Shakespeare didn’t get all the facts right, so we’re reading the play and history books at the same time. She lets me read Henry’s parts.”
“An intelligent approach to keep a boy’s interest.” The duke ruffled his son’s hair. “It sounds as though you will be well prepared when it is time to go away to school.”
Lord James grinned. “Yes, Papa.”
“Off with you, now. Most of your friends have gone. Return the frog—pardon me. The toad.” The duke shared an amused smile with Rupert. “I will see you at dinner shortly, Gardiner.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” Rupert bowed, then put his hand on Lord James’s back and guided the boy out of the room.
“I’m sorry about the toad, Mr. Gardiner.” Lord James put his hand over his coat again. “I didn’t think he’d make such a loud noise.”
Rupert chuckled. “It is evening, Lord James. Your toad is calling to his fellows, or to his lady.”
The boy wrinkled his nose. “To his lady? Animals don’t court, Mr. Gardiner.”
“Who here is the naturalist?” Rupert led them down the stairs. “I assure you, they have their own forms of courtship. Some animals have even more complicated relationships than people.”
After they released the toad in the kitchen gardens, where Rupert hoped it would prove useful, they went back up to the children’s wing. They arrived to find the corridor empty except for Alice, patiently waiting for her last pupil’s return. She offered the boy a warm smile that Rupert hoped extended to him, too.
“Lord James. Do you need anything before bed?”
“No, thank you.” He bowed to her. “Good night, Miss Sharpe.” Then he offered Rupert the same words of departure before slipping into his room.
Alice looked up at Rupert, her eyes shining with good humor. “That was quite an evening, wasn’t it?” she asked, her voice low in the empty corridor.
“I enjoyed myself immensely.” He could not help but stare at her, admiring everything from the blonde ringlet curled around her earlobe to a freckle on one cheek.
How had it happened that he, a man unconcerned with female beauty, could become an admirer of a woman with such speed? It was only natural, he supposed, that when a man found a woman of such talent and intelligence that he must find all aspects of her lovely and becoming.
She blushed beneath his gaze and took a single step back. “I must