Mr. Gardiner and the Governess - Sally Britton Page 0,54
me without a position in this house. Without a place to go. My reputation—”
“I understand,” he hastened to say. “I can be discreet, Alice. But I cannot ignore this.”
Her smile returned at last, though it was smaller. “Thank you. I will see you on my half day.”
He wanted to snatch her back, to hold her again, but instead he nodded. “The day after tomorrow. The same time as before. Here.”
Alice nodded. “Here. Good day, Rupert.” She hurried away, stopping only to scoop up her sketchbook and gloves, her spectacles too. Then she disappeared from the garden, giving him one last glance over her shoulder as she went.
Rupert fell against the tree, his heart pounding in his chest.
He needed to visit home and speak to his parents. Soon. And Alice... He needed to determine how much she meant to him, and how much he meant to her. There was nothing more important in the world at that moment than studying what had grown between them, as unexpected as a rose in the middle of a marsh.
Chapter 16
Though Alice had not known Emma Arlen long, the companion had begun to feel like a friend. So the next day, while the children were busy with their art master and riding lessons, Alice went in search of the only woman in the castle who might offer her advice.
As a companion to the duke’s daughter, Emma was in a similar position to Alice. She was a paid employee, but not exactly a servant, privy to much that happened within the family though not precisely a part of it.
Emma might understand Alice’s muddled thoughts and equally confused heart.
Alice found Emma in a sitting room frequented by Lady Josephine. She was alone, as Lady Josephine was also working with the art instructor that afternoon.
When Alice came further into the room, Emma looked up from the book in her hands and immediately smiled in welcome.
“I do hope I am not interrupting,” Alice whispered, looking around the room again to ensure herself they were alone. “But when you did not arrive with Lady Josephine for the painting session—”
“Oh, I try to avoid painting when possible. I am afraid it is not one of my talents.” Emma brushed aside her shortcoming and rose from her chair, then gestured to a couch where both of them might sit comfortably. “Do join me. I thought about seeking you out, but you are always so busy planning the children’s lessons that I had no wish to disturb you.”
Alice settled next to her friend and spoke with sincerity. “I am always happy to make time for you.” Then she rubbed at her forehead. “Though today I must beg your time and advice.”
“This sounds almost serious.” Emma leaned back against the curve of the couch’s arm. “Is something amiss?”
Twisting her father’s ring upon her thumb, Alice considered how to begin the conversation. “Will you keep what I tell you between us, Emma? I am—that is, I do not wish anyone else to know what I wish to tell you.”
Emma gave one firm nod. “So long as what you have to say poses no harm to others, I will keep your secrets.”
It was as reasonable an answer as one could hope for. Alice took in a deep breath before speaking.
“You have teased me about Mr. Gardiner before, if you will recall?”
Emma’s lips twitched. “Indeed. I think he is rather enamored with you. I have never heard him speak with such warmth of a woman, of anyone, really. He admires your talent, and your person.”
Alice clenched her hands together in her lap, feeling her cheeks grow warm. “He kissed me yesterday.”
The other woman’s mouth fell open. “What? When?”
The whole story came spilling out of Alice, rather like water from a fountain, and she wrung her hands as she told it. Then her concerns came next. “What if this means nothing to him? As kind and sincere as he is, he is a gentleman of means and importance. He is friends with the duke. I am only a governess. I have no connections of consequence. He cannot be serious about his affections.” Her eyes filled with tears and she searched her sleeve for her handkerchief.
“Here, take mine.” Emma thrust a clean handkerchief trimmed with lace into Alice’s hand. “You poor dear. I understand you perfectly.” Emma moved closer and put her arm about Alice’s shoulders. “The world is a frightening place for a woman alone, and those in our position, reliant upon our reputation but without protectors, are