ring on a chain, and I would wear it until he came home.”
Rupert accepted it in his palm, noting the inside of the ring was smooth and bright from her wearing it. “Incredible that a child would not lose it,” he said, trying for a lighter tone.
Then he slipped it momentarily on his finger, the metal still warm from her skin. Her hands were so slight, the ring fit the second smallest finger on his right hand. He took it off again and held it out to her. “A precious gift.”
Alice stared at the ring, then looked up at him with a crease in her brow before she accepted it again. “It is only a silver ring. And look how much it needs polishing. I don’t think I ever noticed until now how very damaged it is.”
“A little polish from a jeweler would bring it to rights again.” Rupert rolled onto his back and folded his hands across his middle. “You have lived such a life of hardship, Alice. I did not know—and now I understand. Will you forgive me for my ignorance? I can see now why you protect your position as fiercely as you do, and I would rather give up my project entirely than make you fearful of losing your place.”
He turned his head to watch her profile as he spoke, his soul aching that he had caused her fear while in pursuit of his own plans. Yes, he dreamed of publishing a paper in the Royal Society, of joining their esteemed ranks. But to do so at the cost of her peace? It would be reprehensible.
It was too soon for him to tell her—admit to her—that he had started to imagine offering her a different place. One by his side. As his wife.
The word frightened and elated him, but he kept the thought to himself.
What would that do to the duke’s regard for Rupert? Would he earn His Grace’s ire in stealing away a governess all his children dearly loved?
The sincerity with which Rupert spoke lifted a weight from Alice’s chest. She lifted her daisy chain again, tucking another stem into the plait. Then she turned her gaze to him, where he rested in the grass, his stare upon her almost fierce as he waited for her to speak.
“I feel I know the family a little better now. The children and I get along well. I am not afraid of losing what I have here. At least, not regarding the work we do together.” She plucked one more flower, adding a last bit of length to her chain before looping it back upon itself to make a crown.
Rupert watched her, his smile returning, softer now. “But you are concerned about what will happen if we are seen too often together. If I attempt to court you, as you deserve to be courted.”
Alice’s cheeks warmed and she nodded, letting the daisy crown fall to her lap. “When they took me on, the dowager duchess and her grace were both clear about my duties, and what I could not do. ‘Fraternizing with men’ was most certainly upon the list of actionable offenses.” She tried to smile, but it felt weak to her. “Oh, Rupert. What am I to do?”
He sat up and took her hand from her lap, holding it between both of his. “Leave it to me, my dear. I will put some thought to the matter. Until then, I will make a heroic effort in refraining from showing my affection for you. In public, at least.”
She peered up at him, seeing his crooked smile paired with the sincerity in his gaze. “Your affection for me?”
“You do not think I go about kissing every governess I meet, do you?” he teased. “I assure you, that distinction belongs to you alone. Forgive me for going about a courtship like a bumbling fool. But I have never—and this is the truth, dear Alice—I have never felt the slightest interest in another woman. Not like this.”
“You only like me because I am not afraid of frogs or spiders,” she countered, though a genuine warmth grew in her heart. “And I can color your flowers in better than you can.”
Rupert laughed outright, the sound deep and joyful. Then he rolled onto his elbow to look up at her, his eyes dancing with humor and something else. Something that made Alice’s stomach feel as though any number of beautiful white-winged moths had taken flight inside her.
“All of this is true, but those