When a Duke Loves a Governess (Unlikely Duchesses #3) - Olivia Drake Page 0,115
against the night sky. How could she truly be happy without Guy and Sophy?
* * *
Watching Tessa disappear out the garden gate, Guy had to restrain himself from going after her. He craved to settle matters between them, to ensure that she wouldn’t leave him now that she’d acquired a family of her own. But he could hardly abandon Haviland to deal with the body lying in the bushes. They must wait for Jiggs to return with the carriage.
“I daresay you’ve stolen my scoundrel’s crown tonight,” Haviland said on a droll note. He’d set down the lantern and leaned a shoulder against the brick wall of the town house. “There I was, sitting in the library like a decrepit old codger, catching up on a week’s worth of newspapers, and now thanks to you, I’ve acquired another sister and there’s a dead man in my garden.”
Guy chuckled. “You may keep your crown. Though it would seem you’re not so much of a scoundrel anymore, either.”
A certain stiffness entered Haviland’s expression. “You’ve been investigating me. I should draw your cork for that. There was a time when you trusted my word.”
“Forgive me. It was necessary for the protection of my family. But pray know that when Banfield handed me that note summoning me here tonight, I knew him at once to be the culprit. You would never have abducted a woman in order to steal a treasure map. Not even if you were still deeply in debt.”
“So you’ve looked into my finances, too?” Frowning, Haviland glanced away. “It was my father leaving Ainsley Hall mortgaged to the hilt and in a state of utter disrepair that shook me awake. After he died, I decided not to spend my life dodging creditors while my estate fell to rack and ruin.” He paused to take a deep breath. “I’ve even deemed it time to produce an heir.”
“You, marry? You swore a blood oath it would never happen.”
“Yes, when I was one-and-twenty and had just been spurned by the girl of my dreams for being an incorrigible rake.” As if he were looking into the past, a slight smile touched his lips. “Now that I’ve found her again, I’m determined to convince her that I’ve turned over a new leaf. And since she has no living relations, I shall ask your permission to pay her my addresses. Miss Avis Knightley is, after all, in your employ.”
Guy stared. “My aunt’s companion? I’d have sooner pictured you chasing after some sweet young Venus.”
“It’s been ten years since we first met, and she’s still the sweetest young Venus I’ve ever known.” His smile took on an uncharacteristically soppy quality before vanishing into sternness. “Speaking of romance, I demand an explanation for this improper closeness I noticed between you and my newfound sister. What exactly has been going on under your roof?”
It was Guy’s turn to stiffen. Not for the world would he mention that passionate interlude in his study. “My intentions are honorable, I assure you. In truth, I’ve already offered for Tessa, though she hasn’t accepted—yet.”
“You should be asking permission of her elder brother.”
“You’ll have to fight Lord Marbury for that right. He’s her grandfather on her mother’s side. There was a scandal a long time ago. Marbury’s daughter disappeared when he tried to marry her off against her will. Apparently she ended up at your father’s house as governess under an assumed name.”
Haviland whistled. “You don’t say! Tessa has acquired a whole host of noble relations, then. What happened to her, Guy, after her mother died? Where has she been all these years?”
“In a workhouse as a child, then a millinery shop. It’s another long story, which I’m sure she’ll be happy to tell you. Suffice to say that she’s been on her own for most of her life.” Wondering if Haviland would fund her shop, Guy firmed his jaw. “So as far as paying my addresses, it isn’t your or Marbury’s permission that matters. It’s Tessa’s.”
Chapter 22
Still in something of a daze upon her arrival back at Carlin House, Tessa was startled to be escorted by Mrs. Womble to a bedchamber on the floor reserved for the family. Jiggs had sent the night footman to wake the housekeeper, and in turn, she had rousted several maids out of bed. As they carried in cans of hot water to fill a large copper tub by the fire, Mrs. Womble in her nightcap and robe directed them.
Tessa felt compelled to protest to the venerable woman. “A