When a Duke Loves a Governess (Unlikely Duchesses #3) - Olivia Drake Page 0,33

old pirate who’d been shipwrecked on a desert island for many years. How I came to meet him makes for an interesting story—”

“Miss James, come and see!” Sophy exclaimed.

The governess afforded him one last keen look, then she excused herself to go and admire the two dozen colorful feathers arranged on the ground. Guy followed close behind, sorry their conversation had ended and wondering if his daughter would ever call out to him. He ached to be the one with whom she wanted to share her joys and sorrows. If only he knew how to go about it.

“Why, there’s enough feathers to make a chieftain’s headdress,” Miss James said. “Wouldn’t you agree, Your Grace?”

“A pint-sized one,” he allowed.

“I’m making a hat,” Sophy insisted. “Don’t want a chief’s dress.”

“A headdress is a type of hat. Your papa saw one on his travels and painted a picture of it. Perhaps sometime he would show us how to make one for you.” Adding the feathers to her basket, she slipped Guy a cautious glance. “If he has the time to spare, that is. He’s a very busy man.”

“I’d be happy to lend a hand,” he said promptly. “When would be convenient?”

She thought for a moment. “Perhaps later this afternoon after Sophy’s nap.”

“Don’t need help,” Sophy protested, kicking a pebble with the toe of her shoe.

“Proper grammar, please,” Miss James chided. “And mind, it is always best to seek the advice of experts in order to avoid making mistakes. Now please thank your papa and Jiggs for their kindness.”

After Sophy reluctantly did so, Guy watched as the governess ushered the grumbling girl out of the conservatory. He wondered if he’d made any progress at all in winning over his daughter. Trust took time to build, he reminded himself. It would never have occurred to him to show Sophy the birds without Miss James suggesting it. He was too used to the aristocracy’s tradition of keeping children out of sight in the nursery.

No, the deeper truth was, he felt unnerved by his own daughter. His ineptness with Sophy had frustrated him these past few weeks. It helped now to think of her as a feral kitten, hissing and spitting because she believed herself to be unwanted by her own father. Learning the source of the girl’s anger was one more debt he owed to Miss James.

Guy’s chest expanded in a deep breath. Gratitude alone couldn’t explain the warmth inside him. It was Miss James herself who’d twisted him into knots with those big blue eyes, soft kissable lips, and irresistible feminine charm. He knew full well that such an infatuation was wrong. She would resign his employ should he be so unwise as to attempt a flirtation. He couldn’t risk losing the one person who had a knack for handling Sophy. More important, he had too much respect for Miss James to dishonor her.

What made her so much more effective than the other half dozen governesses? It wasn’t just youth and vitality, it was her heart and her fire. Despite having an appearance of delicate porcelain, she had a backbone of steel. She’d stood up to him and fought for Sophy. Her vibrant spirit reminded Guy of his grandmother, who’d never hesitated to get down on her hands and knees to play with him, or to defend him to his grandfather.

There was also that tantalizing whiff of mystery about Miss James. He sensed there was more to her than met the eye. Much, much more.

Chapter 7

That afternoon, guided by Lolly’s directions, Tessa walked down a carpeted corridor lined by bedchambers. She stopped in front of a closed door, hesitated, and then knocked. There was no reason to falter. She needed advice and didn’t know who else to ask.

Avis Knightley swung open the gilt-trimmed panel. A spinster’s cap topped her chestnut curls and she appeared somewhat frazzled, though her green eyes widened with pleasure. “Tessa, what a pleasant surprise.”

Tessa returned her smile. “Sophy is napping and I was hoping you might have a free moment.”

Avis glanced over her shoulder. “Lady Victor just took a draught of laudanum,” she whispered. “I’ll need to sit with her until she falls asleep.”

“Shall I return in a few minutes?”

Just then, a querulous voice came from inside the chamber. “Who’s there?”

“Miss James, my lady.”

“The governess? Well, bring her here at once.”

With a worried look, Avis ushered Tessa inside, murmuring, “She’s especially petulant today, I’m sorry to say.”

Tessa gave a nod of understanding. They passed through an elegant sitting room and into