When a Duke Loves a Governess (Unlikely Duchesses #3) - Olivia Drake Page 0,50
and a rake. If in fact she doesn’t already know that.”
“I’ll be sure to mention it.” Her expression polite, Tessa stood with her fingers clutched at the sides of her skirt. “The lecture appears to have been a great success, Your Grace. I enjoyed it very much.”
“You missed three-quarters of it.”
“Lady Sophy dawdled at bedtime. I thought it best not to leave until she was fast asleep. You wouldn’t have appreciated her sneaking downstairs to make a surprise appearance.”
“Point taken.”
Now that he had Tessa in his company, Guy felt as awkward as a callow boy trying to impress his first girl. They stood in an alcove slightly apart from the other guests, and he longed for them to be somewhere private. Someplace where they could talk and trade wits as they’d done in the library. Perhaps then she would cease looking so cool and unapproachable.
“Tessa, I—”
“I’ve been wanting to—”
They both stopped in chagrin. “Ladies first,” he said.
She smiled slightly. “I’ve been meaning to thank you for asking Mr. Banfield about the book. A Display of Heraldry by John Guillim, you said in your note.”
“I’m only sorry there isn’t a copy here. But Banfield assures me it’s in the library at Greyfriars, and he’s already written to my butler there. You should receive the book within the week.”
“Thank you as well for sending Robinson Crusoe up to the nursery. I’m halfway through, and it’s been a pleasure to read.” Her voice warmed. “Fancy, Robinson Crusoe was captured by pirates! And now you’ve met a real pirate.”
The sparkle that lit those blue eyes had an invigorating effect on him. For a moment, Tessa radiated a vitality that enhanced her lovely features. Her skin glowed like alabaster, and her lips wore a sweet smile that encouraged Guy to take a step closer. “I’ll be happy to tell you more,” he murmured. “We can sit down together sometime and discuss it.”
Her expression changed subtly, the openness shuttering to the blank mask of a servant. “I’m quite busy these days, Your Grace. Lady Sophy is learning her letters and numbers, so of course that must be my primary focus.”
Frustrated, he reached for her hand, taking care that none of the guests noticed. She seemed to need the connection as much as he did, for she didn’t pull away. Dainty yet capable, her fingers rested in his, and he had a vivid memory of them curling around his neck. “Tessa,” he said in a low, rough tone. “Don’t turn stiff on me, please. You have my promise that nothing improper will happen between us. Surely we can be friends.”
She slowly shook her head. “No. You ask the impossible.”
“Nonsense. If you’re worried about someone seeing us together, then we’ll rendezvous in the library late at night when everyone is asleep.”
“Secret meetings would be wrong. You are a duke, and I am a governess. And it is no use pretending otherwise.”
Her throat taut, Tessa gazed up at his ruggedly chiseled features and felt such a wrench of yearning that it stole her breath away. For once, she wished to be a fine lady who could be courted by a man of his rank. The warmth of his fingers around hers only heightened her longing for him. She’d never before felt like this about any man, and she feared that if they were alone together, temptation would prove impossible to resist.
His stare burned deep into her soul. Yet she could tell that Carlin didn’t truly fathom her dilemma. A man in his exalted position couldn’t comprehend the problems faced by a woman of the lower orders. Even if their attraction were innocent, she dared not sit with him as if they were equals.
It would only lead to trouble. For her, not him.
Drawing her hand free, Tessa turned away to walk swiftly down the corridor to the rear of the house. Her steps checked momentarily when she saw Mr. Banfield watching from a nearby doorway. His stern look stirred the disquieting suspicion that he’d seen the duke holding her hand. Lifting her chin, she gave him a cool nod in passing.
Let him think what he wished. His censure was no worse than that of the noble guests. Earlier, some of them had gazed askance at her drab gown. A few of the gentlemen had leered at her as if a governess were fair game for their predatory impulses. With Avis Knightley as company, it had been easier to ignore the swells, to laugh it off and hold her head high.