Page 59 of The Governess and the Rogue

“It would have been no hardship,” Bea said. “I’m accustomed to fending for myself.”

“Haven’t you any family?” Hannah asked.

Bea saw no reason to sugarcoat the matter. “Both of my parents are dead.”

Hannah’s eyes softened with sympathy. “I’m very sorry to hear it.”

“It was a long time ago. Nearly ten years.”

“May I ask who they were?”

“No one of importance,” Bea said. “Except to me.” She hesitated before elaborating, “They were neither rich, nor titled, but my father was a gentleman. He left enough for me to obtain my schooling, so that I might have a secure position in life.”

Hannah looked at her in question.

“After losing them, I was sent to a school where I was trained to be a governess,” Bea said.

“I see,” Hannah murmured.

“I’ve been in India nearly ten years altogether. I’ve spent the whole of it working. It’s nothing I’m ashamed of.”

“Nor why should you be?” Hannah crossed to the window. She smoothed one of the curtains. “How did you and Jack⁠—?”

“On the ship sailing out of Alexandria,” Bea answered before Hannah could finish her question. “I was in a difficult predicament with my employers, and Jack was attempting to avoid certain of the passengers.”

Hannah’s mouth ticked up at one corner. “Lady passengers?”

“Indeed.”

“Dear Jack,” Hannah said with a laugh. “Some things never change.” She paused, explaining, “He’s been quite sought after in his time.”

“Ruthlessly sought after, apparently,” Bea said. “Or so he’s told me.”

Hannah’s smile turned quizzical. “Has he?”

“We are used to speaking frankly with each other.”

“I didn’t know Jack could speak frankly. He’s more likely to jest.” Hannah finished arranging the curtain. She turned back to Bea. “What a shock it was to everyone when he decided to join the army.”

Bea was curious in spite of herself. “Why so?” she asked. “Don’t younger sons of the nobility often purchase a commission?”

“Second sons sometimes do. Third sons are generally for the church.” Hannah smiled again. “An even less suitable position for someone of Jack’s temperament.”

“I’d have said he was well suited for the army.”

“Would you? I daresay you’re right. Though it’s such a serious profession. And he needn’t have taken it up. He has ample means at his disposal, and a handsome estate of his own now. Not but that he’s had more than a few weeks at a time to live in it. He only visits Somerset when he’s on leave, and sometimes not even then. The children have met him but a handful of times.”

“Only that?” Bea was surprised. “But they seem to adore him.”

“Oh, they do,” Hannah said. “Jack has a way with children. My husband would say it’s because Jack is still a bit of a child himself. He’s always had an appreciation for larking about. I’m pleased to see that hasn’t changed, despite his elevation in rank.”

Bea instantly thought of that night on the deck of the Pera when Jack had proposed their fake engagement.

“I’m far too old for such a childish prank,” she’d told him.

“I’m not,” Jack had replied promptly. “Not if it serves.”

“He has that knack, you know,” Hannah said. “To dazzle in small doses. Which is rather convenient, since a little of himself is all he’s usually disposed to share before he’s off again.”