Page 77 of The Governess and the Rogue

“Yet, I am lying to him,” Bea said. “To all of them.”

“No more than I am.”

“That doesn’t make it any less despicable.” Bea guided Nightshade closer to Copper. “Perhaps you shouldn’t have told me.”

“About my father?”

“You said it’s a family secret.”

“So I did.” Jack squinted up into the sun. “By the by, my sister took me aside this morning and posed me a question. I said I’d put it to you.”

Bea tensed. Of all the Beresford relations she’d met, she was most wary of Lady Kate. Jack’s younger sister was hot-blooded and unpredictable, with a propensity for speaking her mind. One never knew what she was going to say.

“What question?” Bea asked.

“She, Meg, and Hannah want to take you to a dressmaker’s shop in Maidenbridge to help you choose a few things. A gown for the ball and so forth.”

Bea’s mouth went dry. “I suppose it’s obvious that I’m in dire need.”

Jack’s gaze swept over her. “When was the last time you bought a new dress for yourself?”

“What does that matter?” she asked. “I can’t afford a new one regardless.”

“You wouldn’t be paying,” he said. “I would.”

Bea opened her mouth to object.

Jack forestalled her. “As your fiancé⁠—”

“But you’re not my—” Bea broke off, remembering Maberly’s presence behind them. She dropped her voice. “You can’t buy me clothes. It’s entirely inappropriate.”

“It’s costuming for your role,” Jack said. “Remember?”

She had to exert herself not to clench hard on the reins. “What can I say to that?”

“I don’t know. Thank you?”

She glared at him in silence.

His mouth quirked. “My sister and sisters-in-law are determined. I find it best to acquiesce to their wishes. I advise you to do the same. The expense won’t bankrupt me. My brother informs me that my estate is earning handsomely.” His smile broadened. “You may be pleased to hear that your fiancé is on his way to being a very rich man.”

“How fortunate for my fiancé,” Bea said stiffly. Sensing her precarious mood, Nightshade commenced an anxious jig beneath her. Bea’s hands immediately tightened fearfully on the reins. “What is she doing?”

“You’re making her anxious,” Jack said. “Loosen your reins and relax your seat.”

“Relax my seat? How in the world⁠—?”

“Don’t sit so rigidly. You can be straight in the saddle without pokering up.”

Bea grudgingly followed his advice. Once again, it proved effective. Nightshade ceased her jig and resumed walking at Copper’s side.

“Horses feel what we feel,” Jack said. “If you’re tense, they become tense. And if you’re relaxed, they’ll relax. Why do you think Copper is so happy right now, prancing along through the woods, without a care in the world?”

Bea’s brows knit doubtfully. “Because you’re happy?”

“Exactly,” Jack said.

She exhaled. “Because you’re riding again.”