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Well, that would make Theran out to be the biggest bloody ponce and ogre of all time, wouldn’t it? To deny a sacked governess a couple weeks more income?
Bernadine would be crushed as well.
“No.” Theran shook his head. “I see no harm in continuing for the present. I don’t intend to stay at the house party the entire time in any event.” Beyond the barn, a stable hand exercised White Flame. Theran had missed his usual morning ride, and a slight restlessness plagued him as a result. “My brother’s wife is expecting their third child soon, and he and my mother would like me there.”
“How wonderful.” A soft, maternal smile bloomed across Purity’s face, once again startling him with her vivacity.
Was it only a day ago that he’d first seen her and thought her unremarkable? Purity Mayfield reminded him of a flower bud, breathtaking in its splendor when fully opened.
And she was meant to be a mother. She wouldn’t leave her children for someone else to raise. Wouldn’t neglect them for her own self-interests. She’d nurture and love and discipline and praise them.
Imogene had been that kind of mother.
The queerest emotion burbled behind Theran’s ribs and rose to the back of his throat. Not regret that Imogen wouldn’t be that sort of mother for Bernadine, but at the very real probability that Purity would never bear her own children. Many women in service didn’t. Survival in an unforgiving world didn’t permit the luxury of motherhood.
How could Theran deny Bernadine a governess who would love her like her own child?
“I am at your disposal for as long as you require,” she said demurely.
A stark contrast to the feisty woman who’d given him an earful only a couple of days ago and the woman who’d fought off Lord Ceddes’ lecherous attentions last night.
Aunt Melvelia was right.
Hiring Miss Mayfield was the perfect solution.
You’ve already sent Spottswood a letter asking him to post the position.
Easy enough to write him again and rescind the directive.
This is a mistake.
“You wished to speak to me about something, Mr. Rutland?” Though she refrained from looking to where the children had disappeared, Purity subtly shifted her weight toward the door. He appreciated her impatience to return to her charge. More credit to her for her commitment to her duty.
Athena had frequently neglected her duties.
Ah, yes. Theran needed to write his sister-in-law and ensure that she understood he would take personally any future threats against Purity. And deal with them swiftly and appropriately.
“I did.” He cleared his throat. “I have… that is…would you…?”
Bother and blast.
He stumbled over his words like an inexperienced, pimple-faced schoolboy asking the girl he was infatuated with to dance.
“Would I…?”
Guileless and unassuming, Purity’s gaze searched his face.
Could she truly be as genuine and unaffected as she appeared?
Don’t do it, Theran Marcus Anthony Rutland.
You shall regret it.
Aye, he probably would.
Even as his conscience silently berated him, Theran said, “Would you consider accepting the position as Bernadine’s governess?”
“Would I…?”
