* * *
She had called him to action—and therein lay the problem. The children seemed to like her, and they needed a governess. He simply could not leave them to the servants, who weren’t equipped to give them lessons or had the time to look after them properly.
However, how could he have her underfoot … looking as she did? He had thought of little else since he had dropped her off at Miss Corbett’s. He was a grown man and damn well in control of his manhood which was presently throbbing inside his breeches. He did not allow that to lead him about … but damn, this lovely creature stirred his loins.
He would have to let her stay on for now.
He shouldn’t stay at Bromley long—rumors would fly—and he would have to do something about her wardrobe. Her clothes were not suitable for a governess. Damn, but he rather thought she would be seductive in burlap. He was going to have to keep his distance from the minx.
“No, I don’t think you should leave, but we have to establish some ground rules.”
“Such as?”
“Appropriate attire, for one. You will go into town as soon as you can and charge some gowns more in keeping with your station.” He felt the frown on his face and tried to dispense with it, but then his eyes strayed to her breasts, up her neckline to her beautiful face, and he felt momentarily at a loss to go on.
“Thank you. I shall do that. What other rules?”
“We will talk about the other rules at another time.” He leaned into her and smiled suddenly. “The twins do like you, and I believe children do learn more from someone they can like and admire.”
She started to her feet. “Thank you. If you will excuse me, I will go up to have dinner with them now.”
“No, I asked them to have dinner with Freddy and me while I am here at Bromley, and there is no reason for you to eat alone. You shall of course, join us.” What was he doing? What was only right, polite. Yes, but what was he doing?
His eyes met her deep aqua blues, and he watched as her dark lashes swept her cheek shyly. It occurred to him that she was the most exquisite creature he had ever encountered.
* * *
Three mornings later, Cherry stood in the kitchen pleading her case with a large woman who was full of warmth and motherly tendencies. She was called ‘Cook’ by the staff and didn’t seem to go by any other name.
“But, dear Cook … they have no mother to care for them … poor little ducklings …”
“Look here, Miss Sarah. These things must go. They are forever escaping the crate I set up for them, making a mess in their water dish … I jest don’t have the time for them.”
“But, Cook, the twins do so love them … and it will be good for them to care for them and watch them grow. It is such a dangerous world out there for them …”
“Still … enough is enough … I …”
“I have it … here just outside in the breezeway. I made a pen to keep them safe, and I put a large tin tub into the ground for them to swim in … it will do until I can get Mr. Tom to build them a proper place!” Freddy announced, stepping into the kitchen from the back garden door.
Cherry clapped her hands together. She went to take Freddy’s hands and saw him blush to the roots of his fair hair. “Freddy … aren’t you wonderful!”
At the wide doorway to the kitchen his lordship came to an abrupt halt. Cherry saw him out of the corner of her eye and wondered what was wrong, as he looked supremely irritated. Did he not like ducklings?
He stepped into the room and said, “What is all this about ducks?”
“The ducklings you must have noticed the day you first arrived … in my shawl … well, not really my shawl but Mary’s, and I am terribly sorry but it must be ruined and I shall have to purchase her another—”
He put up a hand. “Let us return to the subject of ducks.” His eyes strayed to his brother, who avoided his gaze, and then back to Cherry as she moved towards him.
“They are orphans and will die or be eaten if we leave them to fend for themselves.” She wrung her hands together. “And Freddy here has constructed a temporary habitat for them.”
He seemed to Cherry to size
up the situation in quick degree as he turned to his brother and said, “Has he? I never knew you had an interest in … building.”
“Perhaps you have never taken the time to know very much about me.” Freddy’s tone was cold.
Cherry looked from brother to brother. She had assumed from their behavior at dinner Sky’s first night home that their ‘talk’ had not gone well. She picked up the slack and drew the attention to herself. “The point being that they certainly shall not be underfoot, and it will be a wonderful situation for the children …” She was all too aware that the moment he had arrived on the scene, her breath had departed her. She felt a certain dimness of mind and a sure heat of blood. She found herself staring into his dark blue eyes and discovered he was ‘not’ immune to her either.