The Governess Club: Sara

“Whenever I did something sinful. It was one of the penances she would have us do.”

“One of? No, don’t answer that.” Nathan stood. “Tell me exactly how long you were praying tonight?”

“Please, could you cover up?” She kept her gaze down.

“No. How long?” His voice was firm.

“Um, two hours I think. Maybe longer.”

“Christ, Sara.” He raked a hand through his hair. He looked down at her, taking in again the dark circles under her eyes and her pale face. “You must be exhausted.”

“I am fine.”

“No you’re not.” Nathan grasped her hand and led her over to the bed. He began to untie her robe. “Come, you are going to sleep and then we will discuss this further.”

“No,” she protested, holding the robe to her chest.

“You cannot sleep in this. You will strangle yourself.” He pushed the garment off and helped her settle on the bed. Tucking her under the covers, he closed the bed curtains around her and then climbed in to lie beside her.

“Please—”

“All I’m going to do, Nymph,” he said, nestling in behind her in spoon-like fashion, “is hold you. This will benefit both of us.” His voice softened. “I can ask if Mrs. Taggert has a sleeping powder, if you like.”

“No, thank you.” Sara held herself stiffly for several minutes, but Nathan felt her body relax as she finally succumbed to his comforting embrace and drifted to sleep. Kissing her shoulder, he did just as he promised and held her close.

“Mrs. Taggert must think me a slothful woman.” Sara sipped the tea Nathan had prepared for her. She sat cross-legged at the head of the bed while he sat at the foot.

“She is not paid to pass judgment on you.”

“I have not done anything productive this week. Haven’t even asked to inspect the house, as I would if I were indeed your wife.”

Nathan shrugged. “Wedding trip. We have other things on our minds.” The look on his face gave her little doubt as to what other things he was referring to. He wrapped a hand around her closest ankle. “How are your knees?”

Sara looked down at the cold compresses that had since warmed from her knees. “They are fine. They were fine before.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.”

She frowned. “How can you be the judge of my body?”

Another lascivious smile pulled on his mouth. “Believe you me, I am a fine judge of your body.”

A blush tinged her cheeks. “You are deliberately misunderstanding me.”

“Yes.” He drained his tea.

Sara blinked. The man had a talent for blunt honesty. It was odd how she appreciated it, found it charming, in fact. She could always trust him to not shield her from socially unacceptable thoughts and ideas. “Why?”

He stared at his thumb making slow circles around her ankle. “I thought you would appreciate the avoidance of another topic.”

She looked down into her own teacup, unable to respond.

“Would you like me to send word to Liam to saddle Ares?”

Sara shook her head. He was being more solicitous than usual and it made her uncomfortable. She had come to depend on his curt demeanor and frank appraisals. It helped keep herself grounded in reality in regards to their arrangement.

“Where is your list of Adventures Yet To Be Had then? We can see what else we can do today.” He rose from the bed.

“It’s still downstairs in the drawing room.”

“I’ll fetch it.”

“You are only in your robe!” she protested as he moved toward the door.

He paused, hand on the knob. “Sara, this is my house. I am able to walk around it in any state I choose. Don’t move.”

She watched in disbelief as he disappeared. She strained her ears for any sounds of shock. None came. Perhaps he simply did not encounter any of the Taggerts or his valet. Strange, now that she thought upon it; she had not seen his valet since the day they arrived. She wondered if Nathan had sent him away. In fact, Liam and Mrs. Taggert were the only ones she had seen. Surely he would not have sent away Mr. Taggert, his steward, as well?

The door swung open again and Nathan returned. He closed the door and settled himself beside her on the bed.