The Governess Club: Sara

“Wha—bu—you—” Mrs. Glendoe sputtered.

Sara continued. “These boys are not stealing. They are my guests and I am offering them sustenance, just as you are entitled as a guest. If you find the company intolerable, then may I suggest you leave.”

Sara turned her attention back to the boys, ignoring Mrs. Glendoe’s gaping mouth. “Come gentlemen, shall we continue? You have yet to select any of the sweet cakes.” The boys followed her, their grips continuing to cling to her skirts. She studiously kept her gaze away from the woman, even when she heard the huff and swish of skirts as she stalked away.

Good heavens. Where had that come from? Sara’s head buzzed and she barely registered the boys continuing their quest. Had that even been her who said such things? The ants had disappeared so quickly when that anger bubbled up. She was not accustomed to speaking to others, particularly her elders, in such a manner; only Nathan had ever provoked such a response from her.

Her eyes careened over the crowd. Had anyone seen the encounter? Seen her disrespect Mrs. Glendoe? But everyone was dancing and laughing and chatting; no one acted as though anything was amiss. No one had seen the horrible miracle that just occurred. She took a deep breath, feeling the relief flow through her.

“That was spectacular, Nymph.”

The deep voice behind her had her jumping again. Sara looked over her shoulder and into the icy blue eyes that gleamed with appreciation. He must have just arrived to the assembly, for she had not seen him earlier.

Nathan continued. “A true Valkyrie, rising to the defense of her brood, attacking the gorgon.”

She swallowed. “I believe you are confusing your mythology. Valkyries are Norse but not warriors, while gorgons are Greek.”

He shrugged. “Does it matter?” His eyes did not leave hers or lose their appreciation.

“And the allusion is disrespectful.”

Nathan tsked. “This coming from the one who just accused the gorgon of selfish neglect. How droll.”

He was in one his moods, she could tell. Sara looked down at the boys and their now full basket. “Have you need of anything else, gentlemen? I should not like the basket to be so heavy you cannot carry it home.”

“Me and Danny are strong, missus,” Robert said, his eyes serious. Daniel nodded his head once in agreement.

“I have no doubt. But it would be a shame to have food fall out of the basket and into the dirt, therefore wasting it, not after you have gone to all this trouble to get it.”

The boys exchanged glances. “I suppose we kin go now,” Robert allowed.

Sara smiled at them. “If your mother would like more, please come and find me. I will make sure you get all the food you need tonight.”

“Thank you, missus.” The boys turned and left, holding the basket between the two of them. At the door, Daniel looked back over his shoulder and gave her a toothy smile, which she returned.

“That was generous of you,” Nathan said in her ear.

“Not particularly. It was just food.”

“I doubt others in the room would have done the same.”

Sara sighed and looked at him. He was handsome in his usual dark clothing, his cane held loosely in his hand. “It has recently been on my mind to do more for them. I think I should talk to the Governess Club about taking them on as charity pupils.”

He cocked a brow. “I thought you were struggling to make ends meet.”

“Louisa is good with the numbers. She may be able to make it possible for us to take them on. It would help their prospects as they get older.”

“And you have resumed your teaching, despite your dislike for it.” He made this a statement, not a question.

“I have an obligation to my friends.”

Nathan regarded her for a long moment, his gaze not wavering. Sara grew uncomfortable under it, her skin prickling with awareness. This man knew every inch of her naked body.

She was gripped by a longing to stand closer to him and feel his heat, to feel his tongue inside her mouth again, his hands in places only he had ever touched. She swayed toward him, every fiber of her being wanting to absorb him.

Recalling where they were, Sara steadied herself and swallowed. “Mr. Pomeroy has been courting me,” she blurted out.