The butler’s mouth turned down. “I thought you would enter by the kitchen door.” He gave her a long look up and down.
Drat. Her chest tightened. She was no longer a member of the family but a servant. How could she have forgotten that? The look on the butler’s face assured her he was wondering the same. She dropped into a quick curtsy. Here, the butler was above her in station. “Of course. My apologies.”
He gave her a single nod, his expression unchanged. “His lord is expecting you. Follow me.”
Her stomach twisted into an uncomfortable knot and she drew in a deep breath to calm it. Mary would not allow her nerves to get the better of her. She had a multitude of family to rely on should this position fall through. She needn’t be worried.
Today felt like the beginning of her new life. One where she was independent and able to care for herself. If she failed, she’d be proving she couldn’t even complete the simple task of providing for her own future. If she couldn’t do that, what could she do exactly? Of what use was she to this world?
The butler started up the stairs and she followed. She’d expected some sort of introduction. When none came, in her usual fashion, she began it herself. “My name is Mary Chase,” she murmured, unsure of what else to say. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“I know,” he answered, not looking back. “Should you succeed in this interview, I shall introduce you to the staff.”
She pressed her lips together. Apparently, the man wasn’t going to perform the basic nicety of giving his name without first making certain she would stay. She had the distinct impression he didn’t like her, but why? He didn’t even know her.
They reached the top of the stairs and Mary followed him down a lovely hallway, lined with beautifully polished oak panels and covered in thick carpet that dulled their footsteps until they reached an open door.
The butler stepped inside while she remained in the hall. “Miss Chase is here to see you.”
“Send her in,” a deep male voice replied.
The sound reverberated through her in the most pleasant way. Both strong and capable, she wanted to sigh just hearing those three short words.
The butler turned back to her and waved her forward, with a flick of his hand.
Straightening her back again, she stepped into the room as the butler moved to the side. But she didn’t bother to look at him, instead studying the earl. The first thing she noted was the dark crown of his hair as he bent at the desk, finishing some task with his quill. His hair was a touch overlong, which suited him nicely. Rich brown waves swept back from his forehead and down his neck, nearly brushing the nape of his neck. But his hair was forgotten as she noted the breadth of his shoulders, strength of his arms, and the large capable hands that held the tiny quill.
Then he looked up, smiling at her. Chocolate colored eyes and classically handsome nose and cheeks gave way to a strong jaw and lips…dear Lord, his lips were the most kissable she’d ever encountered. Even more so than her former fiancé Steven’s had been. The thought shocked her and parched her throat. Then air rushed from her lungs as his voice echoed through her again.
“Miss Chase, I presume? It’s a pleasure to meet you. The Duke of Darlington has spoken very highly of your abilities. My daughter is in desperate need of aid.”
Dear Lord, she was in trouble. So very much.
* * *
Lord Colbert Sinclair, or Sin as his friends called him, assessed the woman in front of him, noting that she was far prettier than he’d prefer. In fact, she was stunning. Daring hadn’t mentioned that fact when he’d suggested Mary as a potential tutor.
He’d expected a woman who was older, matronly. She’d have greying hair, with a few wrinkles about the eyes that gave her a kind look. Perhaps she’d be a bit thick in the middle, which would make her excellent for the sort of hugs small girls needed.
The woman before him now embodied none of these attributes. A petite blonde, she had eyes the color of the sky on a clear, bright summer day and the sort of small features that gave her an air of delicate beauty. The last thing he wished for was a woman of beauty in the house.
His first wife had been beautiful. Petite like Mary, she’d brought out every protective instinct Sin possessed. In fact, Mary’s resemblance to Clara was rather alarming. Not in the details, of course, but the build, the hair.
He’d loved his wife dearly and had tried to shield her from this harsh world. That was until he couldn’t protect her. His insides clenched as he mentally pushed the feeling aside. He didn’t need another woman to keep safe. He’d already failed at that task once with his wife and now he had a daughter who worried him constantly. More so of late.
Besides, she was here for a teaching position, not as a candidate for his hand. And to that end, he’d wanted an elderly matron to love Anne, not a woman who was young enough to be her mother. That was essential. Mary, connected in society and beautiful as she was, would likely only be a temporary figure in their lives. He needed someone stable and constant in Anne’s life.
And certainly not a woman so lovely.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, my lord,” she murmured, dropping into a curtsy. “Thank you for granting me this interview.”
He grimaced. Daring had left out some key facts. Likely on purpose. But Mary was here now, he might as well conduct the interview. Anne had been a precocious child up to a few months ago. A mad woman had stolen her from his home and since then, his lovely daughter had grown fearful and had retreated into a shell. Or perhaps, he had grown overprotective and pushed her into one. “It is my pleasure.” He gestured toward the chair. “Please. Have a seat.” Either way, he needed the right person to draw her out again. There was a kindness in Mary’s eyes that suited the position and he was tempted to hire her, but something else held him back. What if Anne grew attached to the woman? Just like him, his daughter had suffered loss. He didn’t want to put either of them through that again.
She did as he instructed, her back straight as she stared at a spot on his desk. “Thank you.”
“Tell me. Have you ever tutored a young girl before?”
She nodded. “I’ve lived with my aunt and uncle since I was sixteen. Grace was only nine.” Her hands tightened into a knot on her lap. “Not qui