Oblivious to the veiled threat, Clara squealed and scooped up Mr Whiskers, running from the room.
“Remember, Lady Clara, it is not proper for a lady to run,” Maribel called after her.
“Forget being Miss Mari for a moment. Just be Maribel.” He had not intended for his voice to lower as he moved towards her. He was now a predator stalking his prey, watching her chestnut eyes widen in alarm as he stopped in front of her. They were standing so close that he could see the pulse in her neck beating wildly as he invaded her personal space.
“And what is it you want, Your Grace?” she mustered while holding his gaze.
“Initially, I had returned from London intent on clearing up any misunderstanding about what occurred between us. Then I was met with the unwelcome surprise of cat in my home. And if I recall correctly, you had asked if you could keep a cat, and I had said no. Now that we are alone—no child, no cat, just you before me—I have no idea what to say, except that I am feeling the urge to kiss you again.”
Maribel’s jaw dropped at his frankness, and she took a step backwards.
“There is nothing to clear up, let us simply forget. And yes, the cat is mine, but as you can see, it has had a most welcome influence on Lady Clara—I have had days of productive lessons with Mr Whiskers in attendance. Lastly, that would be a very poor idea, Your Grace. You are my employer, and I your employee, just a governess if you recall. And as you well know, our classes do not mix, and they especially do not kiss.”
With each sentence, her voice became more self-assured. That defiance had returned, and it was frustratingly attractive.
“If I was to ignore all we have just spoken and kiss you, what would you do?” He asked silkily.
Her face flushed crimson at his bold question. She did not answer with words, but he saw other signs of response. Her chestnut eyes warmed to a fire-roasted shade, the darkening irises parading her desire. Her small pink tongue darted out to moisten her lips. She did not say yes, but she did not say no, and perhaps she truly did not know. Her body, on the other hand, was screaming yes, and that was all he needed to know. Bending down to capture her lips, he was met by a hand.
“Your Grace, this is not about what I will or will not enjoy. It is about propriety. You are my employer and a duke, and I am responsible for your child’s education. I think it is best if we hold each other at arm’s length.”
Thomas was speechless. She had turned him on his head again. On his journey home, that was the exact thing he had decided. And he had intended to offer an apology. Once he was in her presence, however, he had lost all his good sense! Frustrated that it had come from her, but remembering he had wanted to apologise, he reined in his temper.
“You are completely right, Miss Lewisham, and I would like to take this opportunity to offer my most heartfelt apology for how I have spoken to you. It has come to my attention that I have perhaps caused offence at our difference in…ah…class, and while it is a fact, I certainly do not look down on you.”
She might have looked less stunned if he had slapped her.
Blazes, Is it so shocking that I could admit fault? Am I that rude?
“Thank you, Your Grace, that was most unexpected but most welcome.”
“I am also many years your senior, and it is unbecoming how I have behaved.”
“Our difference in age does not concern me, it is our difference in station.”
Nodding at her, he tugged on his cravat not sure what to say next. With that direct frankness he had come to adore was a truth that weighed heavy as an anvil. Then it hit him—the cat! The change in topic he sorely needed.
“Now, what is the business with this cat?”.
Chapter Fifteen
Maribel—still recovering from the duke’s completely changed attitude—tried to remember her plan for explaining Mr Whiskers’ presence. She would need to ponder the rest of their exchange when she was alone.
“It is I who now owes you an apology. The cat is mine—I had brought him with me, as I had not anticipated any reason you would say no. And when you did, it was not as if I could return home, so I thought I could wait till I visited my family.”
He nodded and thankfully did not look to angry. Her relief turned to errant impulse, wanting to reach up and caress the grey streak in his dark locks.
“That explains that, but why is my daughter now enamoured with this cat?”
“His name is Mr Whiskers. It was not planned that they meet, he just appeared one lesson and Lady Clara was instantly besotted. And I must say, she has been so well-behaved during your time away. And in part, I think it is to do with Mr Whiskers. If she wants to play with him, she must participate and finish her lesson, which she has been doing without complaint. And overall, her persona has lifted happily, and I often see her smiling and hear her laughing joyously.”
Maribel knew she had spoken quickly, barely taking a breath, and she hoped he had heard, as she surely would not remember it. His stormy eyes were fixed on her own, and it was making it hard for her to focus.
“A cat did all this. Really?” he asked as he stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“Mr Whiskers did, yes.”
“He will remain the cat to me,” he said drily, “though I must say, this change in my daughter is most welcome. I have been waiting for you to announce your resignation, as all the governesses did before you. But it seems you are no ordinary governess.”
