Maribel was finding it hard to focus on the day’s lesson with Clara, after such a debauched evening and morning. But she was determined to separate her relationships with Thomas and Clara. And Clara deserved her full attention.
Today’s lesson was at the pianoforte, and Clara’s natural talent was shining through again as she played with the keys. Maribel was encouraging her to find her own sound, and Clara studiously concentrated on the tone of each key, making notes and murmuring to herself. Mr Whiskers sat beside her, currently grooming himself. Maribel could not help but smile at the pair who had bonded so seamlessly. She felt a pang of sadness that Mr Whiskers had found her so replaceable, but for the most part, she truly was happy with how events had played out.
And now I have Thomas.
Feeling a familiar blush heat her cheeks, she shook her head. Thomas was not her focus of the day. Her focus was her position as governess. One she was intent on keeping and performing well in, no matter the events that had transpired. Any deep affection brewing inside her was for her alone to cope with. A duke with a governess is just not done.
Noise came from outside, and Maribel went to the window. A carriage was pulling up to the manor and staff were waiting outside.
“I wonder who that is?” she asked.
Clara, who had appeared beside her, was able to answer the question.
“My father’s friend, the Duke of Lesterwich—that is his carriage.”
Oh my, I will be in the presence of two dukes!
“Your father had not mentioned receiving any guest.”
Clara shrugged and sat back down at the pianoforte.
“He and my father are always dropping in on one another. They are the best of friends. I just wish he had a child my age.”
Following Clara’s suit, Maribel took a seat and turned her attention back to the sound of music Clara was experimenting with.
“Good day, Lady Clara,” came a deep drawl, and Maribel’s head snapped up from the book she had been reading.
Clara stood and curtsied prettily and greeted the duke.
“And this is Lady Clara’s governess, Miss Maribel Lewisham. Miss Lewisham, you have the honour of meeting my dear friend, the Duke of Lesterwich.”
Maribel, following suit, gave a curtsey.
“Your Grace, it is an honour.”
And certainly, it was—to be standing in the presence of two dukes, two very handsome dukes that were both eyeing her intensely. She suspected Thomas’s friend knew who she was to him, and mortification brewed in her belly.
“Lady Clara and I do not mean to waylay you. We should be getting back to our lesson.”
Maribel suspected taking charge was bold, but she needed distance, and thankfully, Thomas agreed. His friend looked at him with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
“You are correct, Miss Lewisham, it seems we have interrupted a musical lesson. I will leave you both.”
He went to leave but turned back for a moment, tapping his fingers on the arch of the doorway.
“I would like Clara to join us for our meal later this evening—she can play for us. What do you think, Miss Lewisham?
“Yes, Your Grace, that is a fine idea.”
As soon as the door was shut Clara and Maribel turned to each other.
“I better practice music for this eve?—
“Let us change tact for the day?—
They laughed over speaking at the exact same time.
“I think you should practice a sonata by Pleyel, a piece by Haydn for certain, and “Robin Adair” is always a popular tune.”
