She peered at him from beneath the rim of her bonnet, pleading with her eyes. “Please, Your Grace. I cannot withstand another Season. I would die if I had to go through the humiliation again.”
“Of course you wouldn’t die. Chin up. Theatrics do not suit you any more than spinsterhood, so there will be no more of that nonsense. You would bear up to it if you must.”
Meredith’s heart thumped heavily in her chest. He was going to force her back to Town next year. She briefly considered, and discarded, the idea of falling on her knees and begging for mercy. As he had already indicated, drama was not allowed.
“But perhaps I can help.” He sighed, the corners of his lips drooping in a show of displeasure. “I have recently come across an advertisement seeking a governess.”
She gasped. “You would help me secure a position?”
He stopped to pluck a stem of lavender and held it to his nose, closing his eyes and inhaling slowly. When he exhaled, he sighed with satisfaction. “I will help you find a suitable situation.”
Meredith barely refrained from tossing her arms around his neck and laughing with relief. Ladies did not comport themselves in such a manner, and while she didn’t truly belong in the ranks of the upper class, she hated to disappoint the duke. Therefore, she imitated one of the bland smiles the society ladies in London used in most every situation. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
They headed back toward the castle in companionable silence. She was pleased their conversation had gone well, and she hadn’t allowed her nerves to drive her to her chambers with complaints of a headache when the duke had ordered her to join him. She feared she had misjudged him.
At the doors leading into the castle, the duke’s butler intercepted them. He sketched a bow to Meredith and awaited permission to speak. The duke canted his head.
“Pardon the interruption, Your Grace, but Lord Blackwood has arrived at the door and claims you summoned him.”
“Splendid. I had hoped I wouldn’t be required to send a second invitation. Escort him to my study.”
“As you wish, Your Grace.” Dawson turned on his heel and stalked back toward the castle.
The duke offered a gracious smile to Meredith. “Forgive me, Meri. The earl and I have a matter to discuss that cannot wait. Tea will be taken in the green drawing room across from my study. I will join you after I see to the earl. Invite your sister to keep you company while I am occupied. I am told ladies enjoy their time without gentlemen present, so they may engage in gossip.”
The twinkle in his eye clued her in to his teasing. Even if he was serious, there was very little gossip to be had at Danby Castle. The past two weeks had been uneventful, although the family at large would descend on the castle soon enough when grouse season opened. Considering Meredith had met many of Danby’s grandchildren—some she had known since she was fourteen—their arrival didn’t cause her any concern.
“Thank you, Your Grace. I will retrieve Felicity at once.” She was anxious to tell her sister about the duke’s offer to help her find a governess position.
