A more mature version of the lady on Danby’s arm froze in the doorway and offered a patient smile for the curmudgeon. She passed a hand over her round midsection. “Thank you for the warning, Your Grace. I haven’t seen my feet for weeks now, and I’d just as soon not ruin my best slippers.”
The younger woman laughed, the sound warming Colin’s heart, and his determination to storm from Danby Castle began to crumble. He found himself smiling, too.
The lady in the doorway could only be Julian Beckford’s wife, which meant this charming vision in front of him must be her sister. He hadn’t considered that Miss Halliday might be beautiful. He cleared his throat, drawing the duke’s attention. When Danby said nothing, Colin raised his eyebrows in anticipation of an introduction.
The duke gave a slight nod. “Ladies, please allow me to present Lord Blackwood, our neighbor to the west. The earl was just leaving.”
Miss Halliday dropped into a low curtsey. “My lord.”
Colin stepped forward to urge her up, but he jerked his hand back when Danby made a pleased humming sound. “That isn’t necessary, Miss Halliday,” Colin said.
Her lashes flickered as she looked up and pink washed over her ivory cheeks. “Y-you know who I a-am?”
Danby tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow as if offering his protection. “I spoke of you in the study, Meri.”
“Oh!” Her complexion changed to crimson, but she was smiling again. “Forgive me, Lord Blackwood. For a moment, I thought we might have met in London during the Season.”
It was far from flattering that she wouldn’t recall having made Colin’s acquaintance. He certainly wouldn’t have forgotten her. “The duke reported you are interested in a governess position,” he said, “and since he is aware we are in need of one at Blackwood Castle, he highly recommended you.”
Miss Halliday and her sister gasped at the same time.
“Is that true, Your Grace?” Mrs. Beckford asked with a small furrowing of her brow. “I am uncertain I can manage without Meri. She is of great comfort to me at this stage of my pregnancy.”
When Miss Halliday’s face fell, Colin experienced the ache of her disappointment. He didn’t comprehend her desire to take a service position, but clearly it was important to her. “Blackwood Castle is not far, Mrs. Beckford. Your sister would have leave to visit whenever she is not teaching the children.”
“Do you not want to interview me first, my lord?” Miss Halliday asked.
He smiled with as much detachment as he could feign. “I’m certain that is unnecessary after such high praise from His Grace.”
The Duke of Danby ignored Mrs. Beckford’s disapproving frown and graciously accepted Miss Halliday’s gratitude.
“I expect you tomorrow at eleven.” Colin refrained from bowing over her hand, reasoning an employer would not extend such courtesy to the governess. “I will send a carriage to collect you at a quarter ‘til.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Colin met the duke’s triumphant stare. “Once you have the contract drawn up, you may send it to Blackwood Castle for my signature.”
“Your word is sufficient, sir, and you have mine.”
When Colin found his horse waiting for him outside the castle, he felt he’d been managed quite handily. Interestingly, he no longer cared.
