“I understand.” Edward nodded, trying to shake all dark thoughts away and focus on Ophelia instead, who was right before him.
“I am still deeply apologetic, My Lord,” she continued.
“As I said, you must not worry about it too much,” he said dismissively, “please take a seat, Miss Jennings.”
He strode towards the sofa and sat down at one end while Ophelia sat in front of him, finally beginning to get a little comfortable. He knew he had flustered her, but that had been hisintention all along: to coax a reaction out of her, and he had been successful. Despite that, he did wish to know her better.
“I hope I am not keeping you from something important,” he said once she appeared a little more settled.
“Not at all.” She shook her head, “Amy has fallen asleep now, and I have no other chores for now.”
“Since we have not been formally introduced, Miss Jennings, I am Edward, the Earl of Sommers.”
“I am painfully aware of that, My Lord.” Ophelia smiled, making him chuckle with her witty reply. She had so much more to her than just a beautiful face, and Edward was intrigued to find out more. It almost felt as if she was drawing him in.
“I am glad,” he said with a laugh. “Where are you from, Miss Jennings?”
“Oh, me,” she said, her confusion returning, “I live with my family in a small town in the County of Kent.”
“That is a long way from here.”
“It is,” Ophelia nodded, “but I do not mind travelling for work; hence, this position worked out quite well for me.”
“And who else is in your family?”
“My mother, two younger sisters, and a younger brother. My father passed away a few years ago,” she replied, and Edward felt as if his heart was sinking at her reply.
She was much too young to bear such a loss, but she was bearing it rather well. Although, he was certain that the reason she had to work was to support her family, being the eldest daughter, especially now that her father had passed away as well. He could see why she had no trouble being away from her family for a job because she needed the income.
“What did your father used to do?”
“A lot of things, really,” Ophelia blinked several times. “He was a man about town.”
Edward could see how she continued to stay vague about her life and past, but he respected her decision. He knew she must have her reasons to act this way, and he was not going to probe deeply, especially since he, too, was staying concealed and revealing nothing about his past or the death of his sister. As Amy’s nanny, she had no need of knowing those things, and it was better if she stayed unaware.
“I hope you are enjoying it here?” he asked, noticing how Ophelia’s eyes kept diverting to the shelves of books behindhim. He noticed how despite trying to control, herself, she still managed to continue staring from time to time when she thought he wasn’t looking.
“I have settled into the household, and things have been perfect, My Lord.” She smiled, her smile brightening up her face. “I have nothing to complain about for sure and have nothing I might need or wish for. You have a beautiful home here, and everyone has been wonderful to me.”
“I am glad to hear that,” he said. “If you ever need anything, you should not hesitate in asking me or Mrs Bailey.”
“Absolutely, My Lord,” she said with a nod. “Do you need anything else?”
“No.” Edward shook his head. “But if you wish to borrow a few books from my shelves, you are welcome to. You can take anything that might interest you.”
Her eyes lit up at his words, and he knew he had been right in guessing that she had been looking at the shelves. She evidently enjoyed reading, and Edward could not help wondering how educated she was. Her manners were perfect, and her speech was refined.
“I can?” she asked as Edward nodded in agreement.
“Of course.”
He stood up, strolling towards the bookshelves as she followed behind him, her eyes going over a few shelves. She ran her fingers through a few books before picking out two copies of Greek history and a book on the art of philosophy; all of them difficult and extravagant reads.
“Thank you so much, My Lord.” She smiled at him. “I shall return them as soon as I am done reading.”
“And then you can borrow some more. Consider them yours,” he assured her, rather glad to play a small part in her happiness.
“Thank you,” she replied, clutching the books to her chest.
