“Well, you see, I never meant to upset Miss Farthington.” Sophia reached for herglass.
“What has your governess to do with it?” The duke’s eyebrows knittedtogether.
“Everything, I am afraid.” Lady Sophia gave a coquettishlook.
“Howso?”
Lady Sophia brushed a golden curl from her cheek. “I only meant to play a joke when I put the frog in hershoe.”
“You put a frog in Miss Farthington’s shoe?” The dukechuckled.
Sophia smirked. “I did, however, Miss Farthington found no amusement in it. She packed her bags and left.” Sophia had the good sense to look ashamed. “She said I would have to get a new governess. One who did not mind unruly girls who belonged in barns rather than estatehouses.”
The duke’s face flamed, his eyes fairlyglowing.
Emma’s throat grew tight with worry. Lady Sophia had not done anything out of the norm for a child her age. Surely the duke did not mean to punish her. She caught the Lady Sophia’s gaze and offered a sympatheticsmirk.
“Your Grace, if I may say something in Lady Sophia’sdefense.”
The duke turned to Emma. “My daughter needs no defending.” His tone cut through her like shards of brokenglass.
“But surely you can see how wrong this Miss Farthington was to act in such a way.” Emma stared into his eyes, besieging him. When the ire faded from their blue depth and humor took root, she arched a brow in confusion. Was he laughing ather?
“I am not at all cross with Sophia. It is the governess whose neck I’d like to wring. The nerve of the woman…speaking to my daughter in such away.”
“Truly, Daddy?” Lady Sophia sprung from her chair, going to the duke’sside.
“Truly.” He scouted his chair away from the table, then pulled Lady Sophia onto his lap. “You are a gem, Poppet. I did far worse things as a boy then put a frog in someone’s shoe, and you would have to do far worse to incite my anger as well.” He tapped her nose with his finger tip and shegiggled.
Sobering, Lady Sophia said, “But I do not have a governessnow?”
“I will find you a new one. A better, kinder, and smarter governess.” The duke brushed the curls away from the girl’s forehead. “One who deserves the honor of yourcompany.”
Emma’s heart melted at the tender scene and an idea formed in her mind. She could be Lady Sophia’s governess. How wonderful it would be to stay here and spend her time with the girl. Her heart seemed to lighten as she smiled at theduke.
“Your Grace, might I have a word with you…in private?” Emma asked, for she had no wish to excite the girl when she had no idea whether or not the duke would accept her in theposition.
He nodded then dropped a kiss on Lady Sophia’s head. “Off with you. I will be by to tuck you inlater.”
The girl smiled and jumped from his lap. “I am counting on it, Daddy,” she said, as she made her way out of the diningroom.
The duke retrieved his wine glass, then settled back in his chair. “You have my attention, MissBaxter.”
“I did not want to back you against a corner by mentioning anything infant of Lady Sophia.” She blinked causing her eyelashes toflutter.
“Go on.” The duke notched hischin.
“I could not help but hear that she needs a new governess. I am an educated woman who happens to find the lady delightful and am in need of employment.” She bestowed a bright smile on him. “I would be honored to fill the position, YourGrace.”
“You have experience as a governess?” The duke studied her, caution etched in the fine lines around hiseyes.
“Well, no, not exactly.” She rushed to continue. “Though I am well versed in arithmetic, literature, and science, as well as dance and needlepoint…. To name a few things. And I am confident in my abilities.” Emma fought the urge to fiddle with her skirts as she remained focused on the duke. “Do say you will allow me the chance to provemyself.”
His Grace massaged the back of his neck, his eyes closing for a moment before meeting her gaze again. “It is late. Let us revisit the possibility in themorning.”
Emma’s heart sank, but what could she do? It would serve no purpose to argue with him. She nodded. “As you wish, YourGrace.”
