He glanced between the two silks draped across Sophia's shoulders. "The blue," he decided, though fabric selection was as foreign to him as millinery or watercolors.
His daughter's eyes briefly met his in the mirror, a question in them he couldn't quite decipher. The shop assistant beamed. "An excellent choice, Your Grace. The celestial blue brings out Lady Sophia's eyes wonderfully."
While they began discussing sleeve styles, Tristan's attention drifted back to the Pembroke sisters. They had moved to a table displaying less expensive fabrics, clearly searching for something specific within a limited budget.
A strange impulse seized him. Before he could question it, he found himself crossing the salon toward them.
"Lady Lavinia," he addressed her formally, noting how she froze before turning to face him. "I couldn't help but notice how well-behaved your sister is."
She curtseyed, the depth appropriate for a duke but not an inch deeper. "Your Grace. What an unexpected pleasure." Her blue eyes were cool, but her chin lifted with that subtle defiance he had noted during their interview. Up close, he could see she looked a touch too pale, a shade too thin.
"Lady Frances," he acknowledged the younger sister with a nod, watching her nervous curtsey. "You appear to be receiving an excellent education in fabric selection."
"Thank you, Your Grace," Lady Frances replied.
Lady Lavinia moved subtly, placing herself more firmly between him and her sister. "We are merely conducting ordinary business, Your Grace. I'm certain your daughter's fitting is far more consequential."
"On the contrary, I found your lesson most illuminating." He met her gaze directly. "You have a natural talent for instruction—clear, practical, and thorough. The qualities I seek for my daughter's education."
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "How fortunate that my pristine reputation, save for being a spinster, might finally prove useful."
Lady Frances made a small, mortified sound beside her.
Tristan's mouth twitched. "How fortunate that your spinsterhood has afforded you time to perfect skills beyond merely existing with a title." he parroted back, mimicking her tone from their interview.
A flush of color touched her cheeks. "I see you possess an excellent memory, Your Grace. How surprising that it extends beyond the proper protocol for dismissing potential employees."
"I didn't dismiss you," he pointed out. "I merely required time to consider your candidacy."
"And have you reached a conclusion?" She folded her hands before her, the picture of composure despite the spark of challenge in her eyes.
"Indeed. I have decided to offer you the position." He watched her carefully, noting the flash of surprise she quickly masked. "The salary is two hundred pounds per annum, with an additional allowance for appropriate attire."
Lady Lavinia blinked, clearly taken aback by the generous terms. "I?—"
"Lavinia," Lady Frances whispered, nudging her sister gently. "That's more than?—"
"I'm aware," Lady Lavinia murmured, then addressed him directly. "Your offer is unexpectedly generous, Your Grace. However, I must consider my sister's situation carefully before accepting."
"Your sister may accompany you if you wish."
Lady Frances's eyes widened. "Oh, that would be lovely, wouldn't it, Lavinia?"
Lady Lavinia glanced between her sister's hopeful expression and Tristan's impassive one. "Your Grace, may I ask what prompted this change of heart? You seemed quite convinced of my unsuitability during our interview."
"I observed you just now," he replied honestly. "Your approach to instruction is what Sophia needs—practical knowledge delivered with clarity and patience. Not the simpering platitudes of a traditional governess."
She studied him, clearly searching for some hidden motive. "And you will permit me to shape Lady Sophia's education as I see fit?"
"Within reason," he qualified. "I will keep a close eye on her progress."
"In other words, you will be watching my every move, waiting for me to fail."
"I prefer to think of it as maintaining an appropriate interest in my daughter's development."
Lady Lavinia glanced at her sister, who gave an encouraging nod. She drew a deep breath. "Very well," she finally agreed, her voice clipped. "I shall arrive tomorrow morning."
"Excellent." He inclined his head slightly. "Nine o'clock would be suitable."
