“Did you know?”
When he didn’t answer, she twisted her head to look for someone else. Perhaps he was merely a guest in the household. Or a figment of her imagination even…
The disapproving butler had disappeared however, leaving them standing in the corridor alone… except for Peaches of course.
When she settled her gaze on him once again, he shrugged.
“I hadn’t a clue until you mentioned the agency. I didn’t even know you were a governess, although I should have.” He then gestured a hand toward a pair of open doors. “Shall we?”
Oh, good heavens. He didn’t expect to interview her, did he?”
“I…“ She didn’t move from where she stood. “Um.” Oh, this was horrible. “There’s been a mistake.”
He smiled in a manner she could only consider to be slightly patronizing. “You are here for the interview, are you not?”
She took a few steps toward the staircase, clutching Peaches to her chest. Just last night she’d been locked in a most passionate embrace, a most inappropriate one, and today…
“I cannot have you for an employer.” Surely, he must realize this.
“But you are in need of a position, are you not?” How could he be confused by this?
“I am, but––”
“And I am in desperate need of a governess. You told me so yourself, on two separate occasion, I believe.”
“Of course, but––”
“Are you unwilling to take my daughters on?”
“Of course not!”
“Then won’t you at least come inside and discuss it?” Those black eyes of his seemed almost to be pleading with her. But she just shook her head.
“I cannot––”
“It’s Miss Fortune! From the festival!” A childish voice called out in excitement.
“Peaches!” A second, softer but no less enthusiastic declaration followed. And before Tilde could make her escape, two bundles of energy dressed in baby blue frocks burst upon them from behind… two large plants.
They might have knocked her over had their father not reached out and effortlessly swooped them up, each under one arm.
“Papa! Is she going to be our new governess? You said you were meeting with the new governess this morning!”
That would be Lady Eloise, Tilde remembered, watching the girl squirming in her father’s grasp. Although considerably more subdued, Lady Althea was all smiles, her gaze fixed on Tilde’s dog. Peaches was no help at all, tail wagging and tongue hanging out enthusiastically.
“Girls!” He made every attempt to sound disapproving but the laughter in his eyes belied it. “Why aren’t you in the nursery?”
“You said you were going to hire our governess this morning. Thea and I need to get a look at her so we could tell you if she is a good one or not.”
Lady Althea simply nodded in agreement.
Tilde’s heart dropped into her shoes. She needed to capture control of this situation, somehow.
Still holding Peaches, she placed the toe of her right foot behind her and dipped slightly. “I must admit, I’ve never curtseyed to two girls hanging upside down before.”
“It’s because Papa has taken us in hand.”
And Lady Althea giggled.
