Tilde raised her gaze to Jasper’s––Lord Willoughby’s face. Oh, but it would be impossible to live in his home, care for his children… as his employee.
“Won’t you come inside and sit down.” He winced as he glanced at the two imps he’d caught up. “Please?” He added.
Oh heavens, how could she not? She only nodded.
He lowered the girls onto their feet and with the most unconvincing disapproval, ordered them back to the nursery. Lady Eloise turned to leave immediately but Lady Althea tugged at her father and pointed toward Peaches.
Appearing only minutely apologetic, he took hold of his daughter’s hand and rose to his full height. “I believe that Althea wonders if she might say hello to Peaches before taking her leave.”
Tiny arrows pierced Tilde’s heart. “But of course.”
Dropping to the carpeted floor, Tilde lowered Peaches so she could stand on her tiny little legs.
“Do you remember me?” The little girl’s wide eyes appeared concerned.
Tilde was aware that her sister watched from a few feet away.
“I am certain Peaches remembers you.” Tilde reached out, clasped Lady Althea’s hand in hers, and drew her gently forward. “Do you remember how she likes to be petted?”
The dark little head nodded. In a matter of seconds, she was petting and cooing at Tilde’s small companion. Peaches responded by licking the child’s hand, and occasionally the bottom of her chin.
Lady Althea turned to look over her shoulder. “Licks are kisses. Aren’t they, Peaches?”
Tilde could only nod. Yes. Those licks, indeed, were kisses. When she glanced up at Jasper, she thought perhaps his eyes glistened ever so slightly.
He cleared his throat. “Thank Miss Fortune, Althea, and off to the nursery with you both.”
The little girl kissed Peaches on top of her head, and then rose reluctantly. Rather than say anymore, she dipped into a curtsey and then backed up.
“I’m sorry, my lord.” A stern-looking middle aged woman stood in the doorway. “I left the nursery for a moment…” Ah, the woman had lost track of her charges. She threw a sour glance in the direction of the twins and then a repentant one toward Lord Willoughby.
“You’ll be more diligent in the future, Mrs. Crabtree.” His jaw tightened and his eyes turned cold. He seemed disinclined to assuage any guilt the woman experienced. Tilde had never seen this side of him, in the… six or so hours they’d spent together over the past eleven years.
Her heart would shrivel up and die if he ever looked at her that way.
“Good day, Lady Althea, Lady Eloise. Thank you for such a warm greeting.”
Lady Eloise clung to the door frame. “You will be our governess, won’t you?”
Tilde swallowed hard. “We’ll see. Even if I am not, you are more than welcome to visit me while I’m in London.” With a glance toward Lady Althea, she added, “And Peaches, of course.”
The sour nursemaid then ushered Lord Willoughby’s daughters away, closing the door behind her.
“Now.” He let out an exasperated sigh. “Won’t you take your seat again?”
A web of need from those tiny girls wound around her. Staring at him, Tilde did not move, because she felt his need as well. He likely did not realize it. And he’d deny any such possibility, but Tilde knew how this would all play out. He would rely upon Tilde to manage the children and perhaps to comfort him as well. She would be available at his leisure and both of them might perhaps even succumb to physical passion.
And that would be all.
Because she would never be his equal.
And knowing her heart had already engaged somewhat, she wasn’t willing to expose it to the inevitable trouncing it would take.
Jasper was pleased. The girls already loved her. She had a way about her… rational yet tender hearted. And despite the embrace they’d shared last night, he knew she’d be perfect for his children.
Unfortunately, she appeared as though she was about to bolt. She’d scooped her dog up and was backing purposefully toward the door.
“Please. Stay.” It wasn’t often that one refused to do his bidding. Other than his mother, of course. And then there were his daughters…
