Nor had he anticipated how attractive she’d be once she’d been stripped of her rags, given a bath, and clothed in a fashionable day dress. The lavender was quite becoming on her, especially against her creamy skin.
Blast, she was more than simply attractive, she was downright beautiful!
Stop, Henry mentally ordered himself. Miss Doyle was now his ward and it wasn’t appropriate to think of her as beautiful. Any attraction for the young woman must be squelched immediately or the two of them would never get any work done. If there was one thing Henry prided himself on it was the ability to remain focused on any study during any lessons without the least bit of distraction. Therefore, he would not allow Miss Doyle to be that distraction.
Now, what were they discussing?
Oh, yes—her education. “This was an English governess who taught you so well?”
“A progressive governess who had attended a progressive school when she was younger,” she answered.
Exactly how progressive is what he needed to know. “I believe that much is clear. What else did your studies include, or was it simply history and the like?”
“She also taught economics and philosophy. I was especially interested in animal husbandry.”
Henry nearly choked. Such topics were not discussed with misses.
“We had sheep for wool, and the necessary farm animals for food and farmin’.” A small smile pulled at her lips. “In truth, I prefer animals to man, they’re far more acceptin’.”
Well, if she thought to put him in his place, it hadn’t worked because as long as she continued to speak like a common Irish street urchin, she would be judged.
“But, most important, when me father was still alive, our stables were full of Arabian racers and breedin’ stock.
“I say, Kilsyth that reminds me. Will we be attending Ascot this year?” Pickmore asked. “I did miss the races while I was in India.”
“Ascot? Ye attend Ascot?” Miss Doyle asked excitedly.
“No,” Henry answered quickly and sharply. Miss Doyle needed to be discouraged from getting any ideas that they’d be attending any type of societal function.
She deflated with disappointment at his concise answer. Of course, she’d want to attend since racing was apparently her childhood, but he couldn’t allow her to be seen in public so soon. Not while his plans for her were still formulating. The fact that she spoke French was an unexpected bonus. If all went as he planned, they’d be able to place Miss Doyle amongst thetonto learn who may be French sympathizers so that the Home Office could determine who may or may not be a threat. Further, if others thought to speak in French within her presence, or where she might hear, she’d be able to translate what she learned. Nobody would ever expect a miss from a stud farm in Cork to speak French. The possibilities were endless and the idea of training her almost irresistible.
However, it was also not something to be rushed if the training were to be done properly.
“Women do not attend horse races,” he finally stated, hoping to bring an end to the conversation.
“They attend Ascot,” Miss Doyle argued. “After all, it was Queen Anne who had established Ascot and nobody was goin’ ta keep her away.”
“Yes, well you may know your history, but we are not attending.”
“Reconsider, Kilsyth,” Pickmore argued. “It would be an enjoyable time.”
“The last time I let you convince me into having anenjoyable timeI ended up with a ward.”
Miss Doyle stiffened as if insulted. Well, it wasn’t her fault her brother wagered her in a game of Hazard. “If I go to Ascot with you, I might end up with a horse this time.” Of course, he was making a jest as Tattersalls and Ascot served two separate functions. One for the selling of horses, and the other for racing them. He simply wished to make a point to Pickmore.
“What is wron’ with ownin’ a horse?” Miss Doyle demanded.
“I’ve horses aplenty, Miss Doyle. I don’t need any more.”
With a huff Miss Doyle settled back in her seat. Well she might be disappointed but that was not his concern at the moment. He had a challenge to meet and horse racing wasn’t included. “Now, back to your education,” he changed the subject. “Were you taught any other languages by thisprogressive governess?”
“Nay.”
Nor should he expect it. Besides, it wasn’t necessary that Miss Doyle know any other language as she’d not be leaving England. At least not while she was his ward. After that, she could do what she pleased. However, while she remained with him, she’d serve him and the Home Office well.
Henry turned to his friend. “You know, Pickmore, I’ve never been one to believe in fate and all of that nonsense, but I may just have to reconsider that idiotic notion.”
“Is that so?” Pickmore chuckled.
