“No.”
“Ah, now I understand your confusion.” He nodded. “It’s a family tradition to wait until midnight then open the back door, which Delia did to usher out the old while I opened the front door to usher in the new, a way of ridding the house of bad luck.”
Was that brandy on his breath? He didn’t appear to be drunk, but perhaps…
Not that it mattered, because she’d not seen him at such ease previously, and rather liked this Melcombe.
“I’ve heard of the superstition, but it was never practiced in my home.”
“Superstition?” He placed a hand over his heart in mock shock. “The girls believe it’s true. The younger ones at least, though Winifred will be sad that she missed the luck coming through the door.”
“I won’t call it a superstition where they can hear,” she assured him. Her heart warmed that he carried on the tradition so that the children could participate. Melcombe doted on his nieces, and she suspected he loved them as if they were his own.
“Though I believe our luck already changed today when a mail coach brought you to the girls.”
The heat of her cheeks deepened. “I’ll do my best.” She also noticed luck for the girls, but not him.
She once again set aside disappointment that he saw her as a governess and nothing more.
An awkward silence fell, and Althea wasn’t certain what to say as she lingered just outside of her chamber. It was past midnight and likely the other girls were now tucked in their beds. It would be so easy…
Althea didn’t even allow herself to finish her thoughts.
For a moment his gaze dropped to her lips then he glanced up into her eyes. Their eyes held for what seemed like an eternity, but it was only a moment or two. But she warmed and anticipation fluttered in her belly in hopes that perhaps he might lean in and kiss her.
“Well, I should let you get your sleep, and I should do the same,” Lord Melcombe said.
“Yes, of course.” She backed into her room and quietly closed the door, then leaned her forehead against it. She must put all thoughts of desire for her employer aside and concentrate on only the girls. It would be difficult, but it was what she must do.
Chapter Five
Prestonlayinbed,staring at the dark canopy above, not willing to rise yet today.
His night had been fitful and filled with lustful dreams.
It wasn’t any wonder after seeing Miss Claywell quite delectable in her nightclothes and midnight hair tumbling and curling about her shoulders.
How he managed to carry on a conversation about ushering in good luck was beyond him as it had taken everything in his being not to pull her into his arms, place his lips against hers then sweep her up and carry her to the virginal governess bed.
Thankfully, he’d not had too much brandy leading up to midnight, though more than he realized, or he would not have stood discussing traditions in a dark corridor after midnight. But he hadn’t drunk so much that he forgot himself and acted on the one thing he wanted above all else, and that was Miss Claywell, naked and sharing a bed.
He also wanted more than a quick tumble. He wanted lingering kisses and caresses. Exploration of each dip and curve of her body, to taste what many thought forbidden.
Preston groaned and rolled to his side. He could not give into passion and desire. Not until he knew for certain that Miss Claywell was someone he wanted in his life beyond the bedchamber.
One month, that was all he had in which to make his determination. One month to court and come to know her without his servants or nieces realizing his intent. Preston just needed to figure out how to do so and also not to make a bloody fool of himself in the process.
With a sigh, he pulled himself from the bed and prepared for the day. As the girls were not going to have lessons, perhaps they could share the day with him, along with Miss Claywell, and they could begin there. He’d enjoy listening and watching as she interacted with his nieces and knew that it would also be beneficial to him as he came to know her better so that in time, their future conversations could come more naturally, and without the assistance of brandy.
As Preston made his way to the breakfast room, he stopped short when he heard the discussion between Miss Claywell and Delia.
He should intervene and remind Delia of her place. Yet, by Miss Claywell’s tone, he gathered she understood Delia, perhaps in a way he couldn’t. It was probably best to let those two settle their differences, otherwise, Delia may make Miss Claywell’s stay so unpleasant that she might leave before he ever got a chance to kiss her. However, if his niece continued to be difficult, he would have a word with her.
Preston pulled back from the door and made his way to the library. Hopefully when they all gathered for luncheon, if he didn’t see them before that time, all would be settled, and his courtship of Miss Claywell could begin.
“Girls, you may enjoy free time today. There will be no lessons,” Delia announced as breakfast came to an end.
The four younger sisters looked to Althea as if asking her permission.
