“Why don’t you simply explain,” Alec suggested.
“It’s too soon,” Preston insisted.
“You already offered marriage,” Alec reminded him.
“Of which she is unaware and for now, I’d like to keep it that way.”
“So, what are you going to do now that you have her here?” Alec asked. “Keep her as your governess without ever letting on what you truly wish?”
“I had planned on spending the afternoon with her because my nieces are not here, but you’ve gone and ruined that.”
Alec settled back into a chair and grinned.
“What?”
He pulled a missive from inside of his coat and handed it to Preston.
Lord Melcombe,
I fear the painting lessons are taking longer than I anticipated. The girls are enjoying themselves, so I hope that it is not an imposition if I allow them to remain at Wisteria House with me and I’ll return them to you in the morning.
Charlotte Hawthorn
He glanced up at Alec. “They are going to remain there for the entire night?” This certainly gave him far more time with Miss Claywell than he had anticipated.
It was not unusual either. The girls had occasionally stayed with Charlotte these past few months. With an absent husband, there were times that Charlotte longed for company, and often that company was his nieces.
“I suggest you begin your courtship.” Alec tossed back the brandy and rose. “Better yet, begin your seduction as that is far more enjoyable than an innocent stroll or worse, polite conversation.”
Preston grunted.
“Is it true that she only intends to remain a month?”
“As a governess, but I hope to convince her otherwise.”
“Flattery, that is what a woman prefers.”
He groaned. “One does not flatter a governess.”
Alec shook his head. “Seduce her, then she’ll have to marry you.” He grinned.
“I will not have a marriage based on trickery,” Preston insisted. Though, he would dearly love to seduce Miss Claywell. Thoughts of doing so had been a constant companion since he’d first met her. However, he’d not disrespect her because of his lust. That would be satisfied once they wed.
“If you won’t seduce, or flatter, at least try to charm,” Alec said.
Preston had no charm. It wasn’t needed in the cavalry, and the camp followers certainly didn’t expect such. They only wanted coins.
“At least she is here and I’m certain you’ve had many opportunities for conversation,” Alec said, though a question lingered in his tone.
“We’ve spoken of the girls, lessons, and today I told her of the mill.”
Alec looked him directly in the eye. “You aren’t twelve any longer.”
Alec had been at school with him. He witnessed how Preston had been treated.
“You no longer stammer, or pause, or take forever to speak what is on your mind.”
“Not with you, my family, or friends,” he explained.
