Mrs. Langley swept into a curtsy, her eyes never leaving Catherine’s face. “I look forward to working with you.”
“Mrs. Danvers, would you escort Mrs. Langley out? I should tell the Duke that we have found our governess.” The words weighed heavily on Catherine’s chest, a feeling she did not understand.
This is what I want.Perhaps Mrs. Langley was correct; maybe Catherine had let her attachment to Oliver get in the way of things. Yet as she watched Mrs. Langley leave, a prickle of unease stirred within her.
Catherine frowned as she walked through the castle. She had thought that finding a governess would bring a sense of relief, and yet… Her heart felt heavier than it had in months.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she bumped into something warm and solid. Two hands steadied her as she stumbled back, the scent of amber and cedar enveloping her.
She gazed up at Alaric, who let his hands drop and stepped away from her. The warmth where his hands had been spread through her body.
“My apologies, I was a million miles away.” Catherine gestured in the direction Alaric had come from. “I was actually just on my way to see you.”
“Then our meeting is a fortuitous one.” His smile broadened, and she felt her heart swoop into her chest.
Focus.She swallowed. “I... I have found a governess for Oliver. She will start tomorrow.”
“I see.” His smile turned into a frown as he canted his head toward her. “You do not sound particularly enthused about it.”
“I am not, and in truth, I do not really understand why. On paper, Mrs. Langley is perfect. She has outstanding references and is the daughter of a Baron who passed away some years ago. She was with her last family for over a decade.” Catherine shook her head.
“Do you have concerns about her discretion?” Alaric asked.
“No. Or at least, no more than I would have of any other person.” Catherine thought of the way Mrs. Langley’s intense gaze lingered. “She clearly takes her role rather seriously, and of all the candidates who bothered to turn up, she is the most qualified by several miles.”
“Even if there were other applicants of equal qualification, deciding not to come to the interview speaks poorly of their character.” Alaric’s frown deepened.
“I know.” Catherine sighed. “She said all the right things, and when she briefly met Oliver, it all seemed to go well. Apparently, she has even had huge success with similar speech difficulties.”
“She sounds perfect.”
“She is.” There was a beat of silence as Catherine chewed her lip. “I just...”
Alaric was massaging his scar, and nodding slowly, a sign that he was either in pain or carefully weighing his words.
“What are you thinking?” Catherine gestured toward him.
He shrugged, the corners of his mouth quirking into a small smile. “From what you have said, the woman seems like she would be everything you want in a governess. Perhaps your reluctance is less to do with her and more to do with something else?”
“That is what she suggested. Though only once I had invited her to be so informal.” Catherine felt her chest tighten. “Perhaps you are both right; I suppose only time will tell.”
“I will not force your hand either way; this is ultimately your decision. However, nothing is set in stone. Should we find her performance lacking, we can end her employment.” Alaric shrugged.
“That is true, although it might make things more complicated. At least, when it comes to my leaving.” Catherine’s stomach lurched.
Catherine noticed Alaric’s jaw tighten slightly at her words. “We can cross that bridge if we come to it. For now, Mrs. Langley’s arrival has set the clock in motion. Hale will be here in a few days, and he might be able to give us more answers about Oliver.”
“It feels strange to be preparing for so many guests in such a short space of time.” Catherine counted them off on her fingers. “Lord Hale, then Hettie, Louisa, and Fi. Are you sure you do not mind them all staying with us?”
“I would not have agreed to it otherwise. I am going to have to re-enter the world sooner or later, Catherine. This gives us an opportunity to do it safely. I... agh.” Alaric’s face paled, and he clutched his head, closing his eyes tightly.
Catherine moved toward him, hands outstretched. “Alaric?”
Her fingers brushed against his arm, and his eyes flew open. Heat radiated from his body, and from this distance, Catherine could see that there were dark circles beneath his eyes.
“What happened?” Catherine brushed the hair from his forehead without thinking. “Is it your head? Should I send for the physician?”
Alaric’s eyes widened, though his gaze was unfocused as if not really seeing Catherine at all. “It seems rather unfair that you should get to touch me when I cannot do the same.”
