“Now, what do you wish to speak to me about, Miss Harrismith?” he asked, aware he sounded impatient. “Is it imperative for us to discuss it now?”
She raised her eyebrows. “I consider it imperative. But you may not, Your Grace.”
He sighed and ran a hand over his hair. “Semantics, Miss Harrismith. There is obviously something that you wish to advise me of, so please do so. I shall be leaving for London shortly.”
“Oh. The children will be disappointed.”
He was tempted to grind his teeth. She was frowning at him again. “I’m afraid not everything can revolve around my children, Miss Harrismith. That is why I have employed you.”
She took a step closer to the desk. “I am concerned about Nanny Evans, Your Grace. She is becoming very tired. It is taxing caring for the children for someone of Nanny’s years. Not Lord William, so much, but Lady Barbara can be quite determined.”
He frowned. “Nanny Evans?” Nanny was almost as much a part of the fabric of Castlebridge as those whose portraits lined the picture gallery. Andrew recalled with fondness the woman who had cared for him when a youngster. He must make time to visit her. How old would she be now? Not in her dotage surely. “Nanny has always been most capable. I don’t see why that would change.” He sat back, folded his arms, and cocked an eyebrow. Miss Harrismith’s gaze dropped to her hands clasped in front of her. As he’d suspected, the young woman overreacted. “Barbara is a most amenable child, I fail to see how she could cause anyone bother.”
“Lady Barbara is delightful, but strong-minded. She is also quite creative. If you would care to visit the schoolroom…”
“I certainly plan to. When I return,” he said shortly.
She gave a quick nod. “Of course, Your Grace.”
Andrew found himself studying the charming shape of her upper lip. Dash it all, governesses shouldn’t be so attractive. Wasn’t that a stipulation made to employment agencies? Good-looking women got into trouble. Hence the last governess who was now in Cornwall with the footman.
“I shall look into it, rest assured, Miss Harrismith.”
She curtsied. “When you return, Your Grace.”
“Precisely,” he said brusquely, suspecting she was laboring the point. He tapped a finger on his desk. “Now if there’s nothing else?”
“No, Your Grace. Unless you wish to discuss the work I’ve set for the children?”
“No need for that now. William will soon have a tutor and we’ll discuss Barbara’s requirements at a later time.” He paused, pointedly waiting for her to leave.
She made no move toward the door. “My main concern rests with Lord William. He wishes for his own horse, Your Grace, and dislikes riding the mare, Lavender,” she said. “I fear he might be tempted to ride one of your hunters again. And while Ben is laid up there might not be a groom available to take him in hand.”
“William won’t. He gave me his promise.”
Dammit, she looked unconvinced. Boys will be boys, he supposed. He pushed away the memory of some peccadillos from his youth that would make his hair stand on end, should William attempt them.
He’d been right, a lord’s daughter was unsuitable to be a governess. Why hadn’t her father married her off? She was certainly pretty enough. Perhaps it was her stubborn disposition.
Andrew rose from his chair and came around the desk aware that time was growing short. He needed to instruct his valet to pack a portmanteau and speak to Greta. If she decided to accompany him, there would be a further delay while she changed, and her maid packed her clothes.
“A groom will be sent down from London to assist the head groom until he is back on his feet. In the meantime, I could order Jem to ride with William.” He gazed down at her as a thought suddenly occurred to him. “But he has to see to my guests. Do you ride by any chance, Miss Harrismith?”
Her straight dark eyebrows rose over surprised gray eyes. “Yes, I do, Your Grace.”
“And you have brought riding clothes with you?”
She looked puzzled. “I have, Your Grace.”
“Then please accompany William on his morning ride. I am confident your unfailing commonsense will keep the boy on the straight and narrow.” He was rather pleased with the notion. It quite stopped Miss Harrismith in her tracks. Her face had become an attractive shade of pink, and she was no longer frowning.
“If you feel it best, Your Grace.”
Andrew strode to the door. He pulled it open startling the footman in the corridor. “I do. Good day.” He stood aside for the slender young woman to exit the room leaving the scent of lily of the valley in her wake.
