The clatter of wheels pulled Trevor’s attention away from Louisa. His groomsman and the stable boy rode up in the curricle and stopped. The lad jumped down and collected the horses ridden by Louisa and Trevor.
Trevor grinned at his servants. “Quick thinking, Jenkins.” He glanced back at Louisa. “Please return with me back to the manor.”
Jenkins helped Louisa inside, still holding Adam, and Trevor tightened his hold on Amanda as he climbed in the vehicle.
“Your Grace,” Louisa said after the curricle had lurched into motion. “May I take care of the children until you find another nursemaid? I probably don’t have much experience—”
“That’s a perfect suggestion.” He smiled wide. “Louisa, you have shown more interest in my children and concern for theirwelfare than Mrs. Jacobs ever did. I think you are well suited for this position, and I would be extremely happy if you would take over immediately.”
Louisa’s face lit up as her smile widened. Excitement danced in her pretty eyes as she nodded. “Oh, thank you very much. You don’t know how happy this makes me.”
He wanted to take Louisa in his arms and hold her—and yes, even kiss her. Thankfully, his arms were full or he would have done that very thing.
Glancing down at Amanda he pulled her away just enough to lift her face toward his. “How do you like that arrangement, my little one? Would you and your brother enjoy having Miss Louisa as your playmate?”
The frightened look on Amanda’s face disappeared and a bright grin replaced it. “Yes, Papa.”
“Me, too,” Adam chimed in.
“Splendid. I know the three of you will have a pleasant time together.”
Cheering, the children clapped their hands.
Relief swept over Trevor the more he watched Louisa and the twins. Deep inside his chest, an unknown and confusing sensation grew. He didn’t want to ponder over the emotions flowing through him at this moment, but one thing was certain. Louisa’s presence had blessed his house immensely. He never wanted this pleasure to end.
Chapter Sixteen
“Louisa? I needto have a moment with you, in my study if you will.”
Trevor’s voice was so soft, Louisa wasn’t sure she’d heard him. But thankfully he knew to be quiet in the dimly lit bedroom while she rocked on the chair, humming a lullaby to help the twins settle down for the night.
She met his gaze across the room. He stood by the door opened just enough for him to peek his head inside. The expression on his face wasn’t one of displeasure. Of late, she’d come to expect this. Sighing with relief, she realized she might have actually done something right for once.
Quietly, she stood and tiptoed to the door. “The children have just fallen asleep. I fear they will awake and find me gone.”
“Mrs. Smythe will sit with them just long enough for me to speak with you.”
Louisa glanced behind Trevor at the housekeeper standing not far behind him. Louisa gave Trevor a smile and walked into the hallway as Mrs. Smythe entered the bedroom, softly closing the door behind her.
For an awkward moment, Louisa stood in front of Trevor as their gazes locked. He shifted from one foot to the other while she scratched her arm. Finally, he turned and strode toward the stairs, occasionally glancing at her over his shoulder.
Not a word was spoken between them until they entered his study and he closed the door. “Your Grace,” she broke the silence, “I want to thank you for giving me a chance to be with the twins. They are adorable children and very well behaved.”
He grinned and walked to his desk, sitting on the edge. “I have watched you today, and I’m impressed with your remarkable ability to handle them. I don’t know why I have never paid attention to the way Mrs. Jacobs cared for them before. I thank you for making me aware of her neglect.”
Louisa took a timid step closer, as she folded her arms. Happiness grew in her chest. Had she ever heard so much praise in her past? “Was this what you had wanted to discuss with me?”
“Yes, but not fully. I want to tell you how wonderful I think you are taking care of the children.”
He’d talked this way about his children before, and it made her curious. Why did he never want to refer to them ashischildren? They were always justthe childrenor he called each one by name. Very odd.
“I thank you, Your Grace.”
“I wish for you to call me Trevor when we are alone.”
His voice deepened, and her heartbeat took on a different rhythm. Her palms moistened and her throat dried. More than anything she hoped he wanted to kiss her again, yet a part of her knew he shouldn’t. After all, she knew his dinner party would start within an hour and so she mustn’t do anything to distract him. “As you wish, Trevor.”
He cleared his throat and straightened his shoulders. “I actually want to discuss a couple more things with you before my guests start arriving. First, I think you need a different wardrobe.”
