“I know geography.”
Silence.
“I can identify most European kingdoms on a map.”
Gabriel’s expression remained maddeningly blank. Amelia felt her confidence beginning to crumble. “I should probably stop listing accomplishments now,” she decided.
“Probably,” Gabriel replied.
The single word somehow made matters worse. Still, she pressed forward. “I could be useful here,” she stated.
Gabriel folded his arms across his chest. “Useful?”
“A governess,” Amelia said quickly. The silence that followed felt endless. Her pulse raced.
“I could teach the young master,” she continued. “I have experience teaching my younger sisters. I know history, literature, languages, music…”
Her voice faltered. She hated how desperate she sounded. Yet this mattered. If he refused, she had nothing. No plan. No refuge. No future she could bear to contemplate.
Gabriel studied her carefully. For the first time since meeting him, she had the distinct impression he was actually listening. Not sympathizing. Not being kind. Simply listening.
“Please, I beg of you to consider. I have no place to go.” Her eyes began to water. “I do not know if my parents will take me back.”
She noticed the frown on his face beginning to lighten. Her desperation continued as her voice broke, “If I leave here, I will be back on the road, unsafe with no true direction.”
He sighed. Amelia noticed that he was quite handsome when his brow was not furrowed.
“There would be conditions,” he said at last.
Hope surged through her chest. “Anything,” she replied immediately.
Gabriel’s eyes narrowed slightly. “There is one rule in this house.”
Amelia nodded at once.
“Nothing happens without my knowledge,” he said, taking a deliberate step closer.
“I understand,” Amelia replied.
“No one enters this estate without my approval,” Gabriel continued, taking another step.
She swallowed.
“No one leaves without my approval.”
The intensity in his gaze was startling.
“I understand,” she repeated.
“Do you?” he asked.
“Yes,” Amelia said firmly.
Gabriel held her gaze for another moment. “You would be expected to work hard.”
“I can work hard.”
“You may stay and work with the children for one month.”
