Amelia barely breathed. “One month?” she repeated.
“I do not allow strangers in my home. Since you have no official training as a governess, I’ll grant you one month to stay. But do not mistake this for charity. After a month, you leave.”
She nodded so quickly it was almost embarrassing. “I accept.”
A hint of surprise flickered across Gabriel’s face before disappearing just as quickly.
One month. It’s everything. One month means time to think, time to plan, and time to become something other than a daughter being traded into marriage.
At last, Gabriel extended his hand. The gesture was formal, almost businesslike. Amelia immediately placed her hand in his.
The moment their skin touched, something strange happened. His hand was warm. Strong. Steady. A completely ridiculous awareness shot through her before she could stop it.
“Very well,” Gabriel said, releasing her hand and stepping back.
Amelia blinked and forced herself to focus before her thoughts wandered somewhere entirely unhelpful. One month was better than nothing. More importantly, it was enough time to figure out what came next. For the first time since fleeing her family, the future no longer seemed quite so frightening.
A governess in the house of the Duke of Anderton. I can do this. I must.
Chapter Four
Gabriel found Mrs. Jacobs in the household larder reviewing the stock. The housekeeper stood at a table with several ledgers spread before her, her spectacles balanced low upon her nose. She looked up when he entered and curtsied. After years of managing Anderton Manor, she remained one of the few people who did not visibly tremble in his presence. Gabriel considered that both admirable and occasionally inconvenient.
“Your Grace,” Mrs. Jacobs said, setting aside her pen as she straightened her apron, “has the young lady recovered?”
“She has,” Gabriel replied, stopping before the table with his hands clasped behind his back. “Her name is Miss Amelia Shirley.”
Mrs. Jacobs’ eyes widened with interest. “Miss Amelia Shirley,” she repeated thoughtfully. “That sounds considerably better than ‘the unconscious lady from the road’.”
“It is marginally shorter.”
Mrs. Jacobs smiled despite herself.
Gabriel continued before she could ask questions. “She will remain here for the time being.”
The housekeeper’s eyebrows rose. “Remain, Your Grace?”
“She will be David’s governess.”
Mrs. Jacobs stared at him. For several moments, she simply stared. Then her face lit with unmistakable delight. “Oh, that is wonderful news,” she exclaimed, clasping her hands together. “The poor child has needed a proper governess.”
Gabriel resisted the urge to point out that she had informed him of that fact at least twice a week.
Mrs. Jacobs shook her head in amazement. “And such a lovely young lady, too.”
Gabriel narrowed his eyes slightly. “You have not spoken to her.”
Mrs. Jacobs waved away the objection. “One learns these things.”
Gabriel had absolutely no idea what that meant. The housekeeper studied him for a moment before her expressionbecame more curious. “Forgive me, Your Grace, but is Miss Shirley a trained governess?”
Gabriel stared at her. Mrs. Jacobs stared back. The silence stretched.
Finally, Gabriel shrugged. “She is now. Ensure she has everything she requires,” he instructed.
“Of course, Your Grace,” she said.
“And keep an eye on her.” Gabriel’s voice became stern.
