Page 20 of The Beastly Earl

The woman’s impertinence made Ewan close his book in a fierce movement. The violence of the act caused a sharp crack of sound to linger in the room. There was a soft intake of air behind him, and he knew he’d startled perhaps even alarmed her. Satisfaction pounded its way through his limbs at the knowledge. He was accustomed to his mother’s criticism, but he refused to be chastised by a stranger no matter how lovely she was.

He uttered an inaudible curse word as he slowly turned to face her. Self-disgust crashed through him the instant he experienced gratitude that the fireplace was the only source of light in the room. That he even cared about the woman's reaction to his physical appearance emphasized the strength of his awareness for Louisa Morehouse. An awareness he didn't want to feel.

Louisa stood close to the hearth, and the firelight accentuated one of the reasons why he’d done his best to avoid her. As he studied her, the memory of a wet chemise clinging to her skin made his mouth go dry. Infuriated by the direction of his thoughts, Ewan narrowed his one eye at her.

“I don’t need a Sassenach to tell me how to raise the boy,” he said coldly.

“My mother was Scottish, so you’ll have to think of another way to insult me.” The condescension in her response only added fuel to his growing anger.

“Then I shall rephrase my words by saying, I don’t need a woman telling me how to raise Ross.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. In fact, there’s a great deal I can tell you—”

“Enough,” he snarled as he forced himself to remain in the shadows when what he really wanted to do was silence her in a much different way. He shoved the disturbing thought back into a compartment labeled don’t touch. “You’re a guest in my house, Louisa Morehouse, and I’ll thank you to remember that.”

“The boy needs a governess,” she continued as if she’d not heard a word he’d said. In the back of his head, he noted her stubbornness rivaled McCallum’s, only she wasn’t as subtle as the old retainer was. “And as I understand from McCallum, each of the last two governesses the child had left in less than a month of arriving at Argaty.”

Ewan slammed his book down onto the shelf closest to him as he continued to avoid the firelight. The action rewarded him with the sight of her jumping slightly from the harsh sound. Suddenly she straightened to her full height, which wasn’t much less than his, and her chin tipped upward at a defiant angle.

It was a clear display of rebellion, and he couldn’t help admiring her for not allowing him to intimidate her. Despite the stubborn set of her mouth, it didn’t hide the fullness of her lips. Would her mouth taste as fiery and passionate as she looked? A bolt of desire lashed through him and made his muscles harden like the grand oak on the moor that stood not far from where Ewan had found her. He remained frozen in place afraid he might actually try to answer the question.

“You seem to have made a great many inquiries about my household.” Ewan grounded out between his teeth. He wasn’t sure if his anger was directed more at her than himself.

“My questions have only been to inquire about Ross’s well-being, and when I’d be granted permission to meet with the exalted Earl of Argaty.” She glared in his direction in obvious disdain for him and his title.

“Now that you’ve bullied your way into my exalted presence, you can explain what your interest in the boy has to do with you, other than a reason to disturb my peace.”

As if she’d suddenly realized he’d yet to refer to Ross as his son, her eyes narrowed slightly. In the firelight he saw a look of puzzlement flit across her face. It was replaced by an expression of confident determination.

“I wish you to take me on as your son’s governess.”

Stunned by her statement, Ewan stared at her in amazement. He wasn’t sure why he was so surprised, but he was. The next thought was how she was unlike the past few governesses who’d accepted the position and left soon afterward. Those women had been weak and easily intimidated the few times he’d been in their presence. Despite being a clear and present danger to his senses, Louisa Morehouse might actually be good for Ross. Floored at the direction of his thoughts, he released a loud, disparaging snort.

“What in the name of all the saints makes you qualified for such a position? Your manner is more that of a termagant than a governess. As McCallum tells it, you’re supposed to be old Lady Stewart’s companion.”

His words caused a look of deep anger to flash across her face before her expression became stoic. A part of him was disappointed to see her fiery spirit vanish from her face. It had made her features all the more lovely. Another wave of self-disgust lashed out at him for allowing himself to be moved by the woman.

“My brother has informed me that Lady Stewart has rescinded her offer to take me on as her companion.” Her reply made him frown in surprise and with renewed concern for her welfare.

“Why would the daft woman do such a thing?”

“Because when my brother informed her as to why I’d failed to arrive at the abbey, Lady Stewart learned I have two boys.” For the first time he heard a note of hesitation in her voice. “Her ladyship had no wish to take on a companion who had children.”

“Am I to understand you didn’t tell the woman you had sons?”

“I needed employment, and I thought…I thought it would be best to ask Lady Stewart’s forgiveness after the fact came to light rather than asking for her permission beforehand.”

“And if I were to agree to your proposition, why have you decided to ask permission as opposed to asking my forgiveness after the fact?”

“Because my boys are Ross’s age. Your son needs children his own age to play with, my sons need their mother, you need a governess, and I must have employment.” She drew in a deep breath. “We need each other.”

“I don’t have need of anyone,” he snapped.

“Yes, you do. McCallum said you’d not yet inquired as to a replacement for your last governess, and I’m more than capable of fulfilling that role. I’ve taught my own children and can do the same for your son.”

The logic of her proposal wasn’t lost on Ewan. It was true Ross would benefit from the presence of other children, and the boy did need a governess. The only real obstacle was the way Louisa Morehouse made him feel. Ewan immediately brushed the thought aside.

McCallum could easily act as a buffer between them. The East Wing would be off limits to her, just as it was to the rest of the household. He would never have to see the woman. He sucked in a quick breath. Christ Almighty. Was he actually making excuses as to why he should agree to her plan? Deep in the back of his head, a shout of laughter made him close his eyes for moment. It was enough to make Ewan reject the idea with a shake of his head.