Page 82 of The Gambler Wagers Her Baron

She wasn’t certain what the right answer was. Damon had been adamant that he’d tell the children of her departure, but that apparently hadn’t happened. It was understandable that he was hesitant to disappoint them. This would not be the first time their governess had left her position, nor would it likely be the last. With time, they would come to know Payton’s replacement.

“Your father and I, and our association should not cause either of you any concern,” Payton said, immediately regretting her attempt to distract them. Despite her words to the contrary, it was certainly their concern. She was their governess, and Damon was their father. If it concerned anyone other than Payton and the baron, it was Joy and Abram. “We should get you both home before your father notices you are gone.”

And before Garrett—or worse, Marce—stumbled upon them.

“I told you, Abram, Miss Samuels and Father’s kiss did not mean—”

“What is this?” Heavy footfalls sounded behind her, and Payton stiffened. “A kiss between my dear sister and Lord Ashford?”

Garrett’s chuckle told her that she hadn’t fooled him in the slightest with her recent stay at Craven House.

“Who are you, sir?” Joy’s chin jutted forward.

“I am Lord Garrett Davenport,” he replied with a gallant bow. “And you, my lady, are?”

“I am not a lady at all,” Joy retorted, obviously suspicious of Garrett. “Miss Joy Kinder. Lord Ashford’s daughter, and Miss Samuels’ charge.”

“Very lovely to make your acquaintance, Miss Kinder,” Garrett said, glancing up to wink at Payton. “However, since it has come to light that my sister has been linked romantically to your father, I think it best you call me simply Garrett, and I shall address you as Miss Joy.” When the girl nodded in approval, he continued. “Tell me, Miss Joy, why have I not made your acquaintance at a ball or, mayhap a recital, before now? I certainly would have asked for a dance—or two.”

Payton couldn’t help but smile as Garrett spun his web of charm around the girl.

“I am only six,” she preened, nervously tucking her blond hair behind her ear. “I shan’t have my coming out for another ten years my father says.”

“A pity, Miss Joy,” he commiserated.

“But Father did purchase me a lovely gown like Miss Samuels wears—”

Payton set her hand on Joy’s shoulder, ready to end their delightful chat and be gone before Marce saw the children. “I think we should return you both to Ashford Hall.”

“No point, Miss Samuels,” Abram said. “Father won’t notice we are gone until morning at the soonest. Perhaps not even until our midday meal. He is busy with his card game.”

“Card game?” Garrett asked. “Is that not what—”

Payton held up her hand, silencing what she knew her brother was going to say next. “We are headed to Lord Drummond’s soiree. On the way, we will see Joy and Abram safely to their bedchambers and then be off.”

“But—”

“No, Garrett.” Payton firmly shook her head. She would not allow her brother to convince her to remain in the baron’s home. “Children, safely home, and then we are leaving. That is all.”

“How do you plan to sneak in?” he asked.

Both children stared up at her, eyes rounded in question.

At least the conversation had moved on from her and Damon having a row.

“Mr. Brown was able to sneak them out, I cannot expect it will be difficult for me to see them back inside. Besides, Rigby and Mr. Brown likely already have a plan.”

Garrett’s eyes widened as he glanced between the children and back at his sister. “This Mr. Brown allowed the children out. Alone. At night?”

“I am as upset as you about this,” Payton said. “But right now, we must see about returning them with all due haste.”

“Father’s coach is down the street,” Abram chimed in. “Rigby walked us here to your home.”

“Very good.” Payton avoided her brother’s cool stare. He’d been the one to tell her about the baron’s gaming nights to begin with, and they’d attended a few nights together before she took the post as the Ashford governess. But she could not risk being seen by the baron. Their entanglement was over. He hadn’t stopped her from leaving, nor launched any great protest. Not that she’d given him many opportunities as her anger over his meddling with Catherton had her seeing red. “I will ride in the baron’s coach with the children. Garrett, you and Mr. Curtis will follow in the Craven House carriage. I will be in and out of Ashford Hall as quickly as possible, and we will be on our way.”

Garrett pushed out his bottom lip and batted his eyes. “But—but—but, the baron’s coach would be far more comfortable than our ancient, decrepit conveyance.”

To Payton’s utter disbelief, Joy stepped to Garrett’s side and took his hand in hers.