Page 12 of Captivating the Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 5)

Her smile was forced. “That will never be, my lord. I am a governess. A vicar’s daughter.”

“Yes. So you say.” He reached up and brushed a curl from her soft cheek and tucked it behind her ear. “I thought young girls of all stations dreamed of dancing at a ball. Is that not where fairy tales come from?”

“You are correct, my lord. A fairy tale. Make-believe.” She drew small circles in the grass with one delicate finger.

Knowing he was tempting a lecture from his valet, Hawk flipped over onto his back and crossed his arms over his chest. “Why is it a beautiful woman such as you has not married?” He shifted his head so he could see her face.

She drew back, her face flushed. “My lord! I don’t think that is a proper question to ask an employee.”

Hawk shrugged. “Frankly, I rarely speak with employees, so I am at a loss as to what is, and is not, proper.”

Quick as a small animal attempting to escape a predator, Miss Moore stood in one fluid motion and shook out her skirts. “I must return. It is time for my duties.”

Hawk joined her, and they returned to the horses. He wrapped his hands around her waist and lifted her onto the saddle. Miss Moore stared down at him, her cheeks still flushed. He slowly and reluctantly remove

d his hands, feeling the loss of her warmth. She took in a deep breath. Had she felt something as well?

He broke eye contact with her and mounted Bramble. They rode side by side back to the estate. Neither spoke, but the silence was not as comfortable as it had been earlier. Aside from the fact that he was finding a governess much too appealing, he was also stuck with the niggling thought at the back of his mind that he knew her from somewhere.

He’d never had occasion to hobnob with vicars’ daughters. “Is this your first governess position, Miss Moore?”

Startled, no doubt at him breaking the silence, she answered. “Yes.”

Another one-word answer. The woman did not intend to be forthcoming, and his pressing her could soon give her cause to speak with Wycliff. It was best to put her from his mind and enjoy the visit with his cousin, away from London, and all he had been anxious to leave behind.

Once back at the house he determined to do just that. He wished Miss Moore a lovely day and went to his bedchamber. After changing from his riding clothes and cleaning up, Hawk descended to the breakfast room, where he found Wycliff enjoying his newspaper and a cup of coffee. “Ah, good morning, Hawk. ‘Tis nice to have company at breakfast.”

“Leah does not venture down to break her fast?” Hawk strolled to the sideboard, where he filled his plate with creamed herring, two rolls, eggs, ham, and bacon.

“No. I’m afraid my lovely wife is not an early bird. She enjoys her mornings in bed with her cup of chocolate.”

Hawk shook out his serviette and placed it on his lap, nodding to the footman, who poured his coffee. “I enjoyed my early ride this morning. I met Miss Moore also taking the air.”

“Yes. She does appreciate the use of our stables.”

Hawk cut a piece of ham. “I find her a bit of a conundrum.”

Wycliff raised his brows. “How so?”

“She certainly sits a horse well, her pianoforte playing is above par, and I have this feeling I know her from somewhere.” Hawk shook his head. “True, I have never had occasion to spend time with a governess, but something about her implies she is well above that station in life.”

“I’m afraid I’m not sure what you are trying to tell me, Hawk. Miss Moore came to us with an excellent reference.”

“I am in no way suggesting she is not a superb governess, though I cannot imagine anyone wanting to actually deal with children all day.” Hawk took a sip of his coffee. “Please ignore my statements. Perhaps I spent too much time with the Home Office and see puzzles everywhere.”

Wycliff leaned back in his chair. “Leah and I are thrilled that you have decided to visit, but as I said earlier, I sense there is a reason for your holiday other than to renew familial ties.”

Hawk pushed his empty plate away, which was immediately whipped up by a footman. “I had the need to leave London for a while. That is all.”

Wycliff studied him carefully. “You are not still blaming yourself for Monica’s death?”

He rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands. “It was my responsibility to investigate the Baron further, delve more fully into the drinking and gambling. When she came to me, I should have listened to her, instead of lecturing…” Hawk toyed with the spoon alongside his coffee cup.

“No, Hawk. Stop this guilt you’ve been carrying around. You were correct in telling her to return to her husband. Most brides do need adjustment time. Leah returned to her parents twice before we settled into a routine.”

Hawk slammed his fist down on the table, rattling the plates, silverware, and the footman standing against the wall. “No! I was her brother. She was under my protection, as are my mother and sister, Honora. It was my responsibility to see to her welfare. I failed.”

“In a perfect world, we make all the right decisions, all the time. But, Cousin, this is not a perfect world. You did your best, but ultimately, it was out of your hands.”