Page 17 of Captivating the Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 5)

She nodded and turned as Monroe opened the carriage door. He extended his hand to help her down, and they moved quickly to the house. Once they were through the doorway, Hawk jumped down, his boots splashing in the puddles as he dashed to the front door.

…

“What do you know of Miss Moore?” Hawk accepted the glass of brandy from Wycliff’s hand and settled into the soft leather chair across from him. Leah had excused herself, and he and his cousin were enjoying a drink before retiring for the night.

He’d had no further contact with the governess since she had sent word that she was feeling under the weather and asked permission to have a dinner tray in her room. Hopefully, she had not forgone dinner with them because she was uneasy around him.

“She was referred to us by Lady Franklin, who is an old friend of Leah’s aunt, Lady Trent. A lovely woman, Lady Franklin. Very helpful. She’d known Miss Moore for some time and assured us she would make an excellent governess.”

“Had she worked as a governess before?”

Wycliff swirled the liquid in his glass. “No. This was her first position, but she’s done an excellent job.” He took a sip. “Why the interest in our governess?”

Hawk leaned back, his restless knee bouncing up and down. “Something is off with Miss Moore.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not quite sure. As I’ve said, I sometimes think my time with the Home Office during the war years has made me suspicious of everything and everybody.”

“Well, don’t bring your incertitude to us. There is nothing suspicious about Miss Moore, I assure you. She’s been with us for two years, and in all that time she has conducted herself in an exemplary manner.”

Hawk’s brows rose. “Two years? She told me a bit more than a year.”

Wycliff shook his head. “No, she came to us on the twins’ birthday two years ago. I distinctly remember because one of the boys—don’t remember which one—leaned too far over to blow out his birthday candle and fell into the cake. Miss Moore merely laughed and scooped him up to clean him.”

Hawk took all of that in and continued to swirl his liquor. “Has it not occurred to you that Miss Moore is uncommonly well educated for a vicar’s daughter?”

“Not necessarily. I’ve found vicar’s children to be par excellence in their education.”

Hawk took a sip and studied Wycliff over the rim of his glass. “In drawing room manners, sitting a horse, stitching, watercolors, pianoforte, and ballroom dancing?”

His cousin stared at him. “Why do you think she is capable of all those things?”

“I’m not exactly sure of all of that, actually. Her mann

ers, horsemanship, pianoforte, and general bearing tell me she is a lady. But I’m willing to wager if you asked her to paint something for you, or do some embroidery, she would be equally skilled.”

“Why would she lie? There are several ladies who find themselves in difficult circumstances who are forced to take employment as a governess or companion. ’Tis no disgrace in it.”

“I don’t know why she would lie. It’s what I find so intriguing.”

“Intriguing or no, leave off, Hawk. Leah is thrilled to have such a competent and pleasant governess. If Miss Moore continues to conduct herself in the manner we’ve become accustomed to, I have no need, or desire, to investigate her further. Were she here for nefarious reasons she would have shown them by now.”

…

Summer was coming to an end. The rain the day before had left everything clean and sparkling in the sunlight. Hawk strode from the back of the house early the next morning to the stable, ready for his morning ride.

He came to an abrupt halt as Miss Moore exited the stable, leading the horse she’d ridden the day before. He tipped his hat and offered a gentlemanly smile. No reason to have her believe he would attempt to ravish her every time he saw her. Although he would like to.

“Good morning, Miss Moore. ’Tis a lovely day for a ride, is it not?” He had no idea what sort of a greeting she would give him, as he hadn’t seen her since their kiss in the carriage.

“Yes, my lord. A truly lovely morning. I am anxious to give Magpie a good run.”

The stable master followed behind Miss Moore, leading Bramble, already prancing and chomping at the bit. The man nodded to Hawk and led the horse to him.

“Easy, boy. We’ll give you a good workout this morning.”

Since Miss Moore had already been helped onto her saddle by one of the grooms, Hawk mounted Bramble and turned to his riding companion. “Ready?”