Page 22 of Captivating the Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 5)

Her heart sped up, and she continued to stare at him. Someone purposely tried to harm her? That didn’t make any sense. She was a mere governess.

“Why would someone do that?” She licked her suddenly dry lips, her head hurting even more with this information. “Do you know who did it?”

Hawk shook his head. “No. Can you think of any reason why someone would want to harm you?”

“Absolutely not. I am a governess. I have no problems with the staff, or anyone I’ve met in the village.” This was ridiculous, and she was having a hard time keeping her voice down.

He studied her for a minute, before leaning forward. “Have you spurned the attentions of any men?”

Lizzie took in a deep breath, trying to remain calm. She was an employee, for heaven’s sake. When would she have time to enjoy the attentions of a gentleman? “No. I am not a frivolous lady of the ton. I am a governess, with no time, or desire, to encourage men.”

“Wycliff said this was your first job as a governess. Had you other positions before? A companion, perhaps? Somewhere that troubles at that position might have followed you?”

She could easily get out of this by telling him this was her first position, ever, but that would lead to other questions she did not want to consider. “No. I have never had problems before.”

“There is always the possibility that the strap was cut accidentally.”

Lizzie studied him. “But you don’t think so.” It was not a question, but a statement. There was no doubt in her mind that Lord Hawkins suspected something. Panic welled up from her middle. If he were to learn her identity, it would be necessary to flee once again. But now, she’d have no Lady Franklin to find a spot for her. Drat his visit here. Why couldn’t he have stayed in London, where he’d led a merry life—according to the gossip sheets—and left her alone?

“No, I don’t think so. But if you cannot ascertain why someone would want to cause you harm, then there is nothing further to be done for it. We have already questioned the stable master—”

She sucked in a breath. “Oh, Mr. Lennon would never do such a thing!”

Hawkins nodded. “Based on what Wycliff has told me about the man, I agree. However, if the cutting was done on purpose, someone did do it.”

“A new employee?”

“We already asked. No one whom Wycliff suspects of nefarious purposes.”

They both grew silent, each with their own thoughts. Lizzie had no idea where Hawkins’s thoughts led him, but hers were focused on how she could escape if she was found out.

Since the Crown was never anxious to admit to traitors among the House of Lords, she’d seen nothing in the newspapers about her father since she’d left London. Buried as she was in the country, the first time she’d learned of his death was when Hawkins had casually mentioned it the other night.

“I choose to believe it was accidental, and whoever did it will not own up since it might cost them their job.” Hopefully, her determined words would dissuade his lordship from asking more questions.

She really did like this job.

…

Three days later, Lizzie joined Lords Wycliff and Hawkins at the breakfast table. It was her first day out of bed, and she was feeling better, but still weak. The swelling on her head had gone down, leaving a bruise she covered with her hair.

Lord Hawkins had not returned to question her further, and she hoped the entire incident had been relegated to an accident. That conclusion had caused Lizzie to relax and stop her plans to flee from Wycliff Estates. Not that she had any idea what to do, but at least she had money saved, if it did become necessary.

No matter how lovely her employers were, she suspected they would not want to have a traitor’s daughter in their home. Especially one teaching their children.

“Good morning, Miss Moore.” Both men stood as she entered the room. Hawkins held out a chair for her. “I hope you are feeling better?”

“Yes. I am ready to resume my duties.” She shook out her serviette and placed it on her lap. “How do the children fare, my lord?”

Lord Wycliff lowered his newspaper. “They miss you dreadfully. It took all of nurse’s persuasive skills to keep them from bounding into your room to show you the various drawings they created for you while you recovered.”

“I shall be delighted to join them this morning, and ooh and ah over all the artwork.” The thought of spending her day with the children cheered her up a great deal. She was not one to lie abed, and the restlessness had begun to get to her.

Lizzie took a sip of tea, then added eggs, bacon, a roll, and pickled herring to her plate. “This looks delicious. I am especially hungry this morning.”

“I guess all that lying about works up a young lady’s appetite.” Lord Hawkins grinned at her as Smith entered the room, holding a salver with several envelopes on it. He stopped at Lord Wycliff’s seat. “The morning mail, my lord.”

“Thank you.” Wycliff shuffled through the stack of correspondence and pulled two envelopes out. “These are for you, Hawk.”