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

Instead of a full curtsy, the governess gave him a modest dip, her eyes downcast.

Miss Moore was tall for a woman, but still the top of her head only came up to his eyes. Her blond hair was pulled back into a chignon that had loosened somewhat, giving her a harried look. If he had to deal with these children daily, he would be bald from pulling his hair out of his head.

“Miss Moore, it is my pleasure.” He gave a slight bow.

She regarded him with hazel eyes, a questioning look on her face, almost as if she had expected him to know her. But since he had very little to do with urchins, there was no way he would know Miss Moore. Although, had she not been a governess and employed in his cousin’s house, he might have enjoyed getting to know her better.

Then he brought himself up short. That was the reason he had escaped London and decided to visit with his stalwart, sober cousin. Hawk’s life of dissipation had not only begun to bore him, but also disgust him.

Not that he intended to give up his rakish life just yet. However, as much as he enjoyed the favors of willing women, the pleasures to be had at the gaming tables, and fine liquor, the extent to which he had been indulging was simply not him.

He’d arrived at the point where he had to admit all the liquor and women in the world would not erase the guilt he carried.

Miss Moore herded her charges toward the tea tray and sat them all in a row on a sofa next to the table. One by one she called them forward and fixed a plate for each. Leah, in the meantime, poured tea for her, Wycliff, and him, handing Hawk a cup of the warm liquid. “I remember how you take your tea, my lord.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Leah, truly we are not going to be so formal during my visit?”

She smiled. “Yes, you are quite right.” She passed him a plate of biscuits and tarts. “No more my lord and my lady.”

Despite his best intentions, his eyes kept wandering in the direction of the governess, who was quite adept at handling the youngsters. As he studied her, she did appear a bit familiar, but he shook off the idea since it was highly unlikely he knew her.

Once she settled into her seat, she raised her cup of tea to nicely plump lips and glanced in his direction. The teacup in his hand stopped a few inches from his mouth as a very uncomfortable and foreboding feeling settled in his stomach.

Chapter Two

Lizzie released the breath she’d been holding since they’d entered the drawing room. So, Lord Hawkins did not remember her. On the one hand she was truly grateful, and on the other, quite annoyed. After all, he had danced with her once. Had she been so nondescript?

Of course, he would never expect to see a debutante of the ton working in the co

untry as a governess, so perhaps she should forgive him. And at the same time, be grateful he didn’t recognize her. That would have been a disaster.

“You have the little ones quite in hand.” Lord Hawkins viewed her over the top of his teacup.

Why was he speaking to her? Although a governess had a different status than servants, employees were never recognized by guests. Or spoken to, except to give a request or an order.

“Yes, my lord. They are delightful children.”

If the look on his face was any indication of his thoughts, he considered them nothing of the kind. “Frankly, I’ve always found anyone under fourteen years to be quite frightful.”

“Ah, but one day you will have children of your own, and you will find them enchanting in every way.”

He placed his palm on his chest, his eyes wide as he grinned at her. “Surely you jest. When I am forced into the parson’s noose and begin to fill my nursery, you can rest assured I will employ plenty of staff to deal with the little ones.”

“Ah, but suppose your wife has other ideas?”

“Yes. There is that. Something to consider.” He tapped his lips with his finger, drawing attention to his lovely mouth. Although his expression sobered, the twinkle in his eyes told her he probably never had a serious conversation. The man was a true rake.

Lord and Lady Wycliff regarded the two of them with raised brows. Lizzie immediately flushed from her toes all the way to her face. She was bantering with Lord Hawkins as if they were in a London ballroom!

Confused at his attention, and aware of her employers’ bewilderment, and possible disapproval, she turned to the children. She wiped Daniel’s mouth and leaned in toward David to remind him not to burp out loud. The twins had recently taken up that habit, and they thought it was quite humorous, but their parents would not.

Whether he understood her unease, or simply grew bored speaking to a governess, Lord Hawkins turned his attention to Lady Wycliff.

After another half hour of supervising the children and refusing to even meet Lord Hawkins’s eyes, Lizzie stood and addressed Lady Wycliff. “I believe the children have finished their tea. With your permission we will retire to the nursery.”

“Yes, of course. Please see that Nurse presents the children as usual before bed.”

“Yes, my lady.” She hurried her charges from the room and made her way to the nursery on the top floor. Usually the climb did not trouble her in any way, but today she found herself out of breath and flushed.