The Duke of Defiance (The Untouchables #5)(17)

“A sound plan.”

She looked him over, again appreciating his form and trying to make sure she didn’t show it. “Your attire is more than adequate. You don’t actually leave your house in a state of undress, do you?”

He shook his head. “Not here. I wonder if I will be able to get away with that at my estate in Wales. I detest riding in constricting clothing. On Barbados, I wore only a shirt, and I must say the wind billowing through it is an intoxicating sensation.”

Jo tried to imagine the sensation, but couldn’t. She could, however, see and hear the joy it had given him, as well as picture him racing across a beach like the one Evie had described. Intoxicating indeed. “I’m sure you can do whatever you like on your estate.”

“I hope so. That will depend on my staff, I suppose. I’m beginning to learn that they talk. Gossip, I mean.”

“Yes, sometimes. Are you having difficulty?”

“My butler doesn’t seem to approve of my peccadilloes.” He gave her a knowing look since they’d discussed that very term. “Suffice it to say, he doesn’t seem to like me. And I must say the feeling is mutual.”

“Perhaps you should replace him,” Jo said.

“He worked for my father for twenty years.”

“You’ll provide him an excellent reference, then. There’s nothing saying you have to keep him on.” She blinked at him. “Is there?”

“No, there isn’t. And your advice is also what my valet says. I’m considering it. However, then I’ll have to hire a new one. Along with the governess. Any news on that?”

“Nora and I were just discussing that topic. She has some candidates she’d like to interview. I think there are others she can pass along to you.”

“Her rejects?”

Jo chuckled. “You’re joking again, but there’s a kernel of truth in there. I believe she only rejected them because the ones she chose are simply a better match for her requirements. As I told you last week, your requirements may be different. You can ask Nora about it when she returns.”

“I still want you to help me with the interviews.”

Jo was pleased. It gave her something to look forward to, and she had little of that. “And I shall still be delighted.”

Nora returned with the girls. Evie ran to hug her father and immediately told him of the dolls and the play they’d produced. “Jo said it was the best performance she’d ever seen,” Evie said proudly.

Knighton looked over at Jo, and she nodded. “It was. The girls are quite good with their voices and the drama they infuse into the action.”

“The best part is the costumes, Papa,” Evie said. “Jo made the most beautiful dress for the serving maid when she becomes the princess.”

“My favorite part is when the prince sees her for the first time,” Becky said, her eyes alight with joy.

Jo’s favorite part was watching them so happy.

Knighton smiled at the girls. “Well, I haven’t even seen the play, but I’d say my favorite part is watching the two of you talk about it.”

Jo snapped her gaze toward him as a tiny piece of her heart melted. Yes, she’d want a husband just like that.

What a foolish notion. She ought to focus on things she could control, such as this idea of becoming a governess. The idea of trying to lure a man with children into marriage seemed daunting. Furthermore, she wasn’t sure she wanted to marry anyone. Not after her experience with Matthias. She suppressed a shudder at being trapped again.

The earl looked toward Nora. “Duchess, Mrs. Shaw mentioned you might have some governess candidates you’d like to pass on to me.”

Nora crossed to the table with the stack of recommendations. “Yes.” She looked over at the girls. “Go help yourselves to some biscuits if you like.” She nodded toward where a tea tray had been laid out. The girls skipped to the sweets.

Jo and Knighton joined Nora at the table. “He thinks you’re giving him the rejects,” Jo said, tossing him a smile.

He blinked at her, and she caught a flash of alarm. It was quickly replaced with a glimmer of relief and then his lip ticked up in a half smile. At her. She’d seen him smile at Evie, but not at anyone else. There was something a bit rapturous about being on the receiving end. “He was joking,” Jo clarified in response to his subtle reaction.

Nora exhaled. “Oh good. They aren’t poor candidates. I simply chose the three who I most wanted to meet. They either have a particular skill I like, or they have a recommendation from someone I know.”

“I don’t know anyone,” Knighton said. “But Mrs. Shaw will help me in that regard.”

Nora smiled at Jo. “Yes, she will.” She picked up the letters she’d set aside and handed them to the earl. “These are for you, then.”

“Why not give them to Mrs. Shaw? She can narrow the field and send me a list of names for my secretary to contact.”

Nora looked at Jo in question, and Jo nodded. She held her hand out for the letters. “I’d be happy to.”

“Excellent.” As he set the sheaf in her hand, his fingers grazed hers, and she realized he wasn’t wearing gloves. She made a note to mention to him that he ought to do so when paying calls.

He turned toward his daughter and Becky. “Evie, it’s time to go.”