The Duke of Defiance (The Untouchables #5)(32)
Shame welled in Jo’s chest, but what could she have done differently? Matthias never would have let Nora come to stay with them—not with her scandalous past. When Jo thought of the scandal Matthias could have caused, well, she wanted to tell him what a hypocrite he was.
Nora clasped Jo’s hand. “I don’t blame you for that at all. I know Matthias didn’t care for me.”
Jo let out an acerbic laugh. “It went a bit beyond that. For a vicar, he wasn’t particularly Christian.”
“I hope someday you’ll confide in me. If you want to.” Nora hugged her briefly before standing. “I’m going to look in on the children.”
Jo sat for a minute, her mind turning to what Ivy had said about taking employment. Perhaps she could just talk to Lady Dunn’s friend—
Her thought was interrupted by the arrival of Abbott. “Lord Knighton is here to see you, Mrs. Shaw.”
Jo rose. What could he want? Evie wasn’t here. “Me, you say?”
Abbott gave a single nod. “Just so. Shall I show him up, or are you indisposed?”
“Show him up, please.” Perhaps he just wanted to review yesterday’s interviews. Although, she couldn’t think what more there was to discuss. They’d agreed that none of them were right. As it happened, however, Nora had conducted her interviews yesterday and today, and before Ivy had arrived, had suggested another candidate.
Knighton entered the drawing room a moment later, looking effortlessly handsome. He was also wearing gloves. She hid a smile.
He bowed. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Shaw. I hope I’m not calling at an inopportune time.”
“Not at all. Would you care to sit?” She gestured toward the seating area she’d just stood from. “I’m afraid we still have the remnants of a tea tray, but I can have a fresh one brought up, if you like.”
“That won’t be necessary, thank you.” He walked to her, moving with an easy grace that was somehow animalistic, she realized. Almost like a cat. “I wanted to talk with you about the governess position.”
Jo sat back down on the settee and almost instantly regretted it because he lowered himself right next to her. “I have good news on that front, actually,” she said, edging slightly away from him. “My sister had a difficult time choosing a governess. Apparently, two of her candidates were quite good. She was pleased to hear that she could recommend one of them to you since your candidates were not as successful. Would you like me to arrange for an interview?”
“I don’t need to conduct further interviews. I’ve found whom I want to hire.”
Jo straightened. “Is that so? Did you interview someone new today?”
He shook his head. “No. I want you.”
Those three simple words sent a shiver down her neck. “I beg your pardon?”
“I want you.” His dark eyes bored into her with singular intent. The room seemed suddenly warm. “As Evie’s governess.”
Ah yes, that clarification meant everything. She exhaled, realizing she’d held her breath. “I’m…surprised.” She was many other things too, but thought that description would suffice.
“Evie begged me, I admit, but once I started thinking about it, I had to agree that it’s a spectacular idea. You know Evie, and I think you like her—”
“Immensely.” Jo didn’t want him to doubt that.
His lips quirked into a half smile. “Good. She definitely likes you. I can’t think of anyone better. You’re intelligent, well-connected—and that seems important, not that I particularly give a damn—and you were most helpful yesterday with my…household issues. Furthermore, you seem up to the challenge of our foibles. I don’t think our bare feet or food particularity will concern you.”
She clasped her hands in her lap. “I’m really not sure I want to take employment. I’m still trying to find my way.”
He rested his arm along the back of the settee, bringing his hand within touching distance of her shoulder if she only leaned back an inch. “You’d enjoy every freedom you do now. You may come and go as you wish, and I’ll provide you with a large bedchamber in the main living quarters. I understand governesses often sleep in the servants’ area, but not you.”
Ivy’s comments floated through her mind. “They treated me as a person, not a servant.” What Knighton was offering was surely the best position she could imagine.
He continued his verbal assault. And it truly was an assault as she became less and less able to defend against why this wouldn’t work. “Mostly I want to provide a stable, happy environment for Evie. Coming to England has been a huge change for her, and so far, Mrs. Poole has exceeded my expectations. Which is good given the problems we’ve had with other members of the staff. With you, I know what to expect and so does she.”
How could she argue with him when he laid it out like that? Moreover, how could she say no to Evie? The girl had lost her mother and her home. If having Jo as her governess would ease her stress, Jo simply couldn’t refuse.
And yet, there were…issues.
She tried to think of how to articulate her fears. All the while, he stared at her expectantly, making her feel warm, which wasn’t to say unpleasant. On the contrary, sitting this close to him reminded her of his hands and his mouth on her, and goodness, the heat flashing through her was becoming a problem.