The Duke of Defiance (The Untouchables #5)(35)

“Not yet, I haven’t.” She dragged a short stool over near the fireplace and gestured for Evie to come join her. “Sit, and I’ll explain everything.”

Evie sat, her head tipped up as she waited, rapt, for instructions. Bran went to stand beside her, also eager for what was to come next.

Mrs. Shaw laid the tooth flat in her open palm. “First, I’ll rub salt on it, and while I do that, you must sing a song. Any song will do. Do you have a favorite?”

Evie glanced at her father. “I learned a few songs on our ship, but Papa probably wouldn’t like it if I sang them.”

Bran knew precisely what songs she was referring to. “No, that wouldn’t be appropriate.” He coughed. “How about ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’?”

Evie nodded, turning her attention to Mrs. Shaw, who looked as though she was trying not to laugh. “Very good,” she said.

The cook carried the salt cellar to Mrs. Shaw. “Your mother’s supposed to rub the salt on, but since you don’t have a mother, perhaps your father ought to do it.” She glanced from Evie to Bran to Mrs. Shaw.

“No, no,” Bran said quickly. “I’ve no idea what to do. I’ll leave it to Mrs. Shaw.”

Her brown-green eyes flashed with something. She swallowed as her lids fluttered close for a moment. “While you sing, I’ll rub the salt on. When you’re finished with the song, we’ll take the tooth to the fire and throw it in.”

“Is that all?” Evie asked.

Mrs. Shaw nodded. “That’s all.”

Evie’s frame relaxed, her shoulders dipping. “That doesn’t sound terrible. I assumed it would be terrible since Foster was so cross.”

Mrs. Shaw looked toward Bran and murmured, “I’m glad she’s gone.”

“No more than I,” he whispered.

Mrs. Shaw spooned some salt onto her palm and looked at Evie. “Are you ready?”

Evie started singing, the soft notes of “Baa Baa Black Sheep” filling the kitchen. The cook’s assistant and the scullery maid stopped their work to listen, and Mrs. Shaw covered the tooth with salt and rubbed the ivory surface with her thumb and forefinger.

When Evie finished, Mrs. Shaw smiled. “Time for the fire, then.” She took Evie’s hand again and led her to the fire. Bran followed them, somewhat entranced by the whole scenario.

Mrs. Shaw squatted down beside her. “I didn’t have a mother either, so my sister is the one who did this for me. And she added something special. When we threw the tooth into the fire, I made a wish. Would you like to do that?”

Evie’s eyes were wide as she listened. “Yes,” she breathed, sounding as if she were in awe. Bran had to admit he was too.

“We’ll do it together,” Mrs. Shaw said. “Put your hand around mine, and I’ll count to three.” Evie wrapped her fingers around Mrs. Shaw’s as she said, “One, two, three.”

They flung the tooth into the fire.

Mrs. Shaw turned to Evie. “Did you make your wish?”

“I did.” Her gaze locked on to Mrs. Shaw’s. “Are you going to be my governess? Papa said you were thinking about it.”

Bran was standing to the side. Mrs. Shaw didn’t turn her head to look at him, but he caught the subtle twitch of her shoulder. He briefly closed his eyes, wishing Evie hadn’t said anything. He didn’t want to scare Mrs. Shaw away.

“I was thinking about it, but I’ve decided to say yes.”

Bran’s pulse quickened.

Evie’s face bloomed into a wide grin. “Then my wish already came true.”

So had Bran’s.





Chapter 8





Three days later, after church, Jo arrived at Lord Knighton’s home. Her home now. Nervousness tripped through her along with a dollop of excitement. Nora, Titus, and Becky had come along to deliver her.

The footman opened the door of the coach, and Nora inclined her head toward Jo with an encouraging smile. “You go first. We’ll follow in a moment.”

Jo stepped out into the gently falling rain and looked up at the stone fa?ade. It was one of the larger townhomes she’d been in, with nearly as many rooms as the Kendals’. Or so she thought. She supposed she’d have a full tour shortly.

She made her way up the small flight of steps, and the door came open. A footman, garbed in smart livery, stood with his hand on the latch. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Shaw.”

“Good afternoon.” She wished she knew the man’s name but vowed to learn it, along with everyone else’s. She swept her gaze around the hall and saw that the earl and Evie were standing next to each other, clearly awaiting her arrival.

“Welcome,” Lord Knighton said.

Evie dipped a very nice curtsey. “We’re glad you’re here.” She looked and sounded as if she’d rehearsed that. The Evie that Jo had come to know would’ve bounded over to her the minute she walked through the door.

Jo crooked her finger at Evie and dropped down to look the girl in the eye.

Evie moved to stand in front of her. “Did I do something wrong?”

“Not at all. I only wanted to tell you that even though I’ll be your governess, I’m still Jo. We needn’t become formal.” Jo winked at her, and Evie grinned.