My Lady's Choosing: An Interactive Romance Novel(53)

“Wolves,” says Lord Craven, crossing the length of the chamber in two easy strides, “would likely be a better choice of governess than you.”

“Yet you didn’t hire a wolf, Lord Craven,” you say, astounded by your audacity. “You hired me.”

The man is so close that you find yourself nearly swooning at the woodsy, musky smell of him. Though you don’t know where you find the strength to do so, you return his burning gaze with fiery strength. He gives you a once-over so savage that you can’t repress the shudder it produces. You attempt a more tender tack.

“He is your son, my lord. Your son.”

And with those words, the life falls from Lord Craven’s face.

“He has his mother’s eyes,” he says, cold as a crypt. Then he turns on his heel and is gone.

A full minute passes before you are able to regain a sense of equilibrium. “What—” you start to ask Mrs. Butts, but she waves you off, not unkindly.

“The lord has his ways,” she says. “Never you mind. Give him his distance, follow his rule, and everything will be fine. Now, miss, to meet the staff!”





Feeling like you don’t have a choice? You chose to be a governess in a mad lord’s mansion flung far on the moors. Get used to it. Turn to this page.





Damn him. Once back in Derbyshire, you storm to your quarters and pack your bags in a rage. This is most certainly goodbye…for now.





Do you make your escape to the East End to do good works with a certain rugged Scotsman, and maybe get pickpocketed? Turn to this page.

Or do you make your escape to do some gothic governessing in Yorkshire? You hear the rain is quite lovely this time of year. Turn to this page.





As you step off the barge, you pause for a moment in wonder that this is really happening. After all, just a short time ago you were but a humble lady’s companion. And now…well, admittedly, you are still a humble lady’s companion.

Still, it is a far more companionable lady you find yourself traveling with. A very beautiful and exciting lady, who has taken you to the very heart of Cairo. Your own heart wells with excitement, for all around you are sounds, sights, and feelings that you do not recognize…least not when such feelings are for the lovely Lady Evangeline.

The boat lurches suddenly and the gangplank pitches you forward. You are about to fall into the murky waters of the Nile when in one swift, liquid movement Lady Evangeline deftly catches you. “Careful,” she says with a smile, holding you tight for one thrilling second before setting you back on your feet.

You shake your head, hoping that will clear the sudden dizziness that has overtaken you. This is madness, madness and possibly heat stroke. Rather than dwell on such confusing emotions, you hurry to keep up with the lady as you both make your way through the bustling metropolis. Still, you cannot stop yourself from starting as she turns and grins rakishly at you, out-dazzling even the blazing African sun.

“Where are we going first?” you ask nervously. Something between you has changed on the journey, and what was once easy friendship now feels like something you can’t quite put your finger on. Something fraught and raw-edged and ready to explode—at least on your part. Now you are constantly finding yourself nervous and tongue-tied in her presence.

If Lady Evangeline has noticed the shift, she does not let on. Rather, she continues with the same self-assured ease that has set your foolish heart aflutter as if you were but a schoolgirl.

“The museum, my dear girl,” she says. “Of course.”

Not knowing what she means by “the museum,” you are momentarily struck dumb, partly from shame at your ignorance and partly from her exquisite beauty. She seems to understand your confusion and rubs your shoulder. You shiver despite the intense heat.

“The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, I mean. Run by my dear friend Kamal Abu Habib bin Hasan al-Munawi. Such a sweet man, and quite brilliant, too. He has dedicated his life to preserving the treasures of the pharaohs and making sure such wonders remain in Egypt.”

“Th-that’s very good of him,” you volunteer shyly.

“Oh, it is.” She nods. “Just wait until you see the museum. It will take your breath away.”

And indeed, what greets you when you enter the museum does take your breath away, though not in the manner intended. The white marble floors of the great central room are scattered with hundreds upon hundreds of treasures from Egypt’s golden age. At the center of the chaos stands a bookishly handsome, bespectacled young man. His dark hair sticks up in all directions from nervous rubbing.

“Kamal!” gasps Lady Evangeline. “What the devil happened?!”

“Oh, my lady!” the man cries. “Intruders broke in last night! They shattered a window, knocked my best guard unconscious, and—and then…” He gestures in despair at the destruction around him.

Lady Evangeline steps delicately over the rubble and manages to find a seat for the trembling Kamal, before gesturing to a servant to bring tea.

“Did your guard see what they looked like?” she asks gently. Kamal shakes his head.

“No! They wore masks and hoods! And this is such a large city. It will be impossible to find them.”

Lady Evangeline places an elegant hand on her friend’s slumped shoulders. You watch with fascination as she gently rubs the back of the surprisingly attractive young man and are shocked to find your heart clenching with something not unlike…envy?