The Wicked Governess (Blackhaven Brides Book 6)(41)

“You think he’s fond of her?” Richard asked doubtfully.

“No.” Javan knocked the brandy down his throat. “I think he hurt her.”

*

“And what of the governess?” Richard asked. It was much later and they had begun on a fresh decanter. Marjorie had long since left them to it.

“She is good for Rosa,” Javan said. “In more ways than simply educating her.”

“Is she good for you, too?”

Javan curled his lip. “Stupid question.”

“Is it? My dear fellow, I could cut the tension between you like a knife. What’s more, when I first arrived, she looked very like a girl who’s been thoroughly kissed, if not tumbled.”

Javan jerked the glass to his lips. “Don’t ever repeat that. She’s untouched by me or by anyone else, I’d wager.”

“Ah, then she is good for you.”

“That isn’t the point, is it? I would certainly not be good for her. Change the subject, for God’s sake.”

Richard gave an annoying, lazy smile, but at least he obeyed. “Very well. What is to do in the neighborhood? Apart from drinking water and very excellent brandy?”

“I believe these are the town’s chief claims to fame. How long do you plan to stay?”

“Until marriage with me is farthest from my would-be-bride’s mind.”

“Have a heart, Richard. She can’t be more in favor of this than you.”

“Are you saying I’m not a good catch?”

“I’m saying you’re a deplorable catch. I’m sure she’d cry off if she only met you.”

“I missed you, Javan,” Richard said affectionately.

“I know. And incidentally, if you’re in Blackhaven, I too am Mr. Benedict.”

“Not Colonel,” Richard said carefully.

“Absolutely not Colonel.”

“Could we demote you? Just to distinguish you from me?”

“No. For Rosa’s sake, I want no connection to the scandal.”

“I doubt anyone remembers it now,” Richard said casually. “It was a long time ago in the world of gossip.”

“I’m not prepared to take the chance, not until she’s older and would understand.”

“She may understand more than you think, Javan. It’s hard to tell when she doesn’t speak.”

“Well, her excellent governess has a plan for that. My money is on her.”

“So is mine,” Richard murmured, though in connection with what, he did not reveal.

*

With so much going on in her mind and heart, Caroline could not sleep late as she’d been kindly bidden by Miss Benedict. Instead, giving herself a brisk, no-nonsense talking-to on the subject of her employer, her duties and her own foolishness, she rose at her usual time. Having washed and dressed in her Sunday gown, she peeped in on Rosa, who still slept peacefully. Caroline hesitated only a moment before going alone to the kitchen for breakfast.

“No Miss Rosa today?” asked Williams, who appeared to be heading outside with a hunk of bread and butter clutched in one large hand.

“She’s still fast asleep after her adventurous day. Williams, if Mr. Benedict is awake, could you ask him if I might walk into Blackhaven this morning to go to church?”

Church was just what she needed today. Mr. Grant, the vicar, had a way of lifting one’s mood, of encouraging one to do better without judging one’s past.

“You’d have to run, not walk, Miss,” Williams said doubtfully. “Tell you what, though, if you don’t mind the cart, I’m driving a few of the servants to church. You could come with us. He won’t mind, if you don’t.”

“That would be ideal,” Caroline said warmly. “Thank you.”

“I’ll be leaving in about half an hour,” Williams said, nodding as he clumped out the door.

“Do the family never go to church?” Caroline asked Nan the kitchen maid. She hadn’t had the courage to ask before.

“No, Miss, not that I know of. They’re good people but keep themselves to themselves.”

That much, Caroline already knew.

Since she only possessed the one cloak and bonnet, she retrieved them from the hallstand by the side door, and then wondered what to do with herself for the next thirty minutes.

It was, she supposed, an ideal time to work a little on Mr. Benedict’s book, He would not be up and about, and if she worked on it now, she could avoid doing so later when he was in the same room. Avoiding him would be sensible for the next few days at least.

The study door stood open, so she walked in.

Mr. Richard Benedict stood by one of the glass cabinets, examining the samples. Impeccably dressed in buff pantaloons and a blue superfine coat, with a dazzlingly white cravat intricately tied about his throat, he looked far too fashionable for the over-casual household of Haven Hall.

Caroline halted in surprise.

He glanced up with a quick smile. “Miss Grey. Good morning.”

“Good morning, sir.”

“If you seek the master of the house, he is not an early riser like you and me.”

“Oh, I am aware, sir. I came to work on some copying I have undertaken for him, but I shall come back another time.”