The Wicked Governess (Blackhaven Brides Book 6)(47)

However, despite the fast-worsening weather, the Grants arrived in good time and were shown into the drawing room.

“How wonderful,” Marjorie exclaimed. “We were afraid you would not risk it in this wretched weather.”

“Oh, we’d never do anything in Blackhaven if we let the weather dictate,” Mrs. Grant said cheerfully. “And it is so kind of you to invite us.”

While Marjorie was still introducing Richard, Rosa insinuated herself in front of Mrs. Grant, gazing up at her.

“Rosa,” her father said, placing his hand on her shoulder to pull her back.

But Mrs. Grant only smiled. “You’re wondering where your friends are, aren’t you? They’ll be here, soon. Serena—Lady Tamar—is never punctual, and time is somewhat stretchable to Lord Tamar!”

The Grants were both sociable people and excellent company. Richard and Mrs. Grant turned out to have many London acquaintances in common. In fact, Richard claimed to have worshipped her from afar for years without ever speaking to her, although Mrs. Grant took that with a laughing pinch of salt.

Before dinner had to be put back, the castle entourage arrived. By then, the weather had grown truly filthy, although Serena optimistically maintained the sky would be clear again by nine o’clock.

They ate dinner to the accompaniment of the howling wind, rattling window panes and the battering of rain on glass, but it was a merry meal. Javan, as he occasionally did, exerted himself to be entertaining, and made sure no one was left out of the conversation, for it was an informal table. Caroline was seated strategically between Richard and Rosa, on the fringes of both the adult and children’s groups, and yet not truly part of either. Nevertheless, she enjoyed the fun of the children’s conversation as well as the witty repartee of the adults, to which she only contributed when addressed directly.

Javan never spoke to her personally, although he laughed once at her jest with Serena. He seemed slightly taken aback when it was revealed Grant, too, had once been part of Wellington’s army. But he did not disclose his own career, and neither Marjorie nor Richard tried to make him. For the first time, Caroline began to think seriously that there was more to his secretiveness than just preserving Rosa from the unkind gossip that might be associated with Colonel Benedict.

“You are right, of course,” Richard murmured beside her.

“About what in particular?” she asked lightly.

“The gossip will begin anyway, with Swayle in town. When I was in Blackhaven yesterday, I discovered he has already started foul rumors. To be honest, I’m surprised to see our guests, for he is very plausible.”

“Our guests pay little attention to gossip,” Caroline returned, “having been at various times, the subjects of it themselves. Besides, they are too good natured.”

“Everyone in Blackhaven is not,” Richard said with a little grimness. “They cannot be. This is too bad, just when he’s pulling himself out of—” He broke off abruptly.

Caroline waited, gazing at her plate while her fingers played idly with the stem of her wine glass. But he did not elucidate, and she would not ask. Eventually, she picked up her glass and under the cover of drinking from it, cast a quick glance up the table to Javan.

“There it is again,” Richard murmured, even lower.

“What?” she asked.

“Concern. And yet you never encroach. If I wasn’t the cynic I was born to be, I’d almost imagine you cared for him from afar and were content to do so.”

Stricken, she stared at him. For an instant, he gazed back, then swore under his breath and laughed aloud. “Smile, Miss Grey,” he said between his teeth. “For the benefit of all. I have the lie of the land now and shall act accordingly.”

She smiled blindly, in case anyone was looking at her. “You mean to have me dismissed?” she whispered. Would Javan do that? For her own good? He must know better than Richard how she felt. And of course, she should not stay here feeling as she did for her employer, only…only she could not bear to leave him. Or Rosa. Surely there was a powerful, still-growing bond between all three of them…

“How would I do that?” Richard said reasonably. “I told you I have the lie of the land, and I won’t hurt either of you.”

Confused, she turned away to speak to Rosa and the other children who, at that moment, made more sense.

After dinner, the ladies repaired to the drawing room, leaving the men to their port. The girls were allowed to escape up to the schoolroom to play, although Maria, almost grown-up, opted to stay with the adults.

“The weather is atrocious,” Marjorie said anxiously. “If anything, it’s worse. I hate to think of you going home in that, in the dark. I wonder…” Her eyes glazed as she sank into thought.

“It is wild,” Serena said from the window.

“We have space here, do we not, Miss Grey?” Marjorie said abruptly. “There are two guest bedchambers currently unused, although the young ladies…”

“The two younger ones could fit easily into Rosa’s huge bed with her,” Caroline said. “And we could make up the couch for Lady Maria.”

“Oh no, it would put you to far too much trouble,” Serena objected.

“Not at all,” Marjorie assured. “I’ll just see that the beds are made up and fires lit…”