What the Duke Wants(46)

“So have you been to Bath before then?”

Carlotta swallowed her warm soup slowly, procrastinating so that she wouldn’t have to answer Lady Southridge’s question till absolutely necessary.

Pride was a wicked beast.

“Yes, on several occasions,” she answered politely. Though her answers were not lengthy, the last thing she wanted to do was offend the duke’s guest.


“Miss Lottie knew all about the Crescent and the Abby! We had a picnic at the park and everything!” Berty exclaimed, her face lighting up with the joy of adding to the adult’s conversation.

“Did she now? You girls are very lucky to have such a learned governess.” Lady Southridge gushed to Berty then turned her adoring gaze to the older girls. “Tell me, what else did Miss Carlotta tell you about Bath?”

“Well…” Beatrix turned a questioning gaze to Carlotta, as if to ask if they were allowed to divulge any information. Carlotta smiled sweetly, there was really nothing else she could do.

“She showed us the shops on the bridge, it was quite amazing. I’ve never seen a bridge like that.”

“Ah yes! I remember that as well. What park did you picnic at?”

“I believe it was Sydney Park,” Bethanny answered.

“We fed the ducks! Do you like to feed ducks Lady Southridge?” Berty asked her face lit up in an endearing smile.

“You know, it has been an age since I’ve fed the ducks. Perhaps, if it is permissible with his grace, we could venture out tomorrow and do just that.”

“Oh! Can we your grace?” Berty wasted not a moment to plead her case.

“I believe that will be acceptable. I’ll have cook prepare you a picnic for your excursion. I, however, will remain here. There are several issues on the estate I must address.”

“Has something happened?” Lady Southridge asked, her tone slightly fearful.

“Why, no. Just normal upkeep.” The duke allayed her concern.

“Oh, then if it is not pressing, why can you not accompany us?” Lady Southridge wiped her mouth with the linen napkin and gazed directly at him.

Carlotta could have sworn she saw him squirm.

That is, if dukes actually can squirm.

“I have not been to this estate for quite a few months, I have a responsibility.”

“Come, Charles,” Lady Southridge commanded, but her tone was light.

Carlotta decided that she wouldn’t want to be on the bad side of Lady Southridge. She was quite… assertive.

“After all, your wards will want to spend time with you.” She cast a sweet smile to the girls, who upon seeing her gesture slightly with her hand, the one that was out of the duke’s line of sight, they nodded enthusiastically and smiled.

“See! They want you to attend! Surely you can postpone your business till later that afternoon,” she chided.

“Very well. I’ll attend you.” His tone was reluctant and he cast a wary glance towards Carlotta.

Which of course, she didn’t miss.

And because she was already contemplating the complexities of their non-existent relationship —really there was no other word to describe a kiss between a duke and governess!— she decided that she had to control her emotions better and there could not, under any circumstances, ever —ever, ever— be any more kisses.

It was entirely too confusing,

And she was not going to fall for a man who would leave her ruined, because that was the only logical outcome.

After all, dukes did not marry governesses.

Either way, at least she would not have to attend their outing tomorrow, as it was her one day off for the week. She doubted the girls remembered, especially since she hadn’t taken a day off since they arrived. There was nothing for her to do unless she wanted to go to Garden Gate, and as much as she missed her home, she didn’t want to revisit the memories that haunted the halls. At least not yet.

“Miss Carlotta, would ten o’clock be an acceptable time for you and the girls to take your leave?” Lady Southridge asked.

So much for keeping her plans silent.

“Actually, my lady, tomorrow is my day off. The girls will be ready for you by that time, however.” She spoke as politely as possible.

“Oh, dear,” Lady Southridge commented, her expression crestfallen. “I suppose I did not consider that.” She took a deep breath. “I know you have no reason to amend your plans, especially for me, but I would consider it a great personal favor if you would go with us tomorrow. I’m not as familiar with Bath and your expertise would be most welcome.”

Carlotta considered her words. “I wouldn’t want to intrude… and seeing as his grace will be attending you, he is likely far more wise to the architecture and layout of Bath than I, my lady.”

Lady Southridge glanced to Charles and cleared her throat. Twice.

When the duke didn’t look up from his soup, she turned back to Carlotta.

If it wasn’t so awkward, she would have laughed or at least smiled.

“I’m afraid his grace, by his own admission, has not been here for some time. I’d much rather have someone more familiar.”

It was a far stretch. Bath was one of the oldest cities in England and not much had changed to its infrastructure. Carlotta knew that, she suspected that Lady Southridge knew that as well. But she couldn’t rightly challenge the lady’s word. So with a resigned nod, she accepted. “I’d be delighted then, Lady Southridge.”