What the Duke Wants(57)

Carlotta had to hold off on her runaway thoughts as she entered the dining room only to find Lady Southridge absent, the girls, however, were all grinning at her through slightly sleepy eyes.

“Good morning, Miss Lottie!” Bethanny chirped, her expression beautiful if not slightly drowsy.

“Good morning, girls. I trust you slept well?” Carlotta asked as she rounded the table and caressed Berty’s cheek, smoothed Beatrix’s hair and squeezed Bethanny’s shoulder in succession.

“Yes, quite well,” Beatrix spoke softly, the quietest of the three sisters.

“I’m thankful to hear it. Have you by chance seen Lady Southridge?”

“No, the dining room was empty when we arrived. I haven’t seen her all morning,” Bethanny answered, her expression curious.

“Oh, I need to speak with her.”

“Is something the matter?” Berty asked.

“Yes, no, well, I’m going to be gone for a few days.” Carlotta sat down across from the girls, wanting to be as honest as possible. They deserved as much. “It would seem that an investment my father made, has made a change in my financial position—”

“You’re going to not be our governess anymore?” Beatrix burst out, her expression horrorstricken.

“What?” Berty shouted, tears brimming in her eyes.


“Yes, I’m still your governess. I’m not saying that kind of goodbye, I’m just needed to address some matters.”

“Oh, you’ll be back though?” Bethanny asked her eyes wide with concern.

“Yes. I’ll be back.”

The girls visibly relaxed at her reaffirmation. “I do need to find Lady Southridge, however. I’ll come and say goodbye before I finally depart.”

“Very well.” The girls spoke hesitatingly, their eyes wary despite her reassurance.

Carlotta quit the room and began to search for Lady Southridge.

And found her speaking with Mr. Burrows.

Never had she been so thankful for client confidentiality.

“Lady Southridge.” Carlotta curtseyed. “I have a matter to discuss with you, if you have a moment?”

“Of course.” Lady Southridge eyed Mr. Burrows worriedly and turned to Carlotta.

“It would seem that an investment my late father made in the Caribbean, has changed my situation. Mr. Burrows wishes for me to accompany him to my estate, Garden Gate, to finalize the particulars. To do this, I’ll be needing a few days off from my responsibilities.”

“I see.” Lady Southridge appeared worried.

“I’ll be returning, my lady.” Carlotta felt compelled to add.

“Oh, I’m sure, I meant I never mean to imply that you’d disregard—” She eyed Mr. Burrows. “—the girls.” She cleared her throat, and shot a very direct gaze to Carlotta.

Because she didn’t mean the girls as much as she meant the duke.

She was not to disregard the duke.

“I wouldn’t disappoint the girls in such a way.” Carlotta glanced to the ground, not able to meet her implication with the affirmation she sought.

“You will return.” Lady Southridge spoke in a clear authoritative voice.

“Yes, my lady.”

“And I’m assuming you’re asking my permission since his grace is strangely absent?”

“Yes.”

“Very well. I’ll expect you to be back within three day’s time, however.”

“Very good, Lady Southridge. I’m sure I’ll be back by then, if not before.”

Lady Southridge took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing slightly before she turned and excused herself form Mr. Burrows and Carlotta.

“If you’ll excuse me, Mr. Burrows, I’ll gather my things.”

Nodding he strode to the fire and waited.

****

Less than an hour later Carlotta sought out the girls. After whispering goodbyes amidst hugs and far more tears than she cared to admit, she walked down the hall to where Mr. Burrows waited.

“It is clear you’ve grown quite fond of your charges,” Mr. Burrows commented, his eyes compassionate.

“I have, indeed.” Carlotta sniffed delicately.

“Garden Gate is not far. With such a maternal instinct, I hope I’m not being too forward in stating that perhaps you should seriously consider the Viscount’s offer of marriage. Surely a woman such as yourself with a remarkably tender disposition should have children of her own.” He led them down the stairs.

His words hit their mark, but not in the way he likely would have assumed. Carlotta immediately imagined little fat babies… with summer sky blue eyes and thick patches of dark hair, wide lips and mischievous grins remarkably like their father’s.

The very children she could never bear.

But ached for regardless.

“I’m not offended, Mr. Burrows. Thank you for your kind insight,” she responded.

“I hired a maid from Bath, she’ll attend you in case there isn’t one available at Garden Gate. I hope that’s acceptable?”

He helped Carlotta into the carriage then entered as well. “Thank you, I hadn’t considered that.”

“You’re a very wealthy young lady, the daughter of a baron. Your station requires far more propriety than that of a governess.” He shrugged.