Page 32 of An Enchanting Kiss (Captivating Kisses #5)

“Yes, thank you, Prater. I will meet with her now.”

Rupert went to his study and entered, spying a rather plain-looking woman close to his age seated in the chair before the desk. Hearing him come in, she rose.

“Good afternoon, Lord Cressley. I am Miss Wilson.”

“I am happy you have come to Crestbrook, Miss Wilson. Please, have a seat. I wish to tell you about my niece.”

He went behind the desk and seated himself. “But first tell me something of you.”

“I placed my references on your desk, my lord. If you would, please read through them first, and then I can answer any questions you might have.”

He glanced down and saw several sheets of paper. “I will read them later, Miss Wilson. For now, humor me. Provide me with your background and share why you are qualified to be governess to my niece.”

Without hesitation, she said, “Very well, my lord. ”

Rupert liked that. Most women would become flustered if things hadn’t gone exactly to their plan. He liked Miss Wilson’s flexibility and thought it would come in handy in teaching Celia.

“I am the daughter of Lieutenant-General Amos Wilson, who was the son of an earl. As a second son, my father first went to university and then into the army. My mother was a baron’s only daughter.” Miss Wilson paused. “She was lost in childbirth.”

“Then we have that in common, Miss Wilson. My mother also gave her life in giving life to me. And I, too, am a second son. I was formerly Major Cummings.”

“I see,” she acknowledged. “I was raised by my great-aunt, who never wed. She was the earl’s sister.

When I completed my education, I knew there was no place for me in Polite Society.

I was plain of face and possessed no dowry.

My father, whom I have only seen a handful of times in my life, did not have funds to give me a dowry, so I always knew I would make my own way in the world. ”

He wanted to tell her that he, too, had rarely seen his own father and brother but kept silent.

While they had much in common regarding their backgrounds, the fact that he was a man and she a woman had set them on far different courses in life.

She had been left to fend for herself, while he had claimed a title and wealth.

“My great-aunt had always told me I could either become a companion or governess since I was of genteel birth and suitably educated. Since I like children and knew I would never have an opportunity to wed and have ones of my own, I decided governessing suited me best.”

“What of the children you have taught?” he asked.

“My first charge was a boy six years of age. I spent three years with him before he went off to school. I next went to an earl’s household, where I taught his only child.

She had just turned ten years of age, and I remained with her for eight years, through her come-out Season this past spring. She made quite a good match. ”

“I recently claimed my title, Miss Wilson, after serving in His Majesty’s army for the past eight years. My brother only had the one child, Celia, and I am now her guardian. To be frank, my brother had no interest in the girl. She was sent to live in the country, while my brother was fond of town.”

“And her mother?” the governess inquired.

“Lost in childbirth. Celia did have a nursery governess, but the woman was not suitably trained. I had to dismiss her. I am afraid you will find my niece woefully behind other children her age, but I can tell you this—she is quite bright and soaks up everything she is exposed to as a sponge might. I believe once you start your lessons with her, you will understand what I mean.”

“I will evaluate her, my lord, and start at an appropriate place for her learning.”

“A family friend, Lady Lia Worthington, has been helping to care for Celia while I waited for your arrival. I would like the two of you to meet and talk about what Celia has been learning under Lady Lia’s supervision.”

“I would be happy to meet with Lady Lia, my lord.”

“Then come to the drawing room now. Celia will be arriving for tea.”

Rupert had deliberately not gone to the drawing room until the appointed time, wanting to abide by Lady Lia’s wishes.

Today, though, would be an exception. He took the new governess upstairs, telling Prater that both Miss Wilson and Lady Lia would be staying for tea this afternoon.

He also asked that a messenger be sent to Traywick Manor to let Her Grace and Lady Traywick know that Lady Lia would be delayed in returning home today.

He ushered Miss Wilson into the drawing room, spying Celia and Lady Lia at the globe. Both looked up, a puzzled look on his niece’s face, but Lady Lia seemed to understand exactly who Miss Wilson was. She took Celia’s hand and brought her across the room .

“Lady Lia, Celia, I would like to introduce Miss Wilson. She will be serving as your governess, Celia.”

Surprisingly, Celia dropped a curtsey, something Lady Lia must have taught the girl to do.

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Wilson,” Celia said, making Rupert very proud at that moment.

“The pleasure is all mine, Miss Celia,” the governess said, giving Celia a smile. “I hear you have been helping to care for Miss Celia, my lady.”

“I have, Miss Wilson. You are going to find Celia a delight.”

Rupert said, “I know there are things you need to talk over with Miss Wilson. Would you please stay for tea so that you can discuss Celia with her?”

“Of course, my lord,” she said graciously. “But I must let Mama and Aunt Agnes know I am to be delayed.”

“That has already been taken care of.”

Her brows arched. “I see.” Then she said, “Come, Miss Wilson. I am eager to share with you about Celia and would enjoying hearing about you and your former charges.”

They took a seat, and the teacart was rolled in.

He asked Lady Lia to pour out, and she did so.

Rupert sat quietly, listening to all she told the governess, with Celia interjecting every now and then, adding her own preferences.

In turn, Miss Wilson talked at length about her last post and the many areas of study she could provide.

He learned that she would be teaching Celia subjects such as French, geography, history, and maths.

The governess would also work with Celia on reading and handwriting.

As time passed, Miss Wilson would address various etiquette lessons, teaching Celia everything from how to address those with titles to how to pour out at teatime.

“I can also teach Miss Celia the pianoforte and give her dancing lessons, though my last employer eventually hired a dancing master for his daughter. Still, I can teach Miss Celia the basics of dance. ”

“It all sounds wonderful, Miss Wilson,” Lady Lia said with enthusiasm. “I only have one question. I have begun to teach Celia to ride. Can you continue those lessons?”

He held his breath, hoping the competent Miss Wilson would not be an equestrian and give him an excuse to take Celia to Traywick Manor for riding lessons. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.

“Oh, I adore horses,” Miss Wilson assured them. “I would be happy to take over those lessons for Miss Celia.”

“I do not know what horses Viscount Cressley has in his stables,” Lady Lia said. “My aunt would be happy to lend Posey to you, my lord, while Celia continues learning.”

“That would be excellent, my lady. My new steward just arrived today, and we are going to look at horses tomorrow. If we do not find a mount suitable for Celia, then I may discuss the loan of Posey with Lady Traywick.”

Tea ended, and Miss Wilson said, “I think Miss Celia needs to show me the schoolroom and where her bedchamber and mine are. We have lots to talk about, don’t we?” she asked the child.

“Will Lady Lia teach me anymore?” Celia asked, looking a bit put out.

“No, Miss Wilson is now your governess,” Rupert reminded gently. “Lady Lia will be returning to Kent soon.”

Celia grew teary-eyed, and Lady Lia took the girl’s hands.

“We have talked of this, Celia. You knew this time was coming. I think Miss Wilson is simply marvelous. Why, she will be with you for many years. One day, you will come to town to make your come-out, and Miss Wilson will come with you. I will be there. I will get to see you all grown up, wearing pretty gowns. You can meet my husband and children. We will have a lovely time.”

He watched Celia, and she seemed to accept what Lady Lia told her.

“Go with Miss Wilson now,” he told his niece. “I will come up later when you are having your milk and bread.”

Miss Wilson smiled brightly. “Come along, Miss Celia. You will need to show me everything about Crestbrook.”

“I know everywhere in the house. And Uncle Rupert and I go outside all the time. I have lots to show you,” Celia said excitedly.

The pair left, and he turned to Lady Lia. “Do you approve of Miss Wilson?”

“I think she is exactly what Celia needs, my lord.”

He hated how formal things sounded between them. “Since you are late returning to Traywick Manor, I will ride with you.”

“It is not necessary.”

“And yet I will do so anyway.”

Rupert accompanied her to the stables and asked for Ajax to be readied for him. The groom left to do so, and he said, “I hope I will return Ajax soon since Mr. Holson and I intend to purchase a few horses in the next day or so.”

“I hope you find what you are looking for, my lord,” she said, turning away.

Nothing was spoken between them until the horses appeared. Not a word was said on the ride back to Traywick Manor. When they reached the stables, he remained atop Ajax, and she dismounted Orion.

“Thank you for seeing me home, my lord,” she said, turning toward the house without a backward glance.

He rode home to Crestbrook, an ache in his heart.