Page 12 of An Unforeseen Kiss (Captivating Kisses #4)
Immediately he thought that was what had prevented her from having a Season and finding a husband. Of having the life she was meant to have, instead of teaching the children of members of Polite Society.
“My cousin Edgar claimed his title since I am an only child. He was Papa’s nephew.”
“And your mother?” he prodded softly, sympathy filling him.
She winced. “Mama herself was in a riding accident when I was still an infant. She became bedridden after it. Around the time we lost my father, our local doctor diagnosed her with a terminal illness. I took Mama to the dower house and nursed her until her death.”
Miss Snow had tears misting her eyes now, and he reached out and took her hand, squeezing her fingers gently. The governess bit her lip in an effort to maintain control, which only sent a rush of desire through Val.
“I am sorry to hear of your parents’ passing. You speak of them with great tenderness.”
“Yes,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I was always close to them both. Papa never seemed to care that I was a girl. He always took me out and about on his estate with him, and I got to interact with his tenants and understand what it was like to be a viscount. I also spent hours each day with my mother, reading to her. Massaging her limbs. Papa and I even took tea in her bedchamber each afternoon because she was unable to leave her bed.”
She swallowed, and he could see how painful these memories were for her. Losing her parents had obviously changed the entire trajectory of her life.
“I may have lost my own father, but at least I still have Mama here with me. I will admit that we are not all that close, but I do respect her.”
Realizing he still held her hand, he squeezed it a final time and released it, feeling bereft even as he did so.
“I wish for you to feel at home at Millvale, Miss Snow, during your stay here. I believe it will be good for my sisters to have their cousins with them during their time of mourning. You, as well. They are missing their older sister. Ariadne wed during her come-out season and has recently given birth to her and Lord Aldridge’s first child. ”
He smiled. “I met my niece only yesterday. I even held Penelope in my arms.”
The governess looked startled by his statement and blurted out, “A duke... held a babe?”
“My sister and her husband have unusual ideas about how they wish their children to be brought up. The marquess dotes upon his daughter and already holds her far more often than her mother does. Poor Ariadne has to almost fight him for a chance to hold Penelope.”
Her eyes grew round in wonder. “That is most unusual, Your Grace.”
“Ariadne and I have talked, along with our cousin Con, about how we felt abandoned each year when our parents traveled to town for the Season. It is my sister’s desire that all ten of the cousins in our family—as we wed and have children of our own—bring those children to town with us for the Season.
That way, we will be able to see our children daily, and they will, in turn, be able to spend time with their cousins. ”
He paused “We believe family is of utmost importance.”
For the first time, Miss Snow gave him a genuine smile. “That is a most unique attitude to hold, Your Grace. You seem to be a man of good character. I am sorry I have been abrupt with you and have not spoken to you in a more respectful manner. I will manage to curb my tongue in the future.”
He chuckled. “Frankly, Miss Snow, I like the fact that you have stood up to me. Everyone is so bloody obsequious to me now. In fact, I dread returning to town next Season, simply because all others will see is the newly-minted duke—and not the man behind the title.”
“With your ideas, Your Grace, perhaps you and your sister can change a portion of Polite Society,” she suggested.
“As a duke, you will have your choice of a duchess.
My only advice to you would be to select her wisely, making certain she is a woman of good character who values family in the same fashion as you do.
“Now, if you will excuse me, I must go and find where my charges have been placed.”
“Do not forget to see Mrs. Quigby and ask for a room nearby. There are plenty of guest bedchambers. You could be placed next door or across the hall from them. In fact, I shall see to that myself. I do not wish to put you in an awkward position, making demands of my housekeeper. Mrs. Quigby is a most conventional woman.”
Her cheeks pinkened, making her even more attractive, something Val had not thought possible.
“Please, Your Grace. Do not go to such lengths on my behalf. You mentioned that you had work to do, and I do not wish to keep you from it.”
“Nonsense, Miss Snow,” he said jovially. “I will come with you now and check to see that my cousins have settled in, as well as see to your own bedchamber.”
He saw she wanted to fight him on this but was wise enough to give in. They left the library and went to the wing housing guests at Millvale. He discovered his cousins were sharing a bedchamber as a maid and Mrs. Quigby unpacked for them.
“Thank you for such a lovely room, Millbrooke,” Justina said enthusiastically.
He caught Miss Snow nodding approvingly at her for using his title in front of the two servants.
“Aunt Agnes mentioned you have always shared a bedchamber at Traywick Manor. I see you are happy to stay together. I hope this room will be large enough to please you.” He looked to his housekeeper.
“Mrs. Quigby, Miss Snow has yet to be shown to her room. I would hope it would be close to my cousins since they are so dependent upon her.”
The housekeeper frowned slightly and then said, “Miss Snow has been given a bedchamber, Your Grace. It is not in this wing, however.”
He assumed the governess was to be sent to the attics, where other servants had their rooms. Clucking his tongue, he said, “That will not do, Mrs. Quigby. My cousins look upon Miss Snow much as an older relative. Please place her as close to Lady Verina and Lady Justina’s bedchamber as you can.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Mrs. Quigby said. “I will see to it at once.”
The housekeeper left the room, and his cousins began showing their governess the room.
He watched the interaction between them and realized what he had said was true.
Verina and Justina thought of Miss Snow as an older, wiser relative, perhaps a cousin or even sister.
He witnessed true warmth between the trio and was happy Aunt Agnes had found someone so nurturing to look after her girls.
“I will be off,” he told the three. “I will see you all at dinner this evening.”
He watched Miss Snow’s brows knit together and waited for her to protest. She kept silent, however, and he nodded to them.
Val had gone halfway down the corridor when he sensed her presence. Turning, he paused, and she caught up to him.
“Your Grace, you have been more than gracious to me, but I must insist that I do not dine with the family. I am but an upper servant. I have neither the wardrobe, nor the inclination, to be present at a duke’s table.”
In a way, he thought it was a bit of her pride speaking.
Wanting to still see her and have Verina and Justina comfortable in his household, he said, “Then we will compromise, Miss Snow. You will agree to take tea with us each afternoon, and I will allow you to dine on your own. Is that acceptable to you?”
She nodded, gratitude appearing in her eyes. “I can accept that, Your Grace. Thank you again for the use of your library for our lessons.”
“I wish for your stay at Millvale to be a happy one,” he told her. “Do you ride with my cousins?”
Her face lit up, and her radiant smile warmed him in a way he had never felt before.
“Oh, yes. I have always been fond of being in the saddle. Thankfully, my charges enjoy riding, as well.”
“Good. I hope you will make full use of my stables then. My sisters also enjoy riding. Perhaps you would be agreeable to taking them out when you, Justina, and Verina ride together.”
“I am happy to do so. Thank you again. For everything.”
Val watched the governess turn and return to his cousins, the gentle sway of her hips hypnotizing him.
He felt the first battle between them had been fought—and that they both had turned out with a share in the victory.