Page 7 of Duke of Eccess (Seven Dukes of Sin #4)
For a moment it appeared the Duke of Eccess was going to let her wonder, then he scowled at her. “They’re my wards, the orphans of my deceased cousin.”
“And is…is her grace going to take part in decisions about raising them?”
He paused briefly, leaned over his desk, and his scrutiny intensified, sending a bubbly shiver through her. Just like when he’d kissed her, she felt hot and light, molten and pliable, her skin aching and tingling. “There is no ‘her grace,’ Miss Fields.”
Why that brought her relief, Temperance couldn’t fathom. It should be the opposite. She should be hopeful that he was married and had a wife…though it hadn’t stopped him from kissing a stranger on the street, so it surely wouldn’t stop him from making advances on her if she was under his employ.
That was another worry she hadn’t considered. Would he feel free to kiss her again once she was the governess? Use his position to force her into what he wanted her to do?
The thought roiled like nausea in her stomach.
She swore to herself she wouldn’t let him touch her again.
She wouldn’t have another Lord Bartholomew Langston step into her life.
Her stepmother’s nephew, Lord Langston, wasn’t just a cruel man, but a thief.
Five years ago, he stole a necklace from Papa and tried to pawn it, but Papa had found out.
Unable to refuse Lady Auster’s pleadings, her kind father had let the matter go but always kept the pawn ticket as evidence just in case.
Unfortunately it was not in her possession but hidden safely in her father’s London townhouse—a place Temperance could not go without risking capture.
“You’ve seen the children just now,” the Duke of Eccess said abruptly. “How badly they behave. Why, their sixth governess this year has just quit. What would be your plan? How would you approach starting to educate them, bring them under control?”
Temperance swallowed. She was certainly knowledgeable enough to be a governess, but most definitely inexperienced with children.
All she could do was to follow her papa’s example and be to them what he had been to her—and tell this imposing gentleman what he would have said in such situation.
“As I said, they seem very bright. I’m certain their minds haven’t been stimulated and challenged sufficiently by the previous governesses. ”
“And how would you know that?”
“Because I was very much the same. My father recognized it in me and, being fortunate enough to have access to books, encouraged me to read on any subject I wished. Matters related to physics, mathematics, algebra, geography, and chemistry have always been my favorites.”
The Duke of Eccess cocked his head in silent acknowledgment, his mouth twitching.
He had such a beautiful masculine mouth with broad, sensual lips.
“I assume by the way you helped me on the street, and how you were alone and found accommodation in London, that you’re quite resilient.
Is that correct, Miss Fields? How fast could I expect your resignation under stress? ”
“I’m not easily scared and am quite determined, Your Grace.” Temperance hoped to goodness that was true.
He shifted in his seat and a paper moved, revealing the latest newspaper underneath.
Mad Heiress still missing! Reward of fifty pounds for anyone who can find her.
Fifty pounds… The annual salary advertised for the governess in this household. Cold dread washed over her. The duke knew of the Mad Heiress…but he didn’t know what she looked like or that she was sitting right in front of him.
“Do you at least have any references?”
Temperance didn’t hear him at first. His voice sounded as though it were coming through water as panic made her limbs freeze, stealing her breath. “I—forgive me?”
The Duke of Eccess glared. “References, Miss Fields. Can anyone vouch that you’re not someone on the run under a false name?”
The meaning slashed her like a whip. Perhaps he saw the fear in her eyes, the way her face must have drained of blood as cold swept over her.
A fortunate knock at the door saved her, and as a footman came in with a letter on a tray, Temperance let out a long, quiet breath, hoping he wouldn’t notice.
The Duke of Eccess read it for a few moments then jumped up.
Color hit his high cheekbones, his eyes glittering with agitation.
“My application for the position of president of the Board of Trade is considered favorable…” he muttered.
“I’m now going to go through the process of consideration, together with one other candidate. ”
“Congratulations, Your Grace,” Temperance murmured, fumbling at the wrinkles of her gown.
He turned to the second page of the letter, and his gaze now changed. From triumphant, it turned to scowling.
“But to gain the position I must change my ways…” he muttered, reading swiftly. “Best behavior…no more racing…drinking… Family man… And a grand Christmas ball to entertain foreign diplomats…and demonstrate I’m a changed man.”
His lower jaw protruded slightly, moving from side to side in the same way she’d observed earlier.
The Duke of Eccess met her gaze. “The fates are in your favor, Miss Fields. It appears I have no choice. Best behavior doesn’t just mean me…
it also means my wards. The position is yours—but if you fail to change their behavior, or if I learn you’re hiding anything important, I’ll have to let you go.
” He studied her thoughtfully. “How does fifty pounds per year sound? I think that’s what was mentioned in the advertisement.
Bed and board are, of course, offered, and you start right away. ”
She had almost reached her goal: to find a position that would protect her for these final precarious weeks.
Last chance to make a decision that might influence the rest of her life.
Temperance cleared her throat and looked back at the window.
The snowstorm was now in full swing, the view outside completely obscured by white.
Even if she wanted to, she couldn’t leave. It seemed she had no choice. “I accept.”
“Capital. Do start to keep them under control right away. I wish to see improvement in their behavior by St. Nicholas’s day. But the true trial will be the Christmas ball, as the prime minister and His Royal Highness will be attending, as well as all of the ton who are present in town this winter.”
The prime minister, Lord Liverpool. Temperance’s breath caught. Lord Liverpool was Lady Auster’s second cousin once removed, and she had been introduced to him during her one Season. Would he remember the Lady Agatha Hale?
Papa , she prayed, please help me stay safe.
It would be all right, she was certain. She was at the right place. All she needed to do was to stay out of sight and not attract any attention to herself at all.
How hard could that be?