Page 16 of The Governess Teaches A Duke (Wayward Dukes’ Alliance #34)
Chapter Fifteen
M aribel—still recovering from the duke’s completely changed attitude—tried to remember her plan for explaining Mr Whiskers’ presence. She would need to ponder the rest of their exchange when she was alone.
“It is I who now owes you an apology. The cat is mine—I had brought him with me, as I had not anticipated any reason you would say no. And when you did, it was not as if I could return home, so I thought I could wait till I visited my family.”
He nodded and thankfully did not look to angry. Her relief turned to errant impulse, wanting to reach up and caress the grey streak in his dark locks.
“That explains that, but why is my daughter now enamoured with this cat?”
“His name is Mr Whiskers. It was not planned that they meet, he just appeared one lesson and Lady Clara was instantly besotted. And I must say, she has been so well-behaved during your time away. And in part, I think it is to do with Mr Whiskers. If she wants to play with him, she must participate and finish her lesson, which she has been doing without complaint. And overall, her persona has lifted happily, and I often see her smiling and hear her laughing joyously.”
Maribel knew she had spoken quickly, barely taking a breath, and she hoped he had heard, as she surely would not remember it. His stormy eyes were fixed on her own, and it was making it hard for her to focus.
“A cat did all this. Really?” he asked as he stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“Mr Whiskers did, yes.”
“He will remain the cat to me,” he said drily, “though I must say, this change in my daughter is most welcome. I have been waiting for you to announce your resignation, as all the governesses did before you. But it seems you are no ordinary governess.”
This time, she heard no insult but instead a compliment, and she felt her body flush.
“Thank you, Your Grace. That is very kind to say.”
“Seems you are teaching me something after all, Miss Lewisham”.
Giving her a slight bow, he left her standing there without another word, and she leaned back on the table, her legs weak from their exchange. Deciding it best she return to her room, she made haste for the privacy of her sanctuary.
Reaching her room, she kicked off her shoes, threw herself face down on the bed, and let out a muffled scream.
His complete change in behaviour and the apology had undone her resolve.
This side of him was terribly attractive, and if he was to try and kiss her now, she would not hold him back with her hand.
Instead, her hand would claw at his shirt and pull him closer.
And it was such a foolish thing to be thinking.
No matter how kind he was, it would never be possible to bridge the gap between their classes.
Kisses with a man should lead to marriage, and the idea that she would marry a duke was inconceivable.
Before meeting him, she had had no idea or need to marry or kiss anyone.
A knock interrupted her thoughts, and she asked who it was. It was one of the maids, so she opened the door.
“His Grace asked that you share the evening meal with him, as he would like to hear more about the sennight you spent with Lady Clara.”
Nodding her understanding, she quickly closed the door before the maid could notice any other reaction.
The last time they dined together had ended poorly and then had been followed with a kiss.
Their earlier conversation suggested it would not repeat, but that thought caused a pang of angst. She wanted to feel that passion, but alas, it would need to remain unspoken.
Reminding herself to be unselfish and that this was about Clara, she freshened herself up and considered what insights she would share with him. There were many to choose from. Clara was reading and writing, and her skill with the pianoforte was improving.