Page 7 of The Governess Teaches A Duke (Wayward Dukes’ Alliance #34)

Chapter Six

T homas had been admiring the way Maribel was handling his impertinent daughter.

Clara was becoming more difficult by the day, and he had no idea what to do.

When he’d last spoken to his close friend and confidante, the Duke of Lesterwich, at White’s, the man had said the very sentence that all his other friends purposely avoided.

“What if you remarry, give her a mother figure?”

Thomas had shaken his head vehemently, insistently dismissing the suggestion.

Marriage was not an option. He did not need a male heir—he had male relatives.

He did not need another woman dependent on him.

His first wife had died birthing the child he now had no control over.

A mistress, an affair, or a skilled courtesan catered to his sexual urges, and emotional attachment was not an option.

Well, at least to him. And those sexual urges were stirring at the idea of Maribel, which was terribly foolish, considering how much he needed her appointment to be successful.

Returning to the situation at hand, he tsk ’d aloud.

“Clara, that is not a kind thing to say,” he scolded. It never ceased to amaze him that a child so sweet and innocent looking could wreak such havoc.

“Your Grace.”

“Miss Lewisham.”

“Father,” Clara squealed, running over to him.

Catching her before she collided with his legs, he patted her absentmindedly on the head, his attention still on Maribel.

“What lessons do you have planned for the day? Music?”

“Yes, Your Grace, I would like to assess Lady Clara’s pianoforte knowledge to determine where I should begin with my teachings. It is a fine instrument for any young lady to master.”

He observed the encouraging smile she gave to Clara—it brightened her face with a soft warmth he found alluringly attractive. Realising his thoughts were again slipping in a dangerous direction, he threw her a dismissive look, wiping the smile from her face.

“I shall leave you both to your lesson.”

* * *

Is there anything I can do for you, Your Grace?”

Mr Jones stood at attention, ready to attend to his every whim.

“A glass of claret while I write this letter to Lesterwich.”

He had initially planned on heading into London to see his friend in person, but the arrival of Miss Lewisham now urged him to remain.

However, being at the estate meant he had no friends to divulge his deepest thoughts to, so a letter would need to suffice.

And there was no one he trusted more than his friend and fellow duke’s.

Lesterwich,

I have chosen to write to you as I am not yet certain when I will return to London.

I have acquired a new governess, and we now wait and see if my angelic child will drive her off in the upcoming days.

Speaking of the governess, she is certainly a horse of another colour.

She is quite unlike any governess I have ever met, and as you know, I have had my fair share.

Her name is Miss Maribel Lewisham. She is young and hails from a nearby town with a middle-class upbringing.

However, unlike the dowdy, sour, and plain women that have been coming in and out of employ, Maribel is honied sunshine.

Her hair sheens vibrantly, a dark and rich brown.

Her doe eyes are the colour of roasted chestnuts and equally as warm.

Her skin is alabaster, as if she bathed in milk each night.

And underneath her plain clothing is a body ripe with sensuous curves that beg to be caressed.

I know what you must thinking—this fool is besotted.

Fear not, I am only putting my thoughts to paper to rid the musings from my mind.

A tryst with my daughter’s new governess would only mean disaster, but the chit is tempting indeed.

Her personality is haughty and indifferent, which captivates me.

I am in a fit of rage at her impertinence and equally bewitched by her nerve.

I would like nothing more than to take my hand to her bare bottom and be the one who teaches her a lesson.

By the time this letter reaches you, I will most likely be headed to London, as I shall know if the appointment is progressing without a hitch. And by that point, my loins will surely be at their bursting point and only will I find release without burden at some fair establishment of ill repute.

My letter is not all musings on my depraved thoughts, but my interest in the last venture you spoke of. I am happy to contribute 200 pounds to this mining expedition. You have made it sound promisingly profitable. I will arrange the funds to be delivered to you.

Until we meet next my friend, stay in good health and wealth.

T. Denby

Feeling slightly more relaxed about the impact his new employee was having on him, he sipped the rest of his claret slowly, savouring the depth of the berries and tannins as he pondered his next few days spent at the estate.

There were ledgers to keep him busy, and he could indulge in a hunt.

There was no need to be distracted by the governess. No need at all.