Page 120 of The Governess Who Stole My Heart

Chapter 25

John went lookingfor Simon before leaving for the wool shed. He found him in the laundry in his robe pawing through a pile of washed and driedclothing.

“Simon, what are you doing?” Johnasked.

“I’ve got to buy some new clothes. I’m totally out of clean shirts and it’s only been a few days since they were alllaundered.”

“Well, let’s do that. We can go into Preston in the next couple of days and get yououtfitted.”

“Oh,yes.”

Simon found a suitable shirt, and even though it had not been ironed he took it with him and they left thelaundry.

As they headed back toward Simon’s rooms, John asked, “I’m off to the wool shed. Would you like to come with me? I’d really like to discuss your future, and thought you might like to see what we’re up to thesedays.”

Simon turned to look at John. “You want me to deal withwool?”

“Not necessarily, but I’d like to go over all theoptions.”

Simon nodded. “Certainly, let me get dressed and I’ll meet you in thelibrary.

* * *

As they rodetoward the wool shed, Simon cautiously said, “I’ve been spending some time with Miss Fitz over the past fewdays.”

John looked at him. “Oh, yes?And?”

Simon appeared to be struggling for words. “She ah… well, she tells me you’ve asked her toleave.”

“Is she using you to get me to let her stay longer?” John asked with a slightsmile.

Simon glanced guiltily at John. “Not exactly. But I do want to plead with you to let her stay. We are just beginning to get to know one another and…” Simonhesitated.

“And what? Do you find herattractive?”

“Of course, don’tyou?”

“She has certain charms and… attributes. But, no, I don’t find her attractive. It takes more than physical beauty to attractme.”

“You don’t find her clever andwitty?”

John paused, considering how to respond without offending his brother. “She does have wit and cleverness, but I find she uses it more as a weapon than as adelight.”

“Hmm.” That seemed to give Simonpause.

“Are you telling me you’re interested in developing a relationship with MissFitz?”

“Perhaps,” Simon saidcautiously.

“So soon after declaring your affections for Susanagain?”

Simon seemed shocked. “She told you about that? That’srough.”

“With kindness and with concern for your well-being.”

“Don’t know if I appreciate that,” Simon saidtestily.

“Then you are serious about MissFitz?”