Chapter Five
Hawk stretched out on his side alongside Miss Moore, his head propped up on his hand. He reached for a blade of grass and stuck it between his teeth. She was certainly a lovely woman, but as she was an employee of his cousin, he should not even be thinking about that. It was bad enough when women were unprotected in the world and needed to make their own way without having a houseguest annoy them with unwanted attentions. Not that Miss Moore had objected to his company—yet.
“Tell me how you came to be a governess, Miss Moore. I believe your father was a vicar?”
He did not imagine the stiffening of her shoulders, and the wariness in her eyes. “Yes, he was a vicar.”
“Ah, so he is deceased?”
“Yes.”
He pulled the grass from his mouth and dropped it. “You’ve no family, then?”
She picked at her skirts and avoided his eyes. “No family. My father was my only relative.”
Interesting that Miss Moore did not wish to speak about herself. And whatever reasons she was on her own in the world were no concern of his. Or should not be, anyway. Except he could not leave it alone. “Somehow, I can imagine you in a ball gown, waltzing with a dashing gentleman.”
Her smile was forced. “That will never be, my lord. I am a governess. A vicar’s daughter.”
“Yes. So you say.” He reached up and brushed a curl from her soft cheek and tucked it behind her ear. “I thought young girls of all stations dreamed of dancing at a ball. Is that not where fairy tales come from?”
“You are correct, my lord. A fairy tale. Make-believe.” She drew small circles in the grass with one delicate finger.
Knowing he was tempting a lecture from his valet, Hawk flipped over onto his back and crossed his arms over his chest. “Why is it a beautiful woman such as you has not married?” He shifted his head so he could see her face.
She drew back, her face flushed. “My lord! I don’t think that is a proper question to ask an employee.”
Hawk shrugged. “Frankly, I rarely speak with employees, so I am at a loss as to what is, and is not, proper.”
Quick as a small animal attempting to escape a predator, Miss Moore stood in one fluid motion and shook out her skirts. “I must return. It is time for my duties.”
Hawk joined her, and they returned to the horses. He wrapped his hands around her waist and lifted her onto the saddle. Miss Moore stared down at him, her cheeks still flushed. He slowly and reluctantly removed his hands, feeling the loss of her warmth. She took in a deep breath. Had she felt something as well?
He broke eye contact with her and mounted Bramble. They rode side by side back to the estate. Neither spoke, but the silence was not as comfortable as it had been earlier. Aside from the fact that he was finding a governess much too appealing, he was also stuck with the niggling thought at the back of his mind that he knew her from somewhere.
He’d never had occasion to hobnob with vicars’ daughters. “Is this your first governess position, Miss Moore?”
Startled, no doubt at him breaking the silence, she answered. “Yes.”
Another one-word answer. The woman did not intend to be forthcoming, and his pressing her could soon give her cause to speak with Wycliff. It was best to put her from his mind and enjoy the visit with his cousin, away from London, and all he had been anxious to leave behind.
Once back at the house he determined to do just that. He wished Miss Moore a lovely day and went to his bedchamber. After changing from his riding clothes and cleaning up, Hawk descended to the breakfast room, where he found Wycliff enjoying his newspaper and a cup of coffee. “Ah, good morning, Hawk. ‘Tis nice to have company at breakfast.”
“Leah does not venture down to break her fast?” Hawk strolled to the sideboard, where he filled his plate with creamed herring, two rolls, eggs, ham, and bacon.
“No. I’m afraid my lovely wife is not an early bird. She enjoys her mornings in bed with her cup of chocolate.”
Hawk shook out his serviette and placed it on his lap, nodding to the footman, who poured his coffee. “I enjoyed my early ride this morning. I met Miss Moore also taking the air.”
“Yes. She does appreciate the use of our stables.”
Hawk cut a piece of ham. “I find her a bit of a conundrum.”
Wycliff raised his brows. “How so?”
“She certainly sits a horse well, her pianoforte playing is above par, and I have this feeling I know her from somewhere.” Hawk shook his head. “True, I have never had occasion to spend time with a governess, but something about her implies she is well above that station in life.”
“I’m afraid I’m not sure what you are trying to tell me, Hawk. Miss Moore came to us with an excellent reference.”
“I am in no way suggesting she is not a superb governess, though I cannot imagine anyone wanting to actually deal with children all day.” Hawk took a sip of his coffee. “Please ignore my statements. Perhaps I spent too much time with the Home Office and see puzzles everywhere.”
Wycliff leaned back in his chair. “Leah and I are thrilled that you have decided to visit, but as I said earlier, I sense there is a reason for your holiday other than to renew familial ties.”
Hawk pushed his empty plate away, which was immediately whipped up by a footman. “I had the need to leave London for a while. That is all.”
Wycliff studied him carefully. “You are not still blaming yourself for Monica’s death?”
He rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands. “It was my responsibility to investigate the Baron further, delve more fully into the drinking and gambling. When she came to me, I should have listened to her, instead of lecturing…” Hawk toyed with the spoon alongside his coffee cup.
“No, Hawk. Stop this guilt you’ve been carrying around. You were correct in telling her to return to her husband. Most brides do need adjustment time. Leah returned to her parents twice before we settled into a routine.”
Hawk slammed his fist down on the table, rattling the plates, silverware, and the footman standing against the wall. “No! I was her brother. She was under my protection, as are my mother and sister, Honora. It was my responsibility to see to her welfare. I failed.”
“In a perfect world, we make all the right decisions, all the time. But, Cousin, this is not a perfect world. You did your best, but ultimately, it was out of your hands.”
Running his fingers through his hair, Hawk said, “I should have gone with my first instinct when I learned Sheffield was in dun territory and enjoyed his brandy too much, despite his promises that he had it under control.”
Wycliff pushed back his chair and slapped Hawk on his shoulder. “Put all of that aside while you visit, Hawk. After all, it’s been more than a year. I think you’ve worn sackcloth and ashes long enough.”
Miss Moore, Leah, and Wycliff were gathered in the drawing room, awaiting the dinner announcement, when Hawk joined them later that day. His eyes immediately went to Miss Moore, who chatted with Leah. The governess wore a light peach gown with a deeper peach ribbon under the breasts and at the hem.
Her arms waved in the air as she told Leah a tale, and Hawk couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. He also couldn’t help but notice that although a couple of years out of fashion, her gown was of a quality that was generally out of reach for a vicar’s daughter.
“Good evening, ladies, Wycliff.” Hawk took a drink from a footman’s tray. “I assume everyone had a pleasant day?”
“Yes, indeed, I did,” Leah said. “Tuesdays are the days the ladies from the village gather here each week, and we knit mittens, scarves, and hats for the families who are struggling. It is always a lovely time, and we all feel as though we did more than gossip and sip tea.”
“And how were the little ones today, Miss Moore?”
Her face lit up at his question. “Quite entertaining, my lord. For some reason, the lads decided today was the day to play, and not spend any time on their lessons. It took all of my abilities to persuade them to concentrate for even a short time.”
Leah beamed at Miss Moore. “You do such a wonderful job keeping them in line, Miss Moore. I don’t know how we managed before your arrival.”
“Thank you, my lady. They are truly darlings, but I must admit there are days when I wonder what Nurse feeds them for breakfast.”
A footman appeared at the door and announced dinner. They filed into the room informally, taking different seats. With Miss Moore directly across from him this time, he was able to study her without being obvious.
Her creamy skin glowed in the candlelight, highlighting her high cheekbones, the depth of her eyes, and her golden-tipped eyelashes. He should not be looking at her like this. He should not be studying her plump lips and wondering what they would feel like under his. How they would taste. Sweet? Spicy?
Bloody hell, she’s my cousin’s employee!
The footman laid down the first course, and they began to eat the white soup, delicious as food always was at Wycliff Estate. Their cook was one of the best.
“Hawk, Miss Moore has Thursday afternoons off. Perhaps she would enjoy a trip to the village tomorrow. I know one of your favorite bookstores is right there in the center of the square.”
So, Leah saw no problem with him spending time with their employee.
Strange, that.
“I am not sure if Miss Moore would be willing to give up her free time to entertain your guest.” Hawk glanced at the governess.
Miss Moore didn’t answer, but dabbed her mouth with her serviette.
Hawk cleared his throat. “I would be honored to escort you, Miss Moore.”
She stared at him for a moment, and just when he thought she would refuse, she dipped her chin. “I would like that. If you are sure it is not an imposition, I shall enjoy a trip to the village. I’ve been there many times and absolutely adore the bookstore.”
He hated the tinge of excitement at her words. He’d bedded dozens of beautiful women, danced, flirted, and walked in dark gardens with many more, but none of them had affected him the way the thought of strolling along the village square in broad daylight with Miss Moore did.
“’Tis settled, then. Tomorrow we shall take our trip and be sure to visit the bookstore first.”
The rest of the meal continued with pleasant conversation among the four of them, Hawk sneaking as many glances as he could at Miss Moore. She must have been aware of his regard, because she avoided looking in his direction, except when he asked her a direct question.
Then her face flushed, and he detected an increase in her breathing, her lovely breasts rising and falling rapidly. How he would love to place his lips on the warm skin there and inhale the scent of roses he’d noticed when they sat close together under the tree earlier.
Yes, she was as affected by him as he was by her. After months of ennui and racing from one empty experience—including ladies’ beds—to another, it was rather good to be captivated by a woman. A sweet woman, who had no designs on his bed, his money, or his title. Rare, that.
However, nothing changed the fact that Miss Moore was off-limits. At least that was how he viewed it. Except Leah had practically thrown them together with her suggestion of a trip to the village tomorrow.
Did she know more about her governess than she was letting on?