His Unusual Governess Read Online Free PDF Page B

could, my lord. However, I am willing to help should I be required.’
    Rupert’s instincts were alerted. She certainly was an unusual governess. Her manner was far from that one might expect of a woman in herlate twenties who had little expectation of life other than to work for a succession of employers until she retired. This young woman did not look a day over four and twenty and she had a confident manner beyond her years, which was strangely at odds with her calling. Something about her did not ring true.
    ‘I understand you have been employed by Lady Mary Winters for some years?’
    ‘Yes, sir. I was her daughter June’s governess until recently. Miss June has gone to Bath for a visit with her mother and aunt. She no longer requires a governess, which meant that I was free to take this position.’ He noticed that her eyes seemed to be fixed on a spot beyond his left shoulder.
    ‘Fortunately so was I.’ Rupert smiled. ‘We must try to keep these young rascals in order. They have been allowed to run free, I fear, and their last tutor and governess left at rather short notice.’
    ‘I was told they might be a little difficult at times?’
    ‘I do hope you are not frightened of frogs? John apparently has a habit of putting them in the governess’s bed.’
    ‘Ah, I see.’ She smiled. Rupert caught his breath. There was something very engaging about this young woman, a way she had of holdingher head and of sometimes looking straight at you. ‘Thank you for the warning. I do not dislike the creatures, but would not wish to find one in my bed. I shall make sure to inspect it each night before getting in.’
    ‘If you find something unpleasant, let me know. I’ll deal with the culprit.’
    ‘Oh, I dare say I can manage,’ she said. ‘My cousin was forever playing such tricks when we were both children. Uncle William was glad to pack him off to E … to school.’ A hint of pink touched her cheeks. She drew breath, lifted her head and met his curious gaze. ‘Do you wish me to prepare a curriculum for you to inspect, sir?’
    ‘Good grief, no. I shall leave Francesa’s lessons to you. However, I think we should arrange for her to have dancing lessons—perhaps someone will know of a local man who could come in once or twice a week.’
    ‘I would be happy to play the pianoforte. If there is no master to be found, you might supply the lack. I can teach her the steps if you would practise with her.’
    ‘Is there no end to your talents?’
    ‘I … have an interest in music and dancing, also deportment. I think I may be able to teach Francesca how to enter a drawing room in society and how to conduct herself, to engage othersin conversation … enough so that she does not feel strange when she meets her chaperon next spring.’
    ‘Indeed? I would not have thought you would have had much experience in the drawing rooms of society hostesses?’
    Rupert saw her colour deepen and knew he’d scored a hit. It was perhaps a little unfair of him to say such a thing to her, but he had not been able to resist it. This confident young woman had aroused his curiosity. He was quite certain that she was not what she was pretending to be. Governesses did not meet the eyes of their employer so boldly nor did they have much experience of society.
    ‘I have acted as companion to a lady of quality,’ she replied, her head up. ‘Besides, one is accustomed to being with ladies and young women of … breeding.’
    ‘Tell me, Miss Goodrum—where were you educated?’
    ‘I … my father employed a governess for me and I went to Miss Hale’s school in Newcastle for young ladies for a period of two years. It was a highly respectable academy, I assure you.’
    ‘What manner of man is your father?’
    Her body stiffened. ‘My references are allin order, sir. I have them to hand if you wish to see them.’
    ‘I am not your employer.’ Rupert’s gaze moved over her. ‘It was just idle curiosity. You are not obliged to