The Governess Club: Bonnie Read Online Free PDF Page A

determine any progress made on the piles of work in the study.
    It all took away from what he actually wanted to do. Since Renard had gotten his claws into him, Stephen hadn’t been able to investigate beyond the ruined bridge and interviewing Burdis. The butler had been surprisingly ill-informed regarding the accident; all he had been able to confirm was that George and Roslyn had seen an increase in their clumsiness in the months leading up to their deaths.
    He looked at the standing clock. This was around the time the governess had gone to the kitchen last week. He had only seen her in passing since that night and had no idea if taking tea at this time was her routine. But if he did not at least try to look for her, who knew when his chance would be?
    With that thought, Stephen stood and strode purposefully out the study. It may be another nine days before I get this opportunity again. No sense letting it go to waste.
    The light filling the servant’s corridor increased his certainty. He turned the corner and stepped into the kitchen light. Miss Hodges was sitting in the same chair as last time, her feet propped on the seat next to her, her head tilted back and eyes closed as she chewed. Stephen watched, mesmerized as any man would be, as Miss Hodges dramatically raised the last bit of biscuit over her head and intentionally lowered it to her open mouth.
    “Mmm,” Miss Hodges let out a moan around the biscuit. “Mrs. Dabbs, you do make a delicious biscuit. Absolutely sinful it is.”
    Stephen cleared his throat, alerting her to his presence. He didn’t expect her shriek, or the flailing limbs rocking her off the chair and onto the floor. He winced at the sound of her body hitting the stone floor and moved around the table to assist her.
    He found her on her hands and knees struggling to breathe. “Miss Hodges?” he asked. At her distressed hand signal, he quickly crouched down beside her and thumped her on the back. He did it again when she continued to struggle. And again. He raised his hand for a fourth time but she stalled him by sitting back on her heels.
    Her face was red, her eyes watered, and her hair was disheveled from her ordeal. A few more coughs and she wiped her eyes and patted her hair.
    “Are you all right?” Stephen asked.
    Miss Hodges took a deep breath and pushed herself up on shaky legs. Stephen automatically followed. “My lord,” she said with an awkward curtsey. “Was there something you required?”
    He was silent for only a moment. “Tea.”
    Miss Hodges gave a quick nod. “The water ought to still be warm. I will freshen the pot and bring you a tray in the study.”
    “Here is fine. You are not a kitchen maid.”
    She looked at him as she fetched another teacup. “No, but I am a governess, and governesses, my lord, have many talents. Besides, the kitchen maids get up early and accommodate me enough by leaving out the makings for tea.”
    Stephen sat in the same chair as he had last time. “Do you come here often?”
    A small twinkle entered her eye. “To the kitchen? Usually whenever I am hungry.”
    He stared at her eyes. Green? No, hazel. That was their color. More of a green than brown, but definitely hazel.
    The twinkle in those eyes faded when he did not respond. She dropped her gaze and gave a quiet “forgive me,” and poured him his tea. Formality settled on her like a shawl where she stood.
    He gestured at the tea service. “Please sit and finish your tea with me.”
    Bonnie sat hesitantly. She had been raised and trained for numerous situations she might experience as a governess, but never had taking tea with the master of the house in the kitchen been mentioned.
    Sir Stephen took a sip of his tea and gestured to hers. “Finish your tea,” he said quietly. Unable to do much else, Bonnie lifted the cup to her lips and took a sip. The warm liquid freed her throat of the lingering biscuit crumbs, much to her relief.
    Sir Stephen spoke. “You misunderstood me earlier.