Virtue of a Governess Read Online Free PDF

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    The man named Nathaniel cursed under his breath. He topped Nicola’s height of five foot six by another six inches or more and glared down his straight nose at her. She turned away and tugged at Meg’s arm. “I think we should return home. Now.”
    The light danced in Meg’s hazel eyes. “You may go, but I am going to dinner.”
    “Meg, this is unseemly. Please, let us go home.” She lowered her voice. “They will think us to be nothing but strumpets.”
    Meg threw her head back and laughed. “Maybe strumpets have more fun?”
    Heat flooded Nicola’s face. “Meg!”
    Mr Lombard bent towards them, his expression amused. “I shall take excellent care of her, Miss.”
    Nicola sighed. How did she get into this mess? “I would rather you left us, Mr Lombard, thank you all the same.”
    He chuckled, giving her a thorough looking over. “Have you no sense of adventure, Miss?”
    Bristling, Nicola raised her chin. “Plenty. However, I also have an excellent reputation.” She turned to Meg. “I wish to return to the lodging house.”
    “Lodging house?” Tristan’s eyes widened. “You live in lodgings?” He laughed loudly. “Maybe you could entertain us there?”
    “I think not.” Nicola clenched her fists in frustration. This was getting out of hand. “Come, Meg.”
    The other man, Nathaniel, cocked his head, studying her. “What is your name?”
    She rounded on him. “It is none of your business.”
    He shrugged. “If your friend insists on going to dinner with us, then maybe you should keep an eye on her?”
    Meg clapped her hands. “Hail a hansom, Mr Lombard, and dine me!”
    Furious, Nicola glared at Meg as Lombard hailed a passing cab and they bundled into it. She refused to speak as they travelled through the dark streets, not that she was required to for Meg monopolised the conversation with Mr Lombard.
    On alighting at the front of an elegant building, Nicola tried to capture Meg’s attention only to find her elbow being taken by the man named Nathaniel. Glaring at him, she wrenched her elbow free and stared around. She didn’t even know where they were.
    “You will come to no harm, Miss,” the fellow said. “I am a gentleman.”
    She moved away from him as they entered the foyer and took a plush red-carpeted staircase up to the next level. Music drifted out from open double doors leading off the landing. A delicious aroma filled Nicola’s nose as she hung back in the doorway. Before her, lay the first class of Sydney’s population. Women’s jewels sparkled in the golden lamp light and the soft clink of crystal mixed with the chords of a violin player performing a solo.
    “What is your name?” Nathaniel whispered in her ear. She shivered at the unexpected intimacy.
    Turning her head slightly, she lowered her lashes. “What is yours?”
    “Nathaniel,” he murmured with mischief. His deep sensual voice played with her good sense.
    She swallowed. “I am aware of that. If you wish to engage in childish games then find another fool.” Nicola turned her shoulder to him, but he took her arm and edged closer.
    “Nathaniel West.” His soft breath teased the fine hair at her nape.
    The waiter took their outdoor clothing and ushered them to a table in the corner. Nicola ignored the curious looks she and Meg received as they took their seats. Thankfully a large palm grew in a wide pot near her chair and she sheltered behind it.
    Nathaniel West sat opposite, lazy in his chair, completely at ease. His cool gaze surveyed her and she concentrated on her hands folded in her lap, but an inner voice told her to hold her head up and meet his gaze. He possessed thick dark brown hair, eyes of violet, and a splendid lithe body dressed in expensively tailored clothes. A muscle pulsed along his jaw. He was handsome in a cold calculating way and she wondered what would make him smile and relax. She noticed women peeking at him. He moved with the grace of a big cat as though every decision and thought