Chapter 11 #2
Her head dipped forward, hiding her grin.
With her otherwise occupied, Damon took the time to look at the woman…
truly see her. Though he’d had the opportunity the previous night, his reason for assessing her had been different.
That was before the kindness she’d shown his children, and before she’d spoken of her own family.
He longed to know more but did not want to betray his eavesdropping.
Perhaps with the correct questions, they’d arrive at the subject he wanted to hear more about.
Still, a large part of him hated that he’d learned anything about her at all.
He did not miss any of the other governesses for the simple fact that he hadn’t taken any time to get to know anything about them beyond their qualifications.
Yet everything was different with Miss Samuels. She was everything his children needed, but her flaws were damning in the extreme. A gambler, a thief, and a liar. Those were not the traits of a woman he should want around his children.
But last night, in those brief moments of comfort, she had been everything Joy needed.
No matter what had transpired with Catherton, Damon could not help but look past Miss Samuels’ indiscretions.
Perhaps if they had the opportunity to become more familiar with one another, he would discover the reasons behind her actions.
“In all seriousness, though, I happened to be walking past and glanced in, nothing more.” He returned his stare to the hearth, begging his body to relax. “You are good with the children. Do you have younger siblings at home?”
“No, my brother and sisters are all older,” she confided without trepidation. “Though I am experienced with children and tutoring if that concerns you.”
He wanted to say outright she shouldn’t fear losing her position, that she actually held the upper hand because, no doubt, he needed her far more than she needed her place at Ashford Hall.
Miss Samuels’ back was rigidly straight, despite the voluptuous cushions, and a single long, dark curl fell over her shoulder. Its glossy texture reminded him of silken bolts of fabric, laid out to view at a modiste’s shop. Would it be smooth to the touch?
If Damon had learned anything since Miss Samuels’ arrival in his home, it was that things were not always as they seemed. Despite his attempts to the contrary, many things could still surprise him. And not all surprises were bad.
He asked no other questions, just waited. The governess had come to speak with him, and he feared she’d come to tell him she was leaving. It would be his duty then to convince her why she should remain at Ashford Hall.
It was not difficult to note that something was at war within her.
“The children would enjoy the opportunity to see the traveling menagerie at Pall Mall tomorrow.” The words burst from her so quickly, Damon needed to listen closely to understand them all.
“We can walk. Or, if you’d prefer, we can take the carriage and a footman for protection.
The fee is two shillings apiece, which is exorbitant; however, I think it important the children explore areas outside of Ashford Hall… at least every once in a while.”
The speech ended with a deep inhale as she attempted to catch her breath.
It wasn’t what he’d expected at all—and in no way a bad surprise.
When he remained silent, she continued, “Pall Mall is safe enough. My siblings and I have visited the area on many occasions. The children have promised to behave and heed my rules. The weather is mild for this time of year, and there is no fear of them catching a cold or being caught in the rain. The Post declares no rain for the next three days, actually. If we leave directly after lunch, we will return in time for our evening meal.”
Damon smiled, a genuine, teeth-bearing grin at her methods of persuasion. “You have certainly researched the excursion, Miss Samuels.”
She gripped the arms of her chair, and her breathing hitched. “It is very important to them, and they pleaded with me to seek your approval.”
“Well, there is no need to fret, you have my approval…even if it were to rain tomorrow.”
Her mouth fell open. “Wait, you mean we can go see the menagerie?”
“If it is important enough for my children to plead for you to ask my permission, I cannot find any reason to deny them—or you.”
She leapt from her seat. “That is wonderful, my lord. I will hurry and tell them the good news. They should be waiting for me in the dining hall.”
“Mayhap I will join them,” Damon replied before he thought better of it. “I can give them the good news and solicit their agreement to act accordingly.”
Her head tilted to one side, and her lips pursed. If he hadn’t caught the look firsthand, he never would have believed his decision to dine with his children and their governess could incite such confusion.
“Unless you think it best I dine here,” he said, gesturing to his desk.
Miss Samuels’ surprise had him all the more determined to accompany her to the dining hall, yet he also needed to hear her say that she wanted him to dine with them.
It was ludicrous; however, Damon could not stop himself from prodding.
Since when had he needed confirmation that his presence was wanted?
“I understand—”
“No, no. Of course, you should eat with the children.” She smiled, her confliction disappearing. “I will let them know to expect you and find my meal in the kitchen.”
“You do not eat with them?” he asked.
Surely, there was no rule against a governess breaking her fast with her young charges.
“Yes. Of course, I do. However…” her words trailed off as she searched for what to say. “I thought perhaps you’d enjoy some privacy—just the three of you.”
“Come now, Miss Samuels. You went through all the worry and trouble to ask me about the excursion. You shall dine with us and be there for the good news.” Why was he so hell-bent on keeping the woman in his sights?
Perhaps if she saw him making an effort with Joy and Abram, even something as small as sharing a meal, she would know he appreciated her presence, as did his children.