A Governess for the faithless Duke (Regency Romance) (Regency Tales Book 3) Read Online Free Page B

us! I cannot think that he would behave so reprehensibly after showing such hospitality?”
    “You are hoping for a better ending with him, I know,” Lydia said.
    “And well you should,” Tillie added, “given how focused his attentions have been on you of late.”
    “You are both already blessed with attentive husbands,” Henrietta said, “and I am glad to know that I am of interest to such an eligible bachelor. I can only imagine how wonderful it would feel to be named Duchess. I hope to secure a firmer promise from him before we leave on Saturday.”
    The women moved away and Charlotte remained where she was, wondering at the gossip she had heard, appalled that the man who employed her might in fact be as cruel as they said. He had not appeared to be so during their brief meeting, but then, what did she know of men and their ways?
    She tried to ignore the rush of heat to her cheeks at the thought of his handsome face and broad shoulders, recalling instead the way he had insulted her by assuming she would harm his precious charges. It would serve her best if she thought of him only in terms of an exacting employer, rather than as a man whose beauty dazzled her. She was merely a governess, and had no social standing in his household, nor any hope of attracting his attentions in an honourable way.  She had not come looking for more than the job she had been given, and she would do well to remember her place.
     
    Another week passed in relative peace, with Eliza only throwing a tantrum once, when Charlotte insisted that she practice on the pianoforte longer than the usual time, as she was having difficulty with one of the exercises. The little girl pouted and fussed, and only when Charlotte threatened to have her put to bed earlier than her little sister did she relent and do as Charlotte bid. When she had done as instructed, and Charlotte had declared herself pleased with her work, Eliza asked, “Why are you so unkind to us?”
    Charlotte looked up from the table she was tidying.
    “In what way am I unkind?” she asked.
    “You don’t let us do what we like,” the little girl replied, “You make us wake up early, and you give us so much to do.”
    Charlotte smiled at her. “Do you not enjoy learning about the flowers in the garden?”
    Eliza considered. “I suppose so,” she muttered grudgingly.
    “And do you not like the horse rides to the brook? Or the views of the sun rising? Do you not enjoy the pretty colours? And do you not like to paint them?”
    Eliza hung her head, keeping a stubborn silence.
    “Why do you think you should enjoy these things without having to give something in return? Do you not wish to become an accomplished young lady?”
    The child looked up. “What does that mean?” she inquired suspiciously.
    “Well, it means you will be able to have conversations with your uncle about important matters. You will be able to entertain his guests with your beautiful playing. You will be able to keep your seat on the horse when you go riding with him and his guests. All of these things are considered important for a young woman to have if she is to marry well.”
    “Why are you not married, then? Are you not an accomplished woman?”
    It was a logical question, and though it cut Charlotte to the quick, it also reinforce her status in the household. She tamped down her pain and calmly replied, “You and I are not of the same station in life. No doubt, you will have many eligible young men asking to address you. I do not have any such prospects, because I am a humble vicar’s daughter.”
    “Does that make you sad?” the child wanted to know, searching her face with curious eyes.
    “I live each day as it comes to me, and try to be happy with what I have,” Charlotte answered, knowing she could not respond in any other way. “Now, go and get ready for tea. Your uncle is expecting you.”
    She ushered the little girl out of the room and finished tidying up, refusing to let the painful