Read Online Andrea Pickens - [Lessons in Love 01] by The Defiant Governess - Free Book Online Page B

to jam a pistol in to his elegant ribs, Lord Saybrook would be there. Of course it was to be hoped that such extreme measures would not be necessary. Surely even an unfeeling guardian could not begrudge such a small demand on his time.
    But she would deal with that later. Right now she was rewarded by seeing the look of happiness on the boy's face.
    "It will be a big surprise, will it not?" he said with unconcealed delight.
    "Indeed it will. We'll practice extra hard this week—but mind you, you mustn't neglect your lessons. And now, you had better get some sleep." She planted a kiss on the top of his head and tucked him under the covers. "We have a lot of work to do."
    "Good night, Miss Jane," murmured the boy as she walked toward the door with her candle. "And thank you."
    She closed the door knowing full well she left a sleepy little boy to dream happily of saddles and ponies and guardian uncles.

 
     
     
    Chapter 4

     
    Jane saw very little of Lord Saybrook over the next few days. He rose quite early each morning to ride out with his steward before she came down for breakfast. A few times she caught a glimpse of him striding into the house, where he disappeared into the library. In the evenings, he dined alone and then retreated to the sanctuary of the library again. The footmen mentioned that he retired quite late, sometimes past midnight.
    So she had not had the chance to speak to him about the fair. He had certainly made no effort to have any further dealing with her. In fact, it was as if she didn't exist. Though why that irritated her she had no idea. Of course the lord of the manor would not concern himself about the governess.
    He didn't concern himself about Peter either, she noted. The boy saw no more of him than she did, though more than once she had caught him staring wistfully out the window as his uncle rode off on Hero. Even she could not deny he was an excellent rider and cut a dashing figure on the spirited black stallion.
    Jane was afraid she would have to take the drastic measure of requesting an audience with Lord Saybrook when she learned from Mrs. Fairchild that he would indeed be attending the fair.
    "Oh yes, he'll be there," said the older woman one night after dinner in response to Jane's question. "Old Squire Hawkins stopped yesterday to remind Mr. Edward. Oh, he tried to make an excuse, but the Squire would hear none of it. He was a friend of Mr. Edward's father and has known His Lordship since he was in short coats. He reminded him of his duty—he must be there for the blessing of the wheat."
    Jane smiled to herself. The children's riding came right after that. It was perfect. She had merely to inform before the ceremony that he should take a few minutes to watch his nephew.
    The day of the fair dawned bright and clear. Jane smiled as Peter tried to contain his excitement. High boots, proper breeches and a velvet collared riding jacket had been unearthed from one of the myriad trunks in the attics. With his carefully combed hair and neat cap the boy was the picture of a little gentleman. Mrs. Fairchild and Cook, as well as Henry, had been let in on the plan and were as excited as Peter. They fussed over him throughout the meal, assuring him that he would acquit himself splendidly.
    They were all careful to remain in the kitchen to avoid the off chance of running into His Lordship and giving away the surprise. It seemed like ages, thought Jane as she smoothed the skirt of her gown—oh, what she wouldn't give for a proper riding habit—before Henry knocked at the scullery door to tell them that the master had ridden off and the coast was clear. It had been arranged that he would accompany them to the fair so that she would be free to seek out Lord Saybrook. Their horses were already saddled, and Jane was relieved to see that Peter's pony, Tarquin, was as placid as ever, having sensed none of the nervous excitement in the air that was making the other mounts tug restlessly at the reins held