Read Online Love on Assignment by Cara Lynn James - Free Book Online Page A

noticed.
    â€œNor in private, I hope. You applied for the position of governess, not cook. Chef Jacques’ duties were thrust upon you. So don’t fret about tonight.” He pushed his spectacles to the bridge of his nose. “Please excuse me. I have piles of work to attend to. Enjoy your evening.”
    â€œWhat about the children? Shouldn’t I attend to them?”
    The professor shook his head. “No, Miss Hale, I can do that myself. You’ve done enough for one day.”
    Her mouth twisted in a wry smile. “You’re quite right, sir. My day was rather eventful.” More than he could ever imagine.
    Charlotte returned to the basement and found Mrs. Finnegan alone in the servant’s hall reading a newspaper. The elderly woman looked over her frameless spectacles. “Do come in, dearie, and have a seat. Would you like to look through the Newport Gazette when I’m finished?”
    â€œYes, I would. Thank you. I like to keep up with what’s going on in the world.”
    â€œWell good for you. I try to as well, but often I’m too weary at the end of the day to do more than drink me tea and put me feet up. They tend to swell if I’m on them too long.” She sighed. “I know you’re feeling bad about the supper, but truly there’s not a thing wrong with trying to help out when help’s needed. I applaud you for pitching in. So put it all out of your mind.”
    â€œI shall try.”
    â€œWe’re so happy you’re here and ready to take the children in hand. A firm but gentle hand is needed with those two, to be sure. The professor tries his best, but sometimes he doesn’t know what to do with them. His head’s so far up in the clouds, way above everyone else’s, he can’t find his way back down to earth. But you seem earthy enough to me.” Mrs. Finnegan tilted her head and chuckled. “Oh, he can talk to them about the things of God and even of life, but those children need a good dose of fun too. You look like a girl who can mix right in with them and play. The professor and his mother aren’t much for playing. But it’s what the tykes need.”
    â€œI do agree with you, Mrs. Finnegan. We’ll start tomorrow.”
    DANIEL STROLLED TO his study to correct several sets of homework assignments, but his thoughts remained on the poor young woman who had suffered such humiliation tonight. She’d obviously tried her best to put together a decent meal. How unfortunate she’d burned the cod, one of his favorite dishes.
    But if she could keep the children quiet while he worked, she’d indeed prove to be a blessing. He hoped her lovely face and form hadn’t influenced him to hire her when he should have searched for a woman with more experience. No, he felt sure he wouldn’t regret his decision.
    â€œPapa, will you help me with my jigsaw puzzle, please? Ruthie’s tired of losing at checkers and wants to read a book,” Tim said as he and his sister peeked inside his office.
    Daniel sighed. He’d wasted several minutes daydreaming about Charlotte Hale when he should have been grading papers. And now his son wanted him to fritter away more precious time. He instantly regretted his selfishness. Tim deserved to spend time with his only parent. “I’ll play for ten minutes and then it’s off to bed. I have student essays to read.”
    After assisting Tim, he herded the duo upstairs. Without his mother’s help, he felt totally out of his element, like a codfish in the forest—or Miss Hale in the kitchen. His mother prodded the children to do her bidding, but he’d neither inherited nor developed the same talent for intimidation.
    Half an hour passed before Daniel settled the boy down. Perhaps he should’ve asked Miss Hale to put the children to bed, but he’d discovered he really enjoyed the evening ritual. He suspected she’d approve of his