Rose was sure Richard wasn’t looking for perfection. He was a good man who wanted a good woman who could match him in wits, intelligence and humor. If he compromised, he could end up miserable his entire life.
“He has a right to keep his standards high.” She took the last sip of tea from her cup and set it down on the table, thinking about the Duke. She didn’t think he should compromise his values so that he could marry again. He knew his value and was comfortable being alone for now. He had mentioned several times that it was Elizabeth who was so anxious for him to find someone.
She wasn’t sure how she felt about him finding a woman to marry. Although it would be good for him in status and society, he had his children to think about. He didn’t want to provide the wrong woman for them as a mother. He didn’t want to regret his decisions. That prompted him to be more cautious in his search. She understood that. If Frederick, Charlotte, and Samuel had been her children, she wouldn’t have wanted anything but the best for them. Her eyes strayed to where they were in their chairs, excitedly talking about the small gifts their aunt had brought them, showing them to each other and laughing.
“It was sweet of you to bring them toys and to come and sit with me this afternoon.” Rose looked at Elizabeth with a broad smile. “We always enjoy your visits.”
“It is my pleasure to be welcomed. I know whenever I want a hug, this is where I can go to get one.”
“You only mention your brother’s search for love. What about you? Have you found an eligible handsome bachelor yet?”
Elizabeth reached out with one hand and placed it on the table over Rose’s. “Honey, I’ve known for some time who I will marry.”
Rose looked confused. “Whatever do you mean? I have seen you with no men. Not one in particular anyway.”
Elizabeth laughed. “That’s because he doesn’t know it yet!”
“But what if he seeks out a different woman?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “He won’t. He is just as dedicated to me as I am to him. We just haven’t made it official.”
“How long has this been going on?” Rose was very surprised. Elizabeth was not a shy woman. She would have expected the Lady to announce her intentions, not keep them hidden. “Who is it? Do I know him?”
“You may have seen him when the children were allowed to come to the dance. He is Viscount Miles Clark.”
“Oh, I believe I know of whom you are speaking. He is a banker, is he not?”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes.”
“I do know of him. He is a handsome man, held in high esteem among his peers.”
“Yes. He is kind and compassionate, and I like to talk to him. He doesn’t make me feel unhappy inside.”
“That’s certainly good.”
“You know…”
Rose was taken aback by the way Elizabeth was looking at her. “What is it?” She was a little fearful and stared back at Elizabeth.
A playful smile passed over Elizabeth’s lips. “You have been here with us for a long time now haven’t you?”
“Yes, you know that I have.”
“You would be a wonderful choice for Richard, you know.”
Rose felt her cheeks flush, and she opened her eyes wider. “Oh, Liz! What a thought!” She didn’t admit to her friend that she had thought many times about how highly she regarded the Duke. But as a governess, it was not her place to seek out the love of a Royal. No matter how long she had been with the family or how close she was to the children. “He would never consider it.”
“There is always a chance, dear. You have to keep your hopes up.”
“How did you come to decide my hopes were up for something like that?” Had she let her admiration for the Duke show? If so, it could be detrimental to her position in the house. She pictured Richard demanding that she leave the house at once. She saw herself weeping, packing her bags and saying goodbye to the children.
“Good Lord, you look as though I just suggested you jump from the third-floor balcony. Don’t look so terrified! Richard is a good, upstanding man.”
“Oh, I do agree!” Rose lowered her eyes to her lap. “But I am his governess, the governess of his children. He would never consider me for anything more than that.”
“I don’t know about that.” Elizabeth’s voice sounded sneaky, and Rose suspected she was hatching a plot in that creative mind of hers.
“What are you thinking, Liz? You have a very strange look on your face.”
“I was just thinking how good you would be for him.” Elizabeth smiled when Rose’s cheeks turned an even brighter pink.
“Oh!” Rose lifted one hand to her mouth and looked at the children behind Liz. They had no trouble entertaining themselves. “I…I don’t know what to say.”
Elizabeth’s grin sparkled in her eyes. “I can see you have thought the same thing. Tell me you have.”
Rose dared not say the words. She nodded once.
“Well, it doesn’t surprise me, Rose. He is a fine catch and of any lady, you know that very well.”
“I also know my place, Liz. I have no nobility at all. I don’t think he would think of me as anything more than a governess.”
“We don’t know that. The man of a mind can be a very mysterious thing.”