To be sure, the new governess was a rather odd creature—solemn and aloof at times yet strangely engaging at others. But his daughters were growing more devoted to Miss Ellerby by the day, especially Charlotte, who had been the last of the three to come around. They were all learning a great deal, on their way to becoming clever and accomplished young ladies. Rupert congratulated himself on having made such an excellent choice in Grace Ellerby.
Gratified by that success, he knew he must move forward with the next step of his plan—courting Mrs. Cadmore. He sensed she would be receptive. She always made a point of speaking to him at church and praising his daughters. She had asked his advice about a minor matter regarding her son’s estate and mentioned her regret that Henry was growing up without a father’s guidance.
As he drove home from London, Rupert’s resolve finally overcame his unaccountable hesitation. Knocking on the carriage ceiling he ordered his coachman to make a brief stop at Dungrove.
“Upon my word, Lord Steadwell,” Mrs. Cadmore cried when he was ushered into her sitting room, “to what do I owe the unexpected pleasure of your visit?”
Rupert tried to concentrate on how attractive she looked in a yellow day dress with her dark hair elaborately styled and not how her effusive manner grated on his nerves. “I stopped on my way home to inquire if you and Master Henry might care to dine at Nethercross tomorrow evening. Or is it too late notice? Perhaps next Saturday would be better.”
“Tomorrow would be perfectly convenient.” Mrs. Cadmore flashed a delighted smile. “Henry and I live so quietly. I have only begun accepting invitations again. I am certain the dear boy will be pleased to spend time with your charming daughters. It was kind of you to think of him.”
“Capital.” Though he sensed she would like him to stay longer, Rupert was anxious to get home. “Until tomorrow evening, then.”
With a polite bow and a sense of duty done, he took his leave.
When his carriage rolled down the lane toward Nethercross a short while later, he noticed the linden trees on either side had burst into bloom. Rupert recalled the promise he’d made to take Miss Ellerby for a ride beneath that blossoming archway. Perhaps the experience might coax forth one of her rare smiles.
He could not fathom why the thought of showing the linden lane to his daughters’ plain, solitary governess appealed to him more than the prospect of dining with the Cadmores. Perhaps because it was not burdened with any expectations for the future, only an opportunity to enjoy the fleeting delights of springtime.
He was about to enter the house when the sound of girlish laughter drew his attention toward the riverbank. Rupert could make out his daughters and Miss Ellerby sitting on the ground.
Sophie spied him and cried out, “Papa!”
All three girls scrambled up from the picnic rug where they’d been clustered around their governess. They ran toward him, throwing their arms around him at various heights while he tried to distribute kisses and endearments equally among them. During all this commotion, he was vaguely aware of Miss Ellerby rising to her feet and adjusting her spectacles as she watched the girls’ demonstrative greeting.
“Did you have a good week, Papa?” Charlotte rested her head against his arm, alarming him with the realization of how much taller she’d grown over the winter. “Is there any more news from abroad?”
Rupert winced at her mention of the renewed conflict in Europe. He had tried to keep that worrisome news from his daughters but it had proved impossible because several of the servants had relatives in uniform. “Troops are massing at the French borders preparing to invade. No doubt Wellington will make quick work of it.”
“We’ve been busy, Papa.” Sophie gazed up at him with such an endearing smile that he could not resist hoisting her into his arms.
He only regretted that Charlotte and Phoebe had grown too big to carry. “What have you been busy doing? Much more agreeable occupations than mine, I dare say.”
Phoebe chimed in with an answer. “Miss Ellerby has brought us outdoors to sketch. Wait until you see the one I drew of Jem.”
“Her work is very good.” The governess took a few steps closer to Rupert and his daughters. “I believe it deserves to be framed and put on display. I hope you don’t mind my bringing the girls outside for their lessons, sir. The weather has been so fine and the grounds of Nethercross are lovely at this time of year.”
“Mind?” Rupert shook his head. “I heartily approve. They are shut indoors for too much of the year. I reckon country air, sunshine and the beauties of nature are essential to children’s health and happiness. Besides, it does not sound as if you have neglected their studies. What book are you reading them?”
She clutched the brown leather-covered volume in her arms. “Gulliver’s Travels, sir.”
“Have you read it, Papa?” asked Phoebe. “It is such an exciting adventure!”
“And so fan-tast-ical.” Sophie glowed with pride at having produced that impressive word. “I like it almost as much as Mother Goose.”
“It is an excellent work,” he agreed. “No doubt Phoebe will enjoy the part where Gulliver visits the land of the horse-people.”
An excited squeal from his daughter confirmed that guess.
Miss Ellerby held out the book. “Would you care to join us and read the rest of this chapter to the girls?”
“Would you like me to?” Rupert asked his daughters.
They responded with unanimous approval.
“That settles it then.” Rupert set Sophie back on her feet and took the book from Miss Ellerby.
They sank onto the picnic rug, the girls snuggled close around him.
“You too, Miss Ella.” Sophie bounded up and seized her governess by the hand.
“There is not enough room,” she protested.
“We can budge up.” Phoebe squeezed closer to her father. “And you can take Sophie on your lap.”
Seeing the girls were determined to include her in their tight little family group, Miss Ellerby gave in with obvious reluctance.
Rupert began to read about how Gulliver was bought by the giant queen of Brobdingnag and became her favorite. As he read, he found himself aware of Miss Ellerby so nearby. Her presence seemed to restore the family circle that had been shattered so painfully. But she was only a hired member of his staff. Surely a wife and mother would be even better.
When he concluded the chapter, the girls all pleaded for “just one more.”
Their governess’s response was kind but firm. “It will soon be time for dinner. But if you come quietly, your father might agree to read you another chapter before you go to bed.”
Both Rupert and his daughters agreed to that suggestion.
He dined with them in the nursery, as had become his custom on Friday evenings.
“What would you say to joining me for dinner tomorrow evening?” he asked as they ate with hearty appetites of which he approved. “I have invited Mrs. Cadmore and Henry to dine with us.”
Phoebe and Sophie were quick to say yes, but Charlotte asked, “Why did you invite them, Papa?”
“They are our neighbors and Mrs. Cadmore did invite you girls to Dungrove.”
By the way Charlotte stared at him, Rupert wondered if she guessed there was something more behind his invitation.