Breaking the Governess's Rules by Michelle Styles

Author:Michelle Styles [Styles, Michelle]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Mills & Boon Historical Romance
Published: 2011-03-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

It is good of you to call, Lord Chesterholm.’

‘I came as soon as I heard,’ Jonathon said, ducking his head to avoid hitting the top of the doorway as he went from where Matthew Sims shoed horses into the main part of the cottage. Thompson’s message that Annie Sims was desperate to speak to him and only him had arrived at precisely the right time. Kissing Louisa this morning had been a false step. No matter that she had fit into his arms exactly, it had been the wrong moment and she had had time to remember her blasted rules.

He had been about to go after her and haul her into bed, but then came this summons. Normally he’d send for Annie, but getting out of Chesterholm would give him a chance to regain control and perspective. The next time, he would not make the same mistake.

‘Thank you for coming so quickly, your lordship.’ Mrs Sims made a low curtsy as behind the kettle simmered on the open fire. ‘It is a great honour to have you here.’

‘I understand Annie wishes to say something.’

‘She didn’t mean no harm, your lordship,’ Mrs Sims began, twisting her apron. ‘She thought the man would marry her. He promised her everything.’

‘Hush, woman.’ Sims put a beefy hand on his wife’s arm. ‘His lordship knows that. Our Annie were led astray, like. I told you his lordship would call if Thompson delivered the message. His lordship is like that.’

‘Aye, you did, Mr Sims, that you did.’ The wife nodded.

‘Annie should have gone to the big house straight away like, once we realised but she was frightened. Doesn’t want anyone to think bad of her.’

‘She is back amongst her family. She is safe now.’ Jonathon frowned. What had Annie neglected to tell Thompson when he had interviewed her in Newcastle? Somehow he was missing a vital clue as to what had happened. ‘I gave you my word and I did what I could to bring her home unharmed.’

‘That’s the point. He was a bad ‘un, her fellow. A right slubberdegullion if ever I saw one. Mrs Sims’s sister might have had her head turned, but not me. I knew he was a wrong ‘un the moment I clapped eyes on him.’ The large man twisted his cap. ‘Annie! Annie! Come show his lordship what you showed your mam. Tell the truth and shame the devil!’

Annie reluctantly came out of the back kitchen. Lines of worry were etched on her round face, but she appeared far happier and content than she had in Newcastle. Had it not been for Louisa, he might have missed her.

‘Miss Sims, what has happened? What do you have to show me?’ Jonathon spoke in an even voice, one that he might use to gentle a horse or when he had to deal with Arthur’s screaming night terrors.

‘I should’ve told Mr Thompson afore now. It were wrong of me but I wanted to be away from that awful place. And I weren’t sure if he would be as kind as that lady.

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