More Than a Governess by Sarah Mallory

Author:Sarah Mallory
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2008-05-05T04:00:00+00:00

Juliana awoke to find sunlight streaming in through the dusty windows. For a moment she lay still while she remembered the events of the previous day. Minna was sleeping peacefully beside her and Juliana raised her head to look about her. The logs had burned away to a pile of grey ash, leaving the air sweet with woodsmoke. Damon was still asleep on the floor, his breathing deep and regular. Juliana slipped out of bed and padded across to the settle. Her dress was clean, but sadly muddied. Shaking it out, she slipped it on and was tying the sash when the Major’s deep voice made her jump.

‘So you would deny me the pleasure of watching you dress.’

She did not look at him. ‘I want to be ready when Fewell arrives.’

‘How practical you are, Miss Wrenn. How eminently sensible.’

‘Do not mock me, sir.’

‘I do not mock you, Ju, I mock myself, for wanting to prolong this interlude. We are about to go back to our real world, where you are the governess and I am your employer. We must behave the way our world demands, and I will no longer be able to talk with you, to eat with you and to…sleep with you in the same easy manner that we have enjoyed here. And, apart from the danger to Minna, I have enjoyed it, Juliana. Although I have not laid a finger on you I have revelled in your company.’

Juliana blinked rapidly. Her fingers trembled as she finished tying the ribbons on her gown. ‘You have said yourself sir, this is not real. We have to go back to our duties and responsibilities.’

‘Juliana—’

A whimper from Wilhelmina made him break off and they both hurried to the bed.

‘So you are awake now, Minna,’ said the Major. ‘How do you feel?’

‘Hungry,’ said Wilhelmina after a slight pause.

‘And the bruise on your head, does it hurt?’ he asked.

‘Only if I touch it.’

Juliana put a gentle hand on her brow and nodded at Damon. ‘She is quite cool. There is no fever.’

‘Good. I shall go and see what Mr Stopes has to offer.’

‘And while your papa is away we shall get you dressed,’ said Juliana, pulling aside the bedclothes. ‘Fewell should be here soon with the carriage to take us back to the George. What an adventure we shall have to tell the others!’

Damon looked at her, the ghost of a smile on his lips. ‘Are you never out of spirits, Miss Wrenn?’

Her lips curved involuntarily. ‘Never in front of the children, Major.’

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