One Less Lonely Earl by Samantha Grace

Author:Samantha Grace
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2016-11-20T18:00:00+00:00

Seven

Colin moved to the edge of the rocker the moment Audrey entered the classroom. The wisest course of action would be to allow his sister-in-law to do what she did best—antagonize the governess until she tendered her resignation—but he found he liked Miss Halliday, and he wouldn’t allow her to be abused.

Before he could fully push from the chair to run interference, Audrey swept toward Miss Halliday with a smile and welcomed her to Blackwood Castle. Colin cautiously sank back onto the seat and watched the unexpected exchange. His sister-in-law was the epitome of graciousness as she engaged Miss Halliday in conversation and politely answered the governess’s questions. When Miss Halliday was finished gathering information about the girls’ education, she requested permission to take Rebecca, Emily, and Iris for a walk.

“What a lovely idea.” Audrey beamed at Miss Halliday. “I believe the girls would enjoy it very much.”

Iris released a whoop and skipped toward the door.

“Just a moment,” his sister-in-law called, waving her daughter back. “Allow your mama to kiss your cheek before you go.”

Iris dutifully trudged across the room to stand in line behind her sisters to accept a kiss from her mother. When it was her turn, she tossed her arms around Audrey’s neck and squeezed her tightly. Audrey laughed, hugging her in return.

Miss Halliday corralled his nieces and ushered them from the classroom. Audrey’s smile stayed in place well after her daughters left the room. Colin had never seen this side of his sister-in-law. He began to wonder if he had been too harsh in his judgment of her—until she spoke.

“Poor Colin, whatever will you do now?”

“What do you mean?”

“I am sure you will figure it out,” she said as she sauntered in his direction. “Eventually. You are rather dull-witted at times.”

She stopped inches in front of him, her skirts brushing against his knees, and tipped her head to the side as if studying him for the first time. A mix of malice and anticipation churned behind her eyes. Audrey took too much pleasure in goading him into losing his temper. He would not oblige her today. Gripping the arms of the rocking chair, he imagined holding tightly to his faltering sense of calm.

“When I look at you,” she said with a sneer, “I cannot help but compare you to Malcolm, and you fall short every time. I am beginning to suspect you don’t really share the same father.”

“Enough!” Colin snapped and bolted from the chair.

Audrey stumbled back a few steps. Her complexion suddenly appeared flat and chalky.

“Malcolm’s mother—our mother—treated you like a daughter,” he said. “You will not insult her. Apologize at once.”

“To you?” Her voice quivered, but she straightened her spine. Her brazenness was returning in a rush, brightening her cheeks and eyes. “I will never apologize to you. You do not deserve it. Not with what you are trying to do to my daughters. They need an education, you blackguard.”

Gads. The woman was impossible. “I am seeing to my nieces’ education. They are with their governess now.

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