Seduced in September (A Year Without a Duke) by Genevieve Turner

Author:Genevieve Turner [Turner, Genevieve]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-01-31T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

“Thomas, where is your mind today?” Adele rapped her knuckles against her desk, trying to call the boy back to his lesson. “You’ve been fidgeting all day.”

The boy flushed, straightened in his seat. “I am sorry, miss.”

“Not sorry enough to actually apply yourself to your lessons.” Too sharp, she knew, but she was too much on edge today to practice much patience. She couldn’t stop thinking of Mr. Coyne, of the information she’d so willingly given him this morning. Couldn’t stop imagining that he’d told everyone. That Jane, the upper maid, was smiling so because she knew Adele was nothing more than a bastard. That Mrs. Pemberley’s quick nod of greeting was especially short because the housekeeper knew how wanton Adele truly was. That the footman’s slow glance over her was because Mr. Coyne had detailed how that body had felt beneath his hands.

But no one had actually said anything, and she hadn’t been handed her dismissal… so perhaps she was imagining it all.

She drummed her fingers against her desk. Perhaps Mr. Coyne was biding his time, waiting to use this to compel her into something wicked. Although he had asked her about herself after she’d kissed him. She drummed her fingers harder.

Away from him, from that luring blue gaze of his, it was easier to believe he meant her harm.

Tomorrow though, if he put his hands around her waist again… She swallowed hard. She didn’t know what she would believe then.

Tap tap tap went Thomas’s toes beneath his desk.

“Thomas!”

He jumped, then stammered, “I’m sorry, I forgot.”

She spread her palm flat upon her desk and took a steadying breath. They were both too skittish today. And the hurt pulling his mouth down pricked at her conscience. He mustn’t bear the brunt of her unease.

“It’s all right. Perhaps… perhaps we ought to stop there.” A bit early, but there was no point going on like this.

Thomas nodded, keeping his gaze on the floor. Something more was bothering him than simply her snappishness.

“Are you… Have you been thinking of what we spoke of the other day?” she asked. “About what might happen when the new duke comes?” Whoever or wherever he might be. She didn’t want to think of it herself, but if another conversation could calm her pupil, then she owed it to Thomas.

His made a small frown, as if puzzling out his feelings. “Yes.”

Adele wanted to sigh, to rub her face with weary exasperation. But she must remain calm and resolute so that Thomas would be the same. “Are you happy here?”

“I am.” He smiled and Adele wanted to smile in return. “With you and Mr. Coyne and Joey and… and everyone.” His voice went solemn. “And my pony and my puppy. I can’t leave them.”

Adele hid her smile. She suspected he’d miss his pony and dog more than any human here. But he was still such a sweet boy. “Well, there’s no sense worrying about the future. That won’t solve anything.” Advice she ought to be taking to heart herself regarding Mr.

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