The Governess and the scandalous Duke (Clean Regency Historical Romance) by Regina Darcy

Author:Regina Darcy [Darcy, Regina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Clean and Wholesome Romance
Published: 2018-03-13T05:00:00+00:00

SEVEN

The ball was in full swing, and Beatrice and Angelica were watching from a hidden corner of the balcony above. The girl’s eyes were shining, although she had made it more than clear to Beatrice that she wanted to remain out of sight. Beatrice had been more than happy to oblige, given that she found the large number of guests almost overwhelming. It had been a relief to be able to keep to the schoolroom or her own rooms, although she knew she would miss the Duke’s company and conversation over the next few days.

“And who might you be?”

Startled, Beatrice jumped in fright, before getting to her feet and attempting a brief smile in the direction of the gentleman who had approached them. This was not a place that guests were permitted. The Duke had promised her that no-one would bother her or Angelica if they wanted to stay and watch the proceedings for a short time, so what was he doing here?

“I am Miss Lakeheart, governess to the Duke’s daughter.” She stepped a little to her side, hiding Angelica from view. The man had clearly drunk a little too much, and Beatrice did not want Angelica exposed to such a disgraceful sight.

“Pretty little thing,” the man mumbled, stepping closer. He ran his hand down Beatrice’s arm, making her stiffen immediately.

“Excuse me, sir,” she exclaimed, making to step to his left.

“Now, now,” the man continued, his hand now grasping her arm. “No need to disappear so quickly, my dear.” His smile became a leer, and Beatrice began to panic. She needed to protect Angelica, as well as somehow remove herself from this leech of a man.

“Angelica,” she whispered, urgently. “Go to the nursery, dear. I will be with you in a moment.” She smiled, her eyes urging her charge to do as she asked. Fortunately, Angelica nodded and took heed.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Beatrice turned back to the man, who still had a hold of her arm. “Remove your arm from me at once,” she commanded, her voice strong and firm. “How dare you?”

The man lifted his eyebrows but did nothing. “Feisty, are we?” His eyes lidded a little as he tried to pull her closer. “I like that in a woman.”

“I shall scream,” Beatrice warned, fighting against him. “The Duke shall hear of this.”

“The Duke shall not care!” the man laughed. “After all, you are only a servant.”

Fighting desperately against the strong hands that now held both her arms, Beatrice kicked the man hard, before lifting her knee to make contact with his lower body. It was a trick she’d learned in childhood, when one of the village boys had become a little too amorous, and, thankfully, it worked for her again. The man doubled over with a howl of pain, his hands dropping from her arms. Taking her chance, Beatrice fled – only to run straight into the Duke.

“Miss Lakeheart?” he asked, his face filled with confusion. “Whatever is the matter?” His eyes grew wide as

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