The Governess's Earl by Regina Scott

Author:Regina Scott [Scott, Regina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical mystery, children, romance clean and wholesome, Regency romance, humor, governess, spies, plain Jane, single father
Amazon: B08BS4TPLW
Publisher: Edwards and Williams
Published: 2021-01-25T00:00:00+00:00

~~~

In the end, his mother stalked off in high dudgeon, and Drake ordered Jonas to set a watch on the crocodile, both the remains on the table and the ones waiting at the top of the scaffolding on the beach.

“Under no circumstances are they to be moved or even touched by anyone except Miss Denby or myself,” he told the butler. “If the countess attempts to countermand that order, send for me immediately, and I will deal with the matter.”

Jonas inclined his dark head. “Yes, my lord.”

“Crocodile,” Miranda said dreamily, reaching out to stroke the bronze-colored snout. “I truly wanted an elephant, but you’ll do.”

Rosemary was gathering her books. “We should clean up before dinner, Miranda. And tonight’s the assembly.”

Her evening off. Something inside him urged her to stay. But that was selfish.

Besides, if she went to the assembly, he might have a chance to dance with her again. He followed them upstairs.

Rosemary’s sister had apparently come for her, so only his mother joined him in the carriage for the ride to the assembly rooms that evening. A full moon lit the night in silver, and the breeze carried with it not only the scent of the sea, but the aroma of new-mown hay from the Downs.

“Harvest,” he mentioned to his mother.

“And a fair, apparently,” she agreed. “I suppose we will have to attend.”

She did not sound pleased about the matter.

But no one at the assembly would have noticed. His mother blended in nicely with the spa Regulars in their silks and fine wools. Lord Featherstone claimed her hand right away. Mr. Donner followed. The fellow was younger than Drake, yet he seemed to hang on any word from his mother’s lips. Even the Admiral roused himself to take her out on the floor.

Drake remained along the wall, watching from the shadows. He must not appear overly eager to dance with Rosemary. Tongues would wag. But after their triumph today, he wanted nothing so much as to have her at his side.

Others were not so hesitant. The Newcomers—Fenton, Nash, and Cushman—surrounded her and her sister for a time, as if basking in their glory. She danced with Mr. Chance, Lord Featherstone, and Mr. Carroll, the bookstore owner. Finally, Drake could stand it no longer. She had just returned to her sister and mother when he approached.

Her mother sighted him first. “My lord,” she said, dropping a curtsey. Mrs. Todd, Rosemary’s sister, followed suit.

Rosemary eyed him. “Ready to take your chances?” she asked.

“Rosemary!” her mother scolded. “What will the earl think that you talk of yourself in that manner?”

He held out his arm to Rosemary. “Your charming daughter wasn’t referring to herself, madam. She has every reason to fear for her hem dancing with me.”

“I’m persuaded you have learned,” she said.

Her smile alone would have convinced him.

But, as the country dance commenced, he was more mindful of her than his own steps. The graceful turn of her body as she swept past him, the look that beckoned him closer.

“You are acquitting yourself well tonight,” she told him when they stood out at the end of the line.

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