Capturing the Governess’s Heart by Sally Forbes
Chapter Twenty
It was a fine, sunny afternoon a few days later when Robert decided to take a short ride over to see Theo at the Elsby estate. They had agreed to have some fencing practice, so Robert had brought his gear, but there was an ulterior motive for his visit, too.
After the unforeseen … incident … which had occurred between himself and Miss Emma in the garden the other night, well, he felt he hadn't been the same. To what was now becoming a rather worrying extent, he often found himself deep in thought about the children's governess and frequently lost his concentration on whatever he was doing. Theo seemed the perfect person to bring some common sense to the situation.
I hope I don't embarrass myself during our fencing match. I don’t feel quite up to par just now, he admitted to himself, drawing near to the estate. The friends had been dueling since they were youths and were very competitive. Whoever won the match would add the score to their long-standing record, making sure to rub it in the other’s face at every opportunity, the loser bent on revenge.
When Robert arrived at Elsby, Theo came out to greet his old friend with a warm embrace. “I thought we could have a light luncheon, then have our match later, when it has cooled down a bit,” Theo suggested, leading the way to the dining room, where cold meats, cheese, bread, fruit, and wine was set out.
They sat down and Theo charged their glasses, while Robert filled his plate. He hadn’t eaten since breakfast and was hungry.
“So, how is everyone at Dalwater?” Theo asked, helping himself to some roast ham.
“Well, everything is about the same, but there is a lot of excitement about Abigail’s coming out ball. That seems to occupy a lot of both her and Mother’s time at present. Apparently, there are endless arrangements to make. You know the sort of thing. I’m enjoying Abigail’s excitement, though, if I’m honest. It’s good to see her smiling about something.”
Theo nodded, chewing mouthful of ham. “Hmmm, I’m looking forward to the ball myself,” he said when he’d finished. “Went up to town yesterday, in fact, to order my new suit for the occasion,” he added with a satisfied smile. “Want to make the best impression. I say, old friend, you’re not going to challenge me to a duel if I dance with lady Abigail, are you?”
Robert glared at him for a moment, then smiled. “Not that I want to encourage a reprobate like yourself, Elsby, but I have the distinct impression that if I tried to stop you, Abigail would challenge me to a duel herself,” he said, chuckling.
Theo looked somewhat relieved yet gratified at the same time. He leaned back in his chair. “Well, my thanks, Robert. I had wondered. It is nice to get the seal of approval from the glowering guardian. And to know that the young lady is willing to dance with an elderly chap like myself.”
“One dance, though, Theo, and be sure to keep your hands to yourself,” Robert warned, and Theo laughed.
They chatted on for a while, at their leisure, and later in the afternoon, when the heat of the sun had cooled a little, they went out to the pavilion and had their fencing bout.
Robert had been right about not being on form, and Theo beat him hands down. When they had finally finished and taken off their masks, both sweating profusely, they sat and recovered with cool drinks and a cigar each. Theo crowed about his victory but couldn’t help noticing his friend seemed a little distracted.
“Well, you made that too easy for me, old chap. What’s up? Mind not on the game?” he asked.
Robert hesitated before saying, “Yes, there is something troubling me, Theo, and I want to get your advice on it.” Theo looked instantly intrigued.
“I knew it! You seemed a little preoccupied during luncheon. Come on, then, fire away.”
“Theo ... you remember Miss Fletcher, the children’s governess I brought with me a few weeks ago to ride with the children?”
“Miss Emma. Of course, I remember. Miss Abigail seems to adore her,” Theo replied.
“Well, you know she is a gentlewoman, well-educated, but not out in society.”
“Yes, she is very genteel,” Theo agreed.
“And she is a wonderful influence on the children. Henry has been making marvelous progress with his lessons, and, well, you know what they have suffered … it seems she is making them feel much happier since … the tragedy.”
“I am pleased to hear it, my friend. I know their care weighed heavily upon you until recently. What of it?” Suddenly, Theo sat up, looking sharply at Robert. “Ah! I think I know where this is going … you have gone and fallen for the governess,” he crowed. “Oh, this is rich!” He shook his head and chuckled into his wine.
“I am glad you find it so amusing.”
“Well, Robert, it is rather, as the French say, a cliché. I mean, the duke falling for the governess, it’s that same old chestnut, isn’t it?”
“No, Theo,” Robert said so tersely, his friend looked at him seriously. “It is not “that old chestnut”, as you so vulgarly put it. I have never felt this way about a woman since…”
“Isabel,” Theo replied, all humor gone from his voice. “If that is the case, then you are skating on very thin ice, my friend. There is no future in it for either of you. Unless you have an illicit affair, which I doubt a respectable lady like Miss Fletcher would even contemplate for a moment, you are endangering her and putting yourself in the way of heartbreak and ridicule. Having said that, old friend, there are plenty of examples of past dukes marrying commoners. Dukes can do pretty much what they like without fear or favor, and you certainly wouldn’t be the first, Rob, if you married Miss Fletcher.”
Robert sighed deeply and took a deep draught of wine. “I know that, but the problem is Mother. She wants me to marry Lady Beatrice,” Robert said morosely. He went on to tell Theo about the disastrous dinner, his mother’s underhand behavior in inviting the Seymours to dine, and Lady Beatrice’s rudeness to Emma. He then explained his meeting with Emma in the garden later that night and what had happened between them.”
Theo looked appalled. “Well, you have gotten yourself into a fine pickle, Robert. I hardly know what to say. But whatever you decide to do, you had better do it quickly if what you say about the dowager champing at the bit to marry you off to Lady Beatrice is true.”
“Sadly, it is all too true. It’s almost as if Mother’s gone a little mad since the tragedy and my taking wardship of the children. She simply won’t listen to reason. The problem is that Mother would never approve of my union with the lady. I see how she looks at me when I smile or talk with Emma, whom she completely ignores most rudely. I am quite ashamed of her at times, Theo. And I was to marry Emma, and I fear it would destroy my mother. She would never recover what she would see as a scandal besmirching our family name. I cannot do that to her.”
“I understand, dear fellow, but she may have to accept it. You are a grown man, a duke, and you must make your own decisions before the dowager does something rash. Since it seems likely that Miss Emma does feel something for you, and the children plainly adore her and are benefitting from her presence, I suggest you weigh those facts very carefully against your mother’s disapproval. She has, in a sense, had her life. She must now let you have yours, whoever you decide to wed. And remember, there’s nothing like a brace of bouncing grandchildren to bring the stiffest old biddy around.”
Robert laughed, feeling somewhat lighter at heart. “Thank you so much, Theo. I knew I could count on you for a ... fresh perspective. Well, my friend, I better be on my way home soon, before it gets dark. But I thank you for your fine hospitality, and sound beating!”
*****
Robert arrived back at Dalwater at dusk. He had not been in his chambers very long before a maid informed him that his mother expected him in her chambers shortly to talk to him privately. Having freshened up and changed, Robert reported as bidden, wondering with dread what his mother wanted to speak to him about. He was sure it wouldn’t be anything he was going to like.
Since becoming a man, he had seldom ventured, or been invited, into his mother’s inner sanctum. He was unsurprised to find that little had changed in so many years. His mother was seated in an upright chair by the fireplace and gestured for him to take the sofa opposite. She smiled at him, which made him even more fearful.
“Thank you for coming so promptly, Robert. Now, I expect you are wondering why I asked you to come.”
“Not really, Mother. I think I have an idea what you want to talk about,” he said, sighing.
“Well, then, in that case, I shan’t bother with small talk. I want to know when you intend to begin formally courting Lady Beatrice. There is no time to waste, you know. The Season is approaching, and she is bound to have many offers. Abigail’s coming out ball presents a fine opportunity.”
“Mother,” he began in exasperation, “I have told you many times that I have no intention of courting Lady Beatrice, or anyone else, for that matter, unless I have chosen them myself in my own time.”
“But what is your objection to her?” the old lady asked, showing similar exasperation. “I simply don’t understand you, Robert. She is beautiful, likes you, and I’m sure she would be happy to marry you. Besides that, she will make an excellent wife and help you take charge of the children’s futures. In addition, she comes from a perfect family and will bring a generous dowry, as well as a fine fortune of her own on her father’s death. What is there to object to?”
Robert stood up. “What I object to, Mother, as I have repeated many times, is Lady Beatrice’s unpleasant personality. She is vapid, arrogant, rude, and I have no interest in her whatsoever, except as someone to avoid wherever possible. What is more, I do not love her, and I shall not marry any woman I do not love!” he shouted, continuing before his mother could interrupt. “The other thing I object to is that you, my mother, dare to interfere in my affairs. I am a grown man with many responsibilities. There is no urgency for me to marry at all, and you well know it. The children are doing very well, considering what they have been through, and that is because I have employed an excellent governess for them, for whom they have great affection.”
The old lady huffed disdainfully. “That chit. Have you thought for one moment how I suffer, having that woman at my dinner table? It is not seemly. I don’t know how I explained it to the Seymours. It was deeply embarrassing, but at least she had the good grace to leave.”
He shook his head at her, marveling at her obstinacy. “You know, Mother, we have never really clashed like this before. But now that we have, I see for the first time what a meddling, foolish, stubborn old lady you have become.” His mother gasped as she looked up at him, clearly surprised at his outburst.
“Moreover, I remind you that I am the head of this household. Indeed, it is my household, which you occupy through my generosity alone. Yes, you may well look shocked, but I tell you, speak no more to me about this. And mend your attitude toward Miss Fletcher at once. It is an embarrassment to me and upsets the children. Now, I shall leave you to think about what I have said. Good night.” And with that, he strode out of the room, seething with anger and ready to punch the wall.
