A Governess for the Brooding Duke(72)

“Have you been sleeping, Miss Darrington?”



“In truth, not as well as I should like,” Georgette said and gave a laugh which she hoped would soothe Daisy’s concerns. “And I think it is that which has made me a little low, Daisy. However, I have determined to get to bed early tonight, my dear, and sleep right through until the morning. I think that will improve me a good deal.” Georgette laughed.



“Yes, I am sure it will, Miss Darrington. I am always better myself for having a good night’s sleep.”



“And you rise so early, of course,” Georgette said, keen that Daisy should know that she was very aware of the young woman’s long hours and hard work. Especially since some of that hard work entailed carrying meals and water up so many flights of stairs for the governess.



“I am well used to it, Miss Darrington,” Daisy said with a grin. “Well, I suppose I had better get back below stairs.”



“Oh yes, of course,” Georgette said with a smile. “Tell me, do things still go well?”



“Yes, very well. Mrs Griffin has been very much easier to work with since His Grace tore a strip off her for her treatment of you.”



“Oh, I am pleased,” Georgette said and reached out to squeeze Daisy’s hand.



“It is a great relief to us all,” Daisy remarked with a smile, returning Georgette’s squeeze before turning to make her way back along the corridor.



Georgette carried the jug and bowl through to her room and placed it down on the washstand. Returning to her bed, Georgette did, indeed, watch the steam rise from the hot water until it finally ceased.



Her mind had begun to wander again, this time dwelling upon the fact that the Duke had defended her so very vehemently. He had not once intervened in the trials and tribulations of the previous governesses and yet, with her, he had found himself suddenly roused into action.



Of course, Georgette knew that she was placing romantic emphasis upon his actions; a romantic emphasis which likely did not exist in his mind.



However, the thought seemed almost irresistible, and she could not fight it. Georgette tried to imagine him in all his passionate state defending her and demanding that she be treated with respect in future. It was a chivalrous act and an act of one who cared a good deal for the person they were defending. At least, that was what Georgette told herself.



When Georgette heard the faint rumble of carriage wheels on the gravel apron outside Draycott Hall, she felt her heartbeat quicken. She had no idea how long she had lain staring up at the ceiling but felt sure that it was not particularly late. Blowing out her candle lest she be seen peering out into the darkness, Georgette hurried over to the window.



The carriage was indeed bearing the Duke on his return from his dinner engagement. Surely, he had been gone only long enough to take his meal and share a few pleasantries before returning home again. Perhaps he had not relaxed and found himself mesmerized by Lady Louisa’s conversation in the way that Georgette had greatly feared.



However, it really rather changed nothing for Georgette. Whilst the Duke might not be particularly enamoured of Lady Louisa Wimborne, surely someday he would be drawn to another young lady of substance. And what would she do then? Now that she knew herself to be in love with him, could she really stay under the same roof and witness his happiness at a love shared with another?



The Duke jumped down from his carriage and had a few moments’ conversation with the driver before the driver climbed back into his seat and pulled the carriage and horses away.



However, the Duke did not immediately make his way into Draycott Hall but rather stood where he was for a moment, seemingly looking up at the sky and then out across the vast lands of his estate.



As Georgette watched him, she realized she was holding her breath. In truth, she did not know what she was waiting for exactly and so, with a great sigh, she resumed normal breathing. However, she could not lift her eyes from him and could not stop herself wondering quite what it was he was thinking at that moment.



As he stared out into the darkness, what thoughts overtook him? Georgette could not help wondering how he felt and if he was even just a little bit happy. And more than that, Georgette could not help wondering what he thought of her. She could not help wondering if he thought of her at all, and that was the truth.



The Duke turned around sharply, almost as if he had come to some decision. Perhaps it was no more than simply deciding to give up his stargazing and make his way into the warmth of Draycott Hall, out of the crisp autumn air.



However, as he turned to go, he looked up suddenly. She could not help thinking that he was looking directly up at her window. Georgette gasped audibly, wondering for a moment if he could actually see her spying on him. Of course, the night was dark and her candle was extinguished, and she knew, without a doubt, that he could not possibly see her standing at the side of the window so high up in her attic room.