Page 6 of Last Night with the Duke
That he was so adamant after she explained she had never been a chaperone didn’t surprise her. It only reinforced her feelings that to the titled few it didn’t matter what anyone else wanted. Only what they wanted. And they expected to be obeyed.
But once again she tamped down her feelings of resentment and asked, “Did someone perhaps recommend me?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact someone did.”
She studied over that assertion. During her time as a governess, she’d held only two posts. Both families had been happy with her performance and had given her excellent references. She wondered which family must have mentioned her to the duke but decided it was best not to ask.
“That was very kind of whoever it was, but I’m sure you must have been told that I was a governess. Not only do I not have any practical experience as a chaperone, I feel sure some members of Society would consider me too young to be a proper companion for ladies starting their first Season.”
“How old are you?”
“Twenty-six at the end of next month.”
He studied her for a moment and then asked, “Is there a minimum age requirement on being a chaperone?”
“No, not that I’m aware of.”
“Good. You are old enough as far as I’m concerned.”
“I fear you may be the only one who would think that,” she countered as quickly as he’d spoken.
He inched another step closer to her, lowered his head toward her face again, and stared at her with his gorgeous, fathomless blue eyes. “I am the only one who matters when it comes to the care of my sisters, am I not, Miss Swift?”
His nearness caused more new and wonderful sensations to awaken her senses. “To be sure, but what if it causes a scandal for your sisters?”
“I am no stranger to scandal, Miss Swift. It’s true there will always be certain people in Society who are unforgiving. Especially when we fail to live up to the expectations they have set for us.”
Like the duke, Esmeralda knew that better than most, so she quipped, “I can’t argue with that assessment, Your Grace.” Her mother was never forgiven for falling in love with the wrong man and having the nerve to marry him after Esmeralda’s father died.
“But that is no reason for anyone to back down from what he knows is best, is it?”
“I believe you just made my point for me, Your Grace.”
His mouth quirked into an attractive grin. “You are quite clever, Miss Swift. I don’t usually find myself in the position of having my own words used against me.”
She couldn’t keep her own lips from forming a smile. It felt very good to best him at his own game. “What a shame.”
“Your sarcasm will not sway me, either. It only encourages me to continue.”
“That wasn’t my intention.”
“I know. Nevertheless, it does. My aunt has already accomplished most of what needs to be done to get Lady Sara and Lady Vera ready for the Season. She will be in the house and available to help with the finer details. What occasions they will attend, which gowns they will wear, and the like, but she won’t be able to attend any of the festivities. That will be your obligation. I wouldn’t have decided on you if I didn’t think you were up to the task. I’ll pay handsomely for you to be their chaperone. And I’ll give you more time to make arrangements. I’ll expect you to arrive day after tomorrow at the latest.”
Esmeralda forgot all about her resolve to tread lightly and not miss this opportunity to be of service to the duke and earn the much-needed money for now and the future with a good reference from him. Before she had time to reflect and consider how she should correctly respond to the duke’s manipulations, she stated, “I’m sure you will pay well, Your Grace, but I have just told you I can’t do this for you. And furthermore, you can’t come in here and start ordering me to appear at your house tomorrow, or the day after, or next week and take care of your sisters.”
He bent still closer. His lips mere inches from hers, he softly said, “It’s not an order, Miss Swift. It’s an offer. For employment.”
His tone, his words, his nearness swept the breath from her lungs, and compelled her to acquiesce to whatever he wanted. She had no will or desire to shift away from him. Instead, she only wanted to please him. But…
“Even if I could do it, which I can’t, I would need more time than that to make necessary arrangements here at the agency and get ready for an extended stay in your house. I must decline for myself but insist I have women who can do this position for you.”
He lifted his head a little and asked, “Is it my reputation that bothers you and causes you to deny me your services?”
“No,” she said without hesitation. “Though in truth I have no idea why. It should give me great pause.” Especially since his presence had all her feminine instincts on alert.
His gaze raked slowly down her face and then back up to her eyes once more. Her skin prickled deliciously.
“You sound as if you mean that.”
