Page 6 of Brazen Rogue
He could still recall their first dance, and he instantly became besotted with her. He bit back a grin. Actually, that was not quite true. The day he had seen her huddling in the bushes at Hyde Park, and his carriage had splashed her gown, well, that was when he knew she was the one. Her annoyance and anger at him ruining her gown for days after had been telling.
She had spunk and did not care that he was a marquess far above her rank. He liked that about her.
"Be careful, Alice. Hold tight the reins, along with the mane, and do not forget to tighten your knees when you go over," he called out to his daughter.
"Yes, Papa," she called back, turning her pony away from the log so she could have a proper run-up.
"I do not think I could allow my child to do what you're doing. I hardly know her, and I'm nervous," Miss Hall admitted, a concerned frown between her perfect brows.
He inwardly sighed, drinking her in, wishing for things that could never be. "All will be well, Miss Hall," he said, hoping what he declared was true. His daughter turned her pony around and pushed her into a slow canter before jumping the log easily and without nary an issue.
"I did it, Papa," she called.
"Oh, thank God for that," Miss Hall said, her hand across her chest.
Bellamy chuckled, clapping. "Well done. You're a natural, my girl."
They watched for several more minutes as the pony was made to jump over and over again the small log. The little horse never bothered by the monotonous action.
"I'm sorry about all this, my lord," Miss Hall said at last, her voice low. "Had I known this was your home and sanctuary, I would never have come here. Not in a million years."
Bellamy shook his head, not wanting her to feel ill at ease. "I'm sorry too, but there is nothing to be done about it. You're here now, a governess, and we shall make the best of the situation. I'm certain you will do well tutoring my daughter." He stared down at her, wondering what had become of her. To his shame, even during his marriage, he had dreamed of her. Had woken hot and unsatisfied, longing ripping through him like a knife.
"You left London so suddenly I never got a chance to explain ..." He paused. "What have you been doing these past five years?"
She stared out into the riding yard, and he saw she followed his daughter's progress. "I returned to Grafton, my parents passed away, and I found out my father was not as frugal as he ought to have been with the finances. There was not enough money for me to have a second Season, even though Julia did offer to sponsor me, but I could not allow that. Too much pride, you see," she said, laughing at her own words.
He did not laugh. He found what she said held little amusement. If anything, it read like a story of sorrow and anguish, not to mention fear. "And so you became a governess?" he asked.
"Yes, for two local families in Grafton, but they were not so much better off than I was, and my conscience would not allow me to take a wage when I knew they scrimped and saved to pay me each week. But I also could not work for nothing. I wrote to an employment agency in London, and they informed me of this position in the Lake District, and here I am," she said, shrugging.
"And here you are," he repeated, wondering how he would keep from watching her as he once had in London. To his shame, he had been a little obsessed with her then. Until he was tricked into marrying Lady Sally Perry and his affection for the woman at his side was forced to end overnight.
"I'm sorry for your loss and your hardship. Although I do hope your income of £30 annually is adequate," he asked her.
"It is more than generous, thank you," she said, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink.
"I'm glad you are here, and I can help you in this small way. We were friends once. I hope we may be so again," he said, having never meant anything more in his life. Their situations so changed now meant that friendship was all that was open to them both, but he would take it. He hoped she would too.
She met his eyes, and he marveled at the color of hers. Like a deep, stormy ocean, so many secrets and hidden treasures. "You are my employer, my lord. The time for us to meet as equals has ended. I hope you will not mind that I think it best to keep it such a way."
He nodded, understanding all too well what she was saying. Their time had come and gone, and this was certainly not a second chance. "Say no more, Miss Hall. I agree wholeheartedly, and no harm done."
Reign breathed a sigh of relief just as Alice started to walk her pony toward them. "When would you like me to start the lessons, my lord? I can commence today if you wish," she asked him.
"No, tomorrow is fine. It will be dark soon, and you still have to unpack from your journey, and I'm certain you will be tired. It is a long way from Grafton to Derbyshire."
"I suppose you are right, and I think I shall sleep soundly this evening," she said. Already her legs ached, and her eyes were itchy. The idea of a bed, of lying on a soft mattress and not a jarring carriage over rough roads, tempted her, and it was not yet dark.
"My daughter dines with me every night, so feel free to eat in your room if you wish, or belowstairs with the servants."
Reign nodded, knowing she would have to get used to being belowstairs instead of an upstairs guest as she once was. How fickle life was that one could feel as though the stars were hers to capture and now to wonder how she would pay the butcher for the beef.
"I shall go belowstairs. I do not know anyone, and as you know, for several years now, Julia has lived in London. I have missed the company of others to gossip and talk to."
"It is amusing that you mention such things. Up here in the Lake District, we have many neighbors, but we rarely get together. You have arrived just in time, for in a fortnight, I'm to hold a house party for the first time in several years, and there will be an influx of people and staff. You will have more than your share of people to speak to."
Reign smiled, wondering if he had forgotten so soon that she would not speak to any of them as was her position in life now. "And will Lady Lupton-Gage be in attendance? I have not yet seen her," she asked, wondering where the marchioness could be.
