‘Only a few weeks,’ Sarah replied, amused to find herself being quizzed through an eyeglass. The young man was quite a fop, a tulip of fashion if she were not mistaken. ‘I am glad you are enjoying yourself, sir.’
‘One needs a spot of entertainment in the country, what? I find it dull after the town, don’t you know.’
‘Oh, I think there is so much to do in the country. Do you not like walking and riding, sir?’
‘Well, I dare say that is well enough...’ His attention was drawn to Francesca as she presented the prize for the race her brother had lost by falling over just before the line. ‘Growing up, ain’t she? I imagine the old marquess intends leaving her a bit in his will, what?’
‘I’m afraid I have no idea,’ Sarah said. Something about the man made her take him in instant dislike. ‘Francesca will have her Season, but I have no idea of her prospects, sir. I think she will marry well whether she has a fortune or not.’
‘Oh, I say. Only an idle question, you know.’
He wandered away, clearly annoyed with her for taking him up on the remark. As she watched, he approached Francesca and said something, which made the girl smile. She was frowning and did not notice Rupert approach.
‘Was he annoying you just now?’
Sarah started and glanced at him. ‘He was speculating on whether or not the marquess intended to leave Francesca a fortune.’
‘Was he indeed?’ Rupert glowered in the direction of the young fop. ‘Impudent pup! I dare say he has run through the fortune his grandfather left him and is hanging out for a rich wife. I’d heard he was rusticating because his creditors were dunning him. Watch him if he comes calling while I’m away.’
‘I would hope Francesca would have more sense than to be taken in by someone like him.’
‘I’m not so sure. She seems to be enjoying his company.’
Sarah saw that the girl had taken his arm and was going in search of a drink. The maids had just brought out trays of iced lemon barley and orange juice for the younger members of the party. For the older guests there was champagne and a cool white wine.
‘I think Francesca will be courted by many gentlemen,’ Sarah said. ‘She is lovely of face and nature. Once she comes out I think she will be very popular with the gentlemen. I have spoken to her about these things and I think she has enough sense not to let anyone seduce her.’
‘Well, that is all we can hope for.’ Rupert’s eyes came back to Sarah. ‘Are you enjoying yourself? Lady Rowton described you as Miss Hardcastle—have you told anyone else yet?’
‘I shall explain to Mrs Brancaster tonight and hope that she will forgive me.’
‘I am sure she will. I dare say she will understand if you explain you were in need of a place to hide. It may be best if she believes I have been aware of the truth all the time.’
‘Yes.’ Sarah looked at him uncertainly. ‘Have you forgiven me for lying to you?’
His brows rose and his smile was absent. ‘The jury is out, Sarah. I shall reserve judgement until I see how you conduct yourself in future.’
She caught her lower lip between her teeth, feeling unaccountably near to tears. ‘I am sorry to have lost your good opinion—if I ever had it?’
‘I am teasing you,’ he said and smiled, sending her heart rocketing. ‘Not that I condone lying, for I generally abhor it—but I believe I understand why you did what you did.’
‘Thank you.’ Her throat caught. When he smiled like that it was enough to break her heart—but she must never forget that he could never wish to marry a woman of her class. At one time he had considered seducing her, but that was when he believed her an adventuress. Since she’d confided the truth in him, he had treated her as he would any other lady, showing her politeness, but keeping a certain distance between them.
It was all she could expect, of course. Sarah suspected that her own heart was not untouched and she knew that her heart raced whenever he smiled down at her. However, he had given her no reason to think he might feel anything more for her than the natural concern of a gentleman for a woman in trouble.
Why did he guard his heart so well? Sarah wondered about the woman who had hurt him. She must be very lovely—and a lady, of course. Sarah was neither of those things. Why should he ever look at her?
He had thought of seduction, but he was a self-confessed rake and she could not think a light affair with a governess would have meant anything to him.
Her breath in her throat, she fought her own desire to rest her head against those broad shoulders.
‘Will you be gone long, sir?’
‘I’m not sure—at least a week, I imagine, possibly a little more.’
‘John will miss you—and Francesca.’
‘I think John has already found a good substitute in Monsieur Dupree.’
Sarah followed his gaze. ‘He has certainly been a great help today. Some dancing masters would consider games with the children beneath them, but Monsieur Dupree has proved his worth.’
‘Do you like him? Do you trust him?’
‘Yes, to both questions.’ Sarah glanced up questioningly. ‘Do you doubt him for any reason?’
‘None—except experience. When my sister was young her dancing master attempted to run off with her. She was foolishly infatuated with him and would have eloped had I not discovered his little plan. I paid him to disappear and he took the money.’
‘Your sister must have been in some distress?’
‘For a time, I believe, but she soon recovered once she became the toast of the town. She fell in love with a decent man and is very happy—so do not think me a monster for sending her would-be lover away.’
‘I think you may rest easy in your mind. Monsieur Dupree has shown no interest in seducing Francesca. In fact, he seems—’ She broke off and shook her head.
‘What were you about to say?’ His eyes narrowed. ‘Please do not lie to me, Sarah. If you know something, tell me.’
‘I was about to say he has shown more inclination to flirt with me—but that sounds conceited.’
‘I trust you gave him no encouragement?’
‘No, of course not. Why on earth should I?’
‘He would not make you a suitable husband, Sarah. You must look higher than a dancing master, even if he is handsome.’
He sounded a little put out, which made her smile, but when she looked at him she saw no sign of jealousy, just annoyance.
She put her chin up at him. ‘I have no intention of it—and please do not lecture the poor man. He has merely been charming. I should not have mentioned it.’
He nodded, but his frown did not lessen. ‘You should think carefully before you make your choice. I know your preference is for a widower with a family. I have been giving the matter some thought and when I return I may be able to introduce you to certain gentlemen of merit. You would do well to choose wisely and not let yourself be charmed by a dancing master.’
‘Thank you.’ Sarah’s smile felt fixed. She was grateful for his help, of course she was—but how could she consider any candidate he might produce as a suitable husband when she was beginning to think... But she was being so foolish! Lord Myers was not for her. Even if his smile could make her pulses go wild, it was merely the foolishness of a lonely woman. Once she met other gentlemen she would soon discover that Lord Myers meant nothing to her.
‘Excuse me, I must see that the children all have enough to