The Mysterious Governess (Daughters of Sin Book 3) Read Online Free

The Mysterious Governess (Daughters of Sin Book 3)
Book: The Mysterious Governess (Daughters of Sin Book 3) Read Online Free
Author: Beverley Oakley
Tags: Artist, political intrigue, governess, portraitist, Regency romantic intrigue, government plot, spoiled debutante, Regency political intrigue
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of a nearby lamp post was enough to do what any amount of brandy might not have achieved. It warmed the cockles of Lissa’s heart. Shyly, she introduced herself.
    “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Hazlett,” he said, caging her hand on his arm as he led her to the pavement. “And I am Mr. Ralph Tunley, parliamentary secretary and confidante to all manner of rakes and rogues but, sadly, in my own right, a poor, struggling hopeful with not a feather to fly with. Which is why I am unable to offer you a carriage ride home, since it is quite beyond my means. Shall I accost the driver of this passing hackney and send you back to your chaperone, or dispatch a note to your family immediately to let them know what has happened?”
    Lissa shook her head as she glanced at her ball gown, nearly doubling up with dismay when she saw the damage inflicted upon it.
    “I’m sure you have plenty more just as lovely,” he reassured her. “Not that a great beauty like you needs silk and diamonds to enhance what nature has so abundantly bestowed upon you. There, wasn’t that a pretty speech? I can practice such courtly sentiments without fear of censure since you will shortly be whisked out of my orbit and I will never see you again, though perhaps I shall hear news of your marriage to some great scion I could never hope to rival. Goodness, though, but I think that you are a beauty beneath the grime and blood.”
    She saw he was grinning as he moved her a little closer to the illuminated glow cast by the nearby gas lamp. “You’re welcome to slap my face if you wish.”
    Finally, Lissa was able to utter something coherent. “I shall forgive your impertinence, for you rescued me,” she sniffed. “And this gown is not mine. It belongs to the daughter of my employer.” She thought she might burst into tears as she contemplated the repercussions of the damage it had suffered. Several bows had been torn off the trimming at the hem when she’d been pulled from the wreckage, though in the dim light she could discern only a few dirt smudges. “She doesn’t even know it’s gone,” she admitted. “I’m just a governess, and the family I work for thinks I’m in bed, asleep.” She balled her fists, trying not to cry. “If they find out what I’ve done, I’ll lose my job.”
    Mr. Tunley looked properly concerned for the first time, no doubt perceiving the enormity of losing one’s position when one had no financial backing. Then his mouth stretched wide into a warm smile.
    “Just the governess? Why, isn’t this my lucky evening? I get to rescue the beautiful maiden and perhaps not lose her within a fortnight to some unworthy wastrel with more money and address than I have. Where do you live?” Then, when she told him, he added, “Allow me to escort you home, since we’re so close. I must satisfy myself that both you and the secret of your truancy remain safe, and I also will pledge that your gown gets the very best attention. The good woman I lodge with is a seamstress. She’ll know what to do.”
    Lissa slanted a dubious look at him as they began walking, and he laughed. “You are the suspicious type, aren’t you? But of course, to be alone with any gentleman must be highly distressing. Don’t worry, no one will recognize you with such a dirty face.”
    Lissa liked his easy-natured humor but she was wary, too. “Without wishing to be rude, Mr. Tunley, I haven’t met many people who don’t expect to be more than handsomely rewarded for doing one the slightest good turn. Might I just warn you that while I’m very grateful you’ve rescued me, I will also be saying a very firm goodbye when you deposit me at the garden gate.”
    “You do speak your mind—and I like that in a young lady!” He raised his hands and took a quick sidestep, wearing an expression of mock alarm. “I assure you, Miss Hazlett, my first impulse is to help you. Though would it be such a terrible thing to further our acquaintance? Once you’re inside
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