The Governess Club: Bonnie Read Online Free Page B

them from blowing away in the breeze.
    Good Lord, he could almost see it. The stockings protected in the nearby shoes, her naked feet dangling in the water, her skirts raised to keep them from getting wet, exposing her trim ankles. The clear water would do nothing to hide either her feet or her ankles and Stephen found himself staring unabashedly at something that wasn’t even there. He stared at the empty water, imagining exactly what Miss Hodges’ ankles would look like. They would be trim, they would be bonny, they would—
    Thankfully, a passing cart made enough noise to break him out of this ridiculously schoolboy moment. Inhaling deeply through his nose, Stephen left the swimming area and made his way back for a closer look at the ruins.

 

C HAPTER S IX
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    D earest Claire,
    I have to admit, I am not surprised that Mr. Knightly insisted so strongly on a short engagement. Did he actually show you the special license with the vicar standing right there? And over breakfast? I am gratified to know that you stood firm and insisted on waiting for morning lessons to be completed before any vows were spoken.
    I do hope that wedded bliss and the happiness of the recently wed softens your reaction to what I am about to say. I know I promised to come to Ridgestone once the guardian arrived, but I must beg the Governess Club’s patience. Sir Stephen Montgomery arrived eight days ago, yet I still do not feel the situation frees me to leave.
    I know it is not my place to say so, but I am worried about his ability to be an adequate guardian to the children. Since his arrival, he has shown little to no interest in the boys, unless they find themselves standing before him, which is rare. Sir Stephen spends his time either in the study, mainly with Mr. Renard, or on his horse, riding the estate. The only indications that the guardian has taken control of the household is the increase of servants and the paying of wages owed. I have already deposited my belated percentage into the joint account.
    Claire, he is so remote. Stern, silent, and awkward, so unlike the guardian I expected Viscount Darrow to appoint. Wouldn’t he want someone more like himself? They had been friends since school, but I cannot see it. I have seen him laugh only once. On his first day here, he returned from a ride with a piece of the ruined bridge; it remains in the study. The following day he met with Mr. Burdis for nearly two hours. When the butler left the study, he looked as though he had withstood an interrogation at the Tower of London.
    Based on this, I cannot leave. I cannot leave Henry and Arthur with a distant stranger. This goes beyond duty and I am sure you can relate. I care for Henry and Arthur. And I am all they have right now. I must remain. My conscience and my affection demand it.
    Please do not be angry with me. My intentions to come to Ridgestone remain unaltered, just the timeline in which I see myself joining you. I know Sara will understand, but I am counting on your level head to keep Louisa calm. She is bound to react poorly. Appeal to her compassion; what woman would leave children in such a situation?
    I do expect this letter to reach you before you leave for your wedding trip to Scotland, so I wish you a happy and safe journey. Sir Stephen is from Scotland; did I mention that? His brogue is not very thick, but it is there, so I suspect he is from somewhere in the Lowlands. But I digress. If this letter happens to reach you after your trip, I hope you had a memorable time and either way, I look forward to hearing all about it.
    With all my love,
    Bonnie

 

C HAPTER S EVEN
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    S tephen leaned his elbows on the desk, rested his forehead against his fingers, and rubbed. He could not remember the last time his eyes and head ached in such synchronicity. For nine days, Renard had been pushing ledger after account after letter after bill under his eyes. Stephen considered himself a decently observant man, but even he could not