Tempted by a Governess, page 3
Without knowing what she was about, he climbed the stairs to the second floor, then stopped at the small table, took out the inventory book she’d provided, a pencil, then put on gold-rimmed spectacles.
She hadn’t expected him to wear such but found them quite pleasing as they added air to his intelligence.
That was why she’d enjoyed speaking with him. He was intelligent, didn’t speak down to her, nor did he flatter her or make small talk as she’d suffered during the times that she’d been required to dine with guests in her previous employment because her employer needed an even number.
As much as she would like to simply stand there and stare up at him all afternoon, it would be rude and improper. Therefore, Katrina pulled the ledgers from the shelf beneath the counter and opened them to review the numbers, hoping that they somehow had changed since the last time she looked, and she wasn’t truly poor after all.
Unfortunately, they were still the same.
Katrina glanced up again to Lord Timothy and sent another prayer that he purchased at least half of her books.
At the tinkle of the bell above the door, Katrina glanced over to note Mr. Nesbitt. “Post has arrived, Miss Carrick.” He handed a missive to her, and she reached for funds to pay. “It was paid for fully when it was sent,” he said, to which she breathed a sigh of relief.
Katrina was almost afraid to look at the contents as the only correspondence she’d received of late was from creditors asking when a debt would be paid.
She took a deep breath, broke the seal, then unfolded the parchment and started to read. A whoosh of breath that she’d been holding escaped her lungs as she blinked and started reading again.
Miss Katrina Carrick,
My husband and I recently read your advertisement seeking a governess position. We have five nieces, who are also wards and are in need of a governess. Their ages are five through fifteen. If you are interested, and still seeking a position, please forward your qualifications, experience, and references. If we find you agreeable, we will ask to schedule an interview.
Lady Althea Ambrose, Viscountess Melcombe
Someone had read her advertisement and wanted to interview her. No, not yet, but they at least wished to inquire as to her experience.
They lived in Willanton, Northumberland, England. Northumberland wasn’t too terribly far, but she didn’t know where Willanton was located. Not that it really mattered. She’d travel nearly anywhere if it meant she had employment.
Abandoning her spot behind the counter, Katrina made her way to the loft.
Lord Timothy glanced up and stared at her over the gold rim of his glasses. “Is my time up for the day?”
She shook her head. He could stay here into the night if he wished. “I need to find the maps of England,” she explained. Her father had a book that contained maps of each county. Actually, he had several books with maps, but Katrina knew which one she needed.
After she located the tome, she set it on the table and opened it to Northumberland.
Lord Timothy joined her at the table, drawing so close that she could feel the heat radiating of him. He wasn’t touching her, but nearly. Nor was his nearness improper, but her reaction to him was with her body tingling with awareness. She’d never experienced the like.
She also pushed it aside and focused on the map.
“What are you looking for?” he asked.
“Willanton. Have you heard of it?” she asked as she glanced up and realized how truly close they were. All she need do was go up on her tiptoes and she’d be able to kiss him.
However, Lord Timothy wasn’t even looking at her, but at the book, and he was frowning. “I believe so…here it is.” She focused back on the map to where his long finger pointed. “It’s not so far from Middleton.”
“What’s in Middleton?” Katrina asked.
“I have a home there, left to me by an uncle, where I hope to establish my book shop,” he answered. “What is in Willanton?”
She glanced back up at him, warmed by his nearness. “Lady Althea Ambrose, Viscountess Melcombe, and she’s written in response to my advertisement for a governess position.” She traced the map from Willanton to Middleton. “If all progresses as we hope, I would be close enough to visit your book shop one day.” She smiled up at him.
“Yes, you would,” Lord Timothy answered almost absently staring into her eyes, then his gaze shifted lower, to her lips. In an instant, he straightened and cleared his throat before he adjusted his spectacles and turned away. “Well, there won’t be a shop if I don’t continue my inspection of the books.”
Katrina frowned. Did he not want her so close? It wasn’t as if she could visit often. It would only be possible on her free day and if she had a conveyance to borrow.
Then she realized what he’d just said. “You won’t be returning to Oxford?”
“No,” he answered with his back still toward her. “I find that I am not suited to be a tutor or a fellow.”
Lilac! Her scent was lilac and it wafted about her, but not in a heavy, cloying manner. Just light enough to be pleasant.
This was the first time Timothy had been close enough to appreciate her scent, and also admire her figure. He’d not really looked beyond her face when he’d first entered the bookshop, and he’d been intent on his meal at the coffee house and telling her of his travels, though he did note her eyes. However, when she leaned over the map just now, he was given the most delightful view of her breasts. Nothing so daring as to be able to see completely down her gown, but he appreciated the view of the angle just behind her shoulder so he could note the creamy fullness that was barely contained in her bodice. Timothy’s mouth had gone dry, and he quickly averted his gaze to the map.
He'd sensed her looking up at him but didn’t look down at her. He had stepped too close to her person and if he looked at her while she was looking up at him, he might forget himself.
She was the owner of this shop. He was purchasing the books. They would enter into a business agreement. He was not here to seduce an innocent miss.
Timothy reminded himself of all these things as he stepped away, removed his glasses then polished them with his handkerchief.
What the blazes had come over him? He was not one to be susceptible to a woman’s charms, and Miss Carrick wasn’t even attempting to charm him.
Had he been too long without a woman?
Timothy paused and thought back. He’d never really visited a brothel, at least not since his return from the Continent. As for his mistress, well…he’d let her go nearly six months ago and he hadn’t found another.
No wonder he was reacting to the nearness of Miss Carrick. Clearly, he simply needed to be bedded and all would be well. Except he was unlikely to find a light skirt in Blackrig. However, once he completed his inventory and made a purchase of the books, Timothy would then travel to Edinburgh, where he was certain to find a woman to satisfy his growing need. He’d just simply need to push aside any desire for Miss Carrick until his needs could be satisfied by one not so innocent.
Miss Carrick closed the book of maps and returned it to the shelf, then left him alone to continue reviewing the books. When he glanced down to the counter at the entry a little later, she was bent over, writing on parchment, and he could only assume she was responding to the request from Lady Melcombe.
As the loft grew dark and Miss Carrick lit lamps upon the counter, Timothy checked the time. It was nearly the dinner hour at the boarding house, and he’d wasn’t even a third of the way through the books on this floor. If he wasn’t quicker, it would be a fortnight before he completed his task.
After placing the last book on the shelf and noting where he’d left off, Timothy returned to the main floor. Miss Carrick looked up and smiled at him and placed a finger in the book she was reading so that she didn’t lose her place.
“Do you remain open much longer?” he asked.
“No. I will close up now if you are finished for the day,” she said and came around the counter.
“It’s grown dark. May I escort you to your home?” He’d need to remember not to work so late as he didn’t wish to be an inconvenience to Miss Carrick.
“That is not necessary, but I thank you,” she said as she crossed to the door.
“Is it so safe for women in Blackrig?” A woman wouldn’t dare walk about alone in the evening.
“I am home, Lord Timothy.” Then she pointed up. “My family has always lived above the book shop, and it remains my home until the end of the month.”
Did she live alone? Or perhaps she had a maid. Certainly, a miss should not live without someone to protect her.
“I’ve lived here my entire life, Lord Timothy. Except for when I was a governess, and I am perfectly safe and capable of living on my own.”
“Yes, well, if you insist.” He didn’t like it one bit, but it was none of his concern either.
“Until tomorrow, Miss Carrick.”
“Until tomorrow, Lord Timothy.”
He stepped out and then stopped. “What time do you open?”
“Ten,” she answered with a smile.
“I’ll see you then.”
After he stepped out on the walk, she closed the door behind him and turned the lock. Timothy walked away but kept looking back. The book shop was now dark, having been vacated. Then a light appeared on the second floor, and he noted a shadow cross behind a curtain.
Women lived alone all the time. Except he knew of none that did so. Even widows and spinsters had servants. Miss Carrick had no one.
She dined alone and she slept alone.
Timothy pushed lustful thoughts away before they could fully form and marched to the boarding house for dinner. He would not think of Miss Carrick again tonight and he most certainly wouldn’t think of her alone in her bed.
Chapter 5
Katrina woke in a far more positive mood than she had the day before. There was hope for employment and the books would be sold. The weight that she’d been carrying was lifting, though not totally gone. But she did feel lighter and nearly skipped down the steps to the bookshop.
As was her habit, she crossed to the McGree Coffee House where she’d eat her breakfast and prepare for the day.
Katrina ate two meals there each day: Breakfast and luncheon. She’d learned early on that it cost her less to purchase a meal than to purchase foodstuffs to keep in her kitchen at home because she didn’t eat enough and too often the foodstuffs spoiled. Also, she was a very poor cook.
She did, however, keep bread and cheese so that if she became hungry in the evening, she’d have something to sustain her until breakfast.
After she settled at the small table, Katrina took the letter she’d written yesterday and reviewed it again. There could be no mistakes and she made certain nothing was forgotten. She needed Lady Melcombe and her husband to hire her.
It contained everything that was pertinent and while she ate her breakfast, Katrina pondered if anything else should be added. Yet, they didn’t ask for anything other than qualifications, experience, and references.
How could they tell if they wished to interview her without knowing her personality?
That is what the interview was for, which was why her letter must be perfect so that they’d want to meet her.
With a sigh, Katrina settled back in her chair, sipped her tea, and looked out the window.
She just as quickly checked the time when she noted that Lord Timothy was standing outside of the book shop and glancing about as if looking for her, or someone to unlock the door.
It was a quarter past the hour, which meant she was late.
Katrina scrambled out of her seat and rushed out of the coffee house. Then turned back around and dashed back in when she realized she’d forgotten the most important missive of her life.
With an apology on her lips, Katrina was delayed in crossing as she waited for a carriage, then a wagon, and finally a horse that traveled upon the road. However, it gave her time to observe Lord Timothy as he was quite pleasant to look upon. Tall, and lean, though his shoulders were wide. He had a serious look about him, and Katrina realized that she’d not yet seen him smile. Not even when he told her of his travels to Naples.
Did he find no enjoyment?
Alden had described him as a prig, then amended his opinion to studious. Perhaps that was it. He was a serious scholar with little time for frivolity and she’d made a grave mistake of making him wait on her.
“My sincerest apologies, Lord Timothy,” she said. “I lost track of time. I promise not to let it happen again.”
He stared down at her with such an intensity in his green eyes, Katrina couldn’t tell if he was angry with her or not. His strong jaw tightened, which also caused the rest of his face to harden.
Oh, he was angry.
She quickly stepped around him and unlocked the door.
She wished he’d accept her apology or at least say something, but he was silent, which was quite unnerving.
After Miss Carrick unlocked the book shop and entered, Timothy followed. He appreciated her apology, but he was not angry. However, he’d been struck silent at the sight of her. Of the way she darted across the street once it was safe to do so, with the wind pressing the lavender dress against her body, so that he could see the outline of her perfect figure. It was February, and hardly warm enough to go without a cloak, yet she didn’t wear one.
Her cheeks were flushed to a lovely red, because of the cold no doubt, and honey-colored curls framed her face, having come free from the messy chignon at the back of her head.
Miss Carrick was certainly without a maid, or she’d not appear so disheveled two days in a row
As much as Timothy wanted to fault her appearance, he could not. She was a beauty, and she was desirable. However, he was not here to court her, nor was he in a position to court anyone, and must remember that fact. Just because Miss Carrick was all that was tempting, did not mean he could in any way give in to that temptation. Therefore, he walked past her and up the stairs to where he continued reviewing the books, making notations in the ledger, and hoping that he could put her from his mind.
Even though she was quiet, he could sense her at the counter below. When he glanced, she was reading, but when he turned away, it was almost as if he could feel her watching him.
Miss Carrick had only left once, and that was to post her response to the inquiry from Lord and Lady Melcombe. He did hope she attained the position given she would otherwise be on her own, and without a home. However, she wouldn’t be completely destitute as she had cousins who did care and would take her in.
The reminder did bring some relief, however, they still allowed her to remain here and live alone above a book shop and had been doing so for a year. If he had a cousin the age of Miss Carrick, he’d not allow her to live as such. It was far too dangerous and left her vulnerable, even in a small village like Blackrig.
“It’s time for luncheon, Lord Timothy,” she called up.
He pulled the watch from his pocket and noted that it was nearly one.
“I’m going across the street if you would care to join me.”
He should have a light meal before he continued through the afternoon. “Thank you,” he called down. “I’ll be with you in a moment.” He marked the book he had just reviewed in the ledger, then placed it on the bookshelf, but on its side so that he’d know where he had stopped. With any luck, he’d be done with this level of books sometime tomorrow.
She waited for him by the door as he came down the stairs. “Do you not have a cloak?” he asked.
“It’s not so cold, especially when the distance isn’t far.”
He was cold, but Timothy decided not to argue with her because she most definitely was of an independent nature.
After they crossed the street, Katrina found a table and he followed. Once they requested their meal and tea was set before him, Miss Carrick leaned in. “Yesterday you told me of Naples. Now tell me all about Rome.
He did so, and therefore established their pattern. The following day he told her of Florence and the opportunity to view Michaelangelo’s David, climbing to the top of the Duomo, crossing Pont Vecchio, of the museums, churches, and food. And on the next day, he told her of Venice and of the canals, St. Marks’ Square, the opera, the museums, the art, and how his brother, Oliver, who had an interest in all things architectural, found himself so fascinated with how gondolas were built, that he spent much of his time learning the design so he could build one when he returned home.
And so it continued over the days with Timothy inventorying the books each morning and afternoon. Then they’d share lunch and he’d describe the remaining cities of Vienna, Brussels, and Amsterdam. But, only one city a day as Miss Carrick wanted to take it all in. Therefore, it took a sennight of luncheons before she learned the whole of his travels. Or the parts that he could tell a miss.
She was quite enthralled, and Timothy wished that his students had been even half as enthused as Miss Carrick was in what he was telling them, then he might not have been discouraged and resigned.
Yet, there was something that warmed him with the way she’d watch and listen as if he had something very important to say. She did not consider him dull, though anyone else may have. It made him wish that he’d traveled to other cities so that he could tell her about them, and then answer questions, and to talk of the wonders of ancient history.
Their conversations were long, and he truly enjoyed talking with her. It wasn’t just because he was flattered that she had an interest in what he had to say, but she was the first woman with whom he had ever wished to discuss matters in depth. Such was foreign in London, but here in a small village in Scotland, he found a woman who could be a friend.
Timothy didn’t dare think of her as anything else as it would not be prudent.
Her lips may tempt him each time she spoke, but one did not kiss a miss, no matter how much he wished to, without an offer of courtship, which would mean he was considering marriage. As he was not in a position to take a wife, his desires must be ignored, and he must think of her only as a friend. A beautiful, intelligent, curious, and delightful friend. But a friend only.
