Gambling for the Governess: A Victorian Romance (The Seven Curses of London Book 9)

by Lana Williams

  “I have no idea, but we can certainly look for one.”

  The children bounded down the steps, chatting about what fossil they might like to find. She’d already ordered the carriage, and within a short time, they were driving toward the park.

  In truth, it was a relief to escape Miss Singh’s frequent visits to the schoolroom. Amelia didn’t care for the way the woman watched her so closely. Did she hope to catch her doing something wrong? Mistreating the children? Amelia had no idea, and her attempts to befriend Miss Singh had failed thus far. Lady Beaumont and she appeared to have become fast friends though they’d only known each other a short time. The situation was a puzzle she couldn’t seem to solve.

  Amelia hadn’t seen Christopher or the earl. The best she could hope for was to try to tell Christopher the truth the next time she saw him. In the meantime, she intended to do all she could to prove she was an excellent governess, regardless of her lack of experience.

  They alighted at the park, and the driver agreed to pick them up in two hours unless it started raining. The children skipped ahead of her, and she quickened her pace to keep up.

  Her steps slowed as the children led her down a walkway lined with beautiful flower beds as well as benches on which to rest. They continued past the botanical gardens toward the rest of the park, which was even larger than she expected. It amazed her that such a wonderful place existed in the middle of the city. With rolling hills and copses of trees and bushes, walking through it made her feel as if she were in the country.

  “May we watch the black swans on the lake?” Charlotte asked.

  “I look forward to it.”

  They walked a little farther to watch the swans glide effortlessly on the lake. The sight held the children’s attention for longer than she expected, allowing her to enjoy it as well.

  Based on the number of governesses with their charges roaming the area, she wasn’t the only one with an outing in mind. She nodded at some, pleased by the feeling of belonging that came over her. Though her position was far from secure, she released the worry for the day.

  She kept a close eye on Ronald to make certain he didn’t wander too far. When he stopped to watch some of the other boys run with their hoops, she called him and Charlotte together to have them select a tree they wanted to know more about.

  “We’ll research our samples when we return to the house to determine what types of trees these are.”

  Charlotte nodded with enthusiasm though Ronald frowned as if undecided whether that would be enjoyable.

  They collected a sample of the bark as well as a leaf from the tree. Then they found another tree and did the same.

  “Now let us search for some interesting rocks to collect,” Amelia suggested as she placed the items in the small bag she’d brought.

  “What about the fossils?” Ronald asked.

  “While you are looking for rocks, pay special attention to any unusual ones. They might be fossils.”

  Ronald hurried ahead, his gaze firmly on the ground.

  “Do you really think we’ll find any?” Charlotte asked, her voice low to avoid Ronald hearing.

  “I don’t know, but it will keep your brother busy for a little while.” She shared a smile with the girl as she smoothed her long hair.

  With each day that passed, her affection for the children grew. How fortunate she was to be able to care for these two. She didn’t understand why the previous two governesses hadn’t worked out. Ronald had insisted they had no sense of humor while Charlotte had said they had too many rules.

  In her opinion, now was not the time to enforce rules and insist on structure. Not with the loss of their parents still weighing on them.

  Charlotte reached for Amelia’s hand and held it as they walked, making Amelia’s heart squeeze. She didn’t realize how much such sweet gestures meant until she experienced them. Her own mother was kind but rarely affectionate. Nor had her father been. But the children enjoyed an occasional hug. Such gestures were coming more frequently as the children came to know her.

  “I miss Mother,” Charlotte whispered as they walked along while Ronald continued to search the ground ahead of them.

  “I’m sure you do,” Amelia said, wishing she knew of some way to ease her grief.

  “The other governess told us we must not speak of them.”

  “Why not?” Amelia was puzzled by the thought.

  “She said we should let the dead rest.”

  Her chest tightened as she pondered her response. She didn’t want to upset the girl, nor did she know what Christopher’s preference was on this personal topic. For now, she could only say what was in her heart. She checked to make certain Ronald wasn’t too far ahead then stopped to look Charlotte in the eye. “I think your mother and father would like you to think and speak of them. It’s one way to make certain you never forget them and the special moments you shared.”

  Charlotte nodded solemnly, suggesting she was relieved at Amelia’s words.

  “What do you remember best about your mother?” Amelia asked as they continued to walk.

  Charlotte bit her lip as if considering the question carefully. “I miss her hugs and how she used to tuck us in at night when she was dressed in a pretty gown for a party. She looked like an angel.”

  Amelia smiled. “Those are lovely memories. I’m so glad you’ll always have her in your heart.”

  “So am I,” Charlotte said. She glanced over at her brother who was still occupied with his search. “Ronald worries because he can’t remember what she looks like.”

  Amelia’s heart tugged. “Perhaps we should see if your uncle has an image of her somewhere that we could keep in the schoolroom.”

  Charlotte’s eyes widened. “That is a splendid idea.”

  “Don’t mention it to your brother until we know if we can find a picture. We wouldn’t want to disappoint him.”

  Charlotte nodded. “Do you miss your father?”

  “Yes, I do. I miss the way he smelled of bay rum and the way his eyes twinkled when he told me something funny. Sometimes, when something happens that I wish I could share with him, my heart hurts.” She glanced down at the little girl, hoping she understood.

  “Yes,” Charlotte said. “I know just what you mean.” She gave Amelia’s hand an extra squeeze.

  “Thank you for asking.” The girl’s thoughtfulness never failed to surprise her.

  Charlotte smiled. “You’re welcome.” Then with the quicksilver mood changes to which Amelia was becoming accustomed, she released Amelia’s hand to skip ahead to join her brother’s search.

  Did Christopher realize how much Charlotte and Ronald missed their parents? Perhaps she could ask him to share a memory with the children. She’d been so concerned with how to tell him about her lack of experience, she’d nearly forgotten about his intent to send her and the children to the country.

  If she managed to keep her position once the truth was revealed, she would do all in her power to convince him to allow the children to stay with him and the earl. Though her growing feelings for him would make staying more difficult, the children needed him. How could she convince him of that?

  Chapter Nine

  “Of all manner of advertising betting gamblers, none are so pernicious, or work such lamentable evil against society, as those who, with devilish cunning, appeal to the young and inexperienced—the factory lad and the youth of the counting-house or the shop.”

  ~The Seven Curses of London

  Christopher looked up from the additional papers of Edward’s that the marquess had provided when a light knock sounded on his library door. “Enter.”

  Ronald peeked around the edge. “Good day, Uncle.”

  Christopher set down the papers and smiled, delighted by his visitor. “Good day, Ronald. Do come in.”

  The boy glanced over his shoulder then hurried forward with his sister directly behind him. “We wanted to speak to you.”

  “Oh?” He pushed back from his desk, wonderin
g what was on the children’s minds. The last time they’d had a conversation like this, they’d advised him they didn’t care for their governess. Alarm flooded him at the idea of sending Amelia away, surprising him with its intensity. The sensation made him realize how much he already cared for her.

  The two stood before his chair, their expressions serious. “We want to keep her,” Ronald said.

  “Please, Uncle,” Charlotte added. “We both adore Miss Tippin. She’s the best governess we’ve had.”

  “I’m happy to hear that,” Christopher said, wondering at the reason behind this conversation.

  “Grandfather mentioned that her ‘trial’ will soon be over,” Charlotte continued.

  “We don’t know what that means, but we wanted to tell you how we felt before it ends,” Ronald added.

  “I appreciate your opinion.” Relief filled him. He didn’t care for the thought of Amelia leaving either. In truth, he’d almost forgotten about the trial period of three weeks. “Does that mean you’re enjoying her lessons?”

  Ronald scowled. “I can’t say I care for spelling, but she does her best to make it fun.”

  Charlotte elbowed her brother. “She makes everything fun, right?” She gave Ronald a pointed look.

  “Oh. Yes. Right.” The boy nodded enthusiastically, an errant lock of hair at the back of his head bobbing. “She makes everything fun.”

  “I’m pleased to hear that.” Christopher did his best to hide a smile. “Are you learning new things?”

  “Every day,” Charlotte said.

  “Tell me something you recently learned.”

  “We went exploring in the park yesterday. Did you know that birch and foxglove trees grow there?” Charlotte asked with a superior tone that reminded him of her mother.

  “Did Miss Tippin tell you that?”

  “No. We brought back samples of the bark and leaves from the trees and matched them to pictures in a book. This afternoon, we’re going to draw pictures of our own.” Charlotte’s eyes lit with anticipation.

  “That sounds like an excellent test of your observation skills.”

  “Mine is going to have lichen,” Ronald announced. “Do you know what that is?”

  “Of course he knows what that is,” Charlotte admonished her brother.

  “We’re to ask if we may please borrow your globe,” Ronald said after scowling at his sister.

  “Absolutely.” A knock on the door prevented him from asking any further questions. “Enter.”

  Amelia opened the door and glanced at the children. “Are you bothering your uncle? You were to request use of his globe and return to the schoolroom.”

  Christopher drank in the sight of her. More than two days had passed since he’d had a moment to speak with her, to see her. Now he realized that had been far too long. Though her appearance was much the same—a grey gown, hair drawn back, hands folded before her—something was different.

  Charlotte stepped toward the globe at the reminder of their purpose.

  “We weren’t bothering him,” Ronald insisted before looking back at Christopher. “Were we, Uncle?”

  “No bother at all,” Christopher said. “I always enjoy seeing you.” He couldn’t help that his gaze returned to Amelia as he spoke.

  She took several steps into the room. “I’m pleased to hear that, but I expected you to return several minutes ago.”

  Christopher felt the weight of the children’s gazes as they looked at him. He rose and stepped around his desk, placing a hand on Ronald’s shoulder. “My apologies, Miss Tippin. I was asking them how their lessons were coming.”

  “Oh?” Wariness fell over her expression.

  That was it, he realized. She’d appeared confident before he mentioned the topic of his conversation with the children. Surely, she didn’t think he was questioning her or what she chose to teach. “They were telling me of your outing to the park.”

  The wariness eased, and she moved closer. “We enjoyed it very much, didn’t we children?”

  Both nodded in agreement.

  “That’s what they told me. Do you intend to go again?”

  “I believe we shall.” She looked at Charlotte and Ronald as if to see if they agreed.

  Again, the children nodded.

  “We don’t go there to walk,” Ronald informed him. “We go there to explore.”

  Once again, Christopher had difficulty containing his smile. He knelt beside Ronald to meet his gaze. “Exploring is much more enjoyable, wouldn’t you agree?”

  “Yes. Exploring is walking with a purpose,” the boy told him.

  Christopher’s gaze met Amelia’s and noted she was also having a problem hiding her smile.

  “What else did you find on your exploration?” Christopher asked as he reached out to take Charlotte’s hand.

  “We collected rock specimens,” his niece advised him with a superior tone he found highly amusing.

  “I look forward to seeing those.”

  “We only kept the special ones,” she replied. “We looked for fossils too, but we didn’t find any.”

  “Perhaps if Miss Tippin would like, you could visit the Zoological Gardens at Regent’s Park.” He glanced at her in question.

  Her eyes widened in surprise. “That would certainly be a treat.”

  Christopher frowned. “Haven’t you ever been? I would’ve thought that to be a common outing for governesses and their charges. A good way to combine fresh air and a lesson.”

  The excitement in her eyes dimmed at his question, as if reluctant to respond. “I haven’t yet had the pleasure, but I understand it’s an experience not to be missed.”

  “The children have been before. However, I haven’t either,” Christopher said. “Would they be so kind as to give us a tour?” He glanced at the children, smiling as Ronald bounced on his toes in excitement.

  “You would come with us?” Charlotte asked, eyes wide with anticipation.

  Christopher straightened as he looked at Amelia. “If Miss Tippin approves of the outing, I would enjoy accompanying you.”

  “That would be delightful. Perhaps we can determine the date once you’ve had a chance to consult your schedule.” The hint of color in her cheeks pleased him, and when her gaze caught on his, awareness sizzled along his spine.

  What was he to do about his growing attraction to this woman?

  “Now then, we’ve taken enough of your uncle’s time,” she said.

  Charlotte took the globe from his desk then glanced at Amelia. “Shall we take it upstairs?”

  “Yes, please. I’ll be up in a moment.” She watched the children leave the room with their burden, then faced Christopher. “I wanted to let you know how much the children enjoy your company. Offering to accompany us to the zoo is a wonderful idea. Thank you for suggesting it.”

  “My pleasure. I look forward to it.” He studied her closely, pleased at the awareness in her eyes. Perhaps he wasn’t the only one who felt it. He enjoyed spending time with the children, but he also looked forward to being with Amelia. “I wonder if you might be available for dinner this evening. I would like an update on the children. We could also discuss the timing of the trip to the zoo.”

  Did the excuse sound as weak as it felt? He did want an update on the children, but he also wanted to spend time with Amelia. He decided against telling her that his aunt and her friend were otherwise engaged for fear she wouldn’t agree.

  “Of course,” she said with a nod. “I look forward to it.”

  He watched as she departed, closing the door behind her.

  Christopher wanted Amelia to remain as the children’s governess when the trial period officially ended. She was clever in her methods of keeping them engaged. The children liked her. And she seemed to genuinely care for them.

  While he was pleased that she was becoming more comfortable in the position he still wondered at the cause of her uncertainty. Something troubled her. The question was how could he convince her to confide in him? And wh
at did he do about his growing feelings for her?

  ~*~

  Amelia stared at the clock on the wall of the schoolroom far too often throughout the remainder of the afternoon. Thoughts of the coming evening circled in her mind. Butterflies danced in her middle at the idea of spending the evening with Christopher. Her awareness of him was concerning. She had to take great care that Lady Beaumont and Miss Singh didn’t suspect her attraction during dinner.

  She’d hoped their time apart might allow her to curtail her feelings, but the days away from him hadn’t changed anything. His green eyes held her captive when she spoke with him. His smile tilted her world. His affection for the children and interest in what they did caused her heart to melt. And when he looked at her with that teasing light in his eyes, her knees went weak.

  His hair had grown a trifle longer since her arrival and her fingers itched to smooth it. He looked tired, a little frazzled. She’d had to smother the urge to comfort him. The spark of interest that had lit his eyes as he looked at her made her heart thud all the more.

  What an impossible situation this was. Her interest in him appeared to be mutual, but she couldn’t allow that to change the fact that she needed to tell him about her past.

  The last time she’d spoken to the earl about it, he’d become agitated, almost frantic about the topic. He was adamant they wait until the trial period was over, stating that by then she’d have shown her worth and her past wouldn’t matter. He’d said he wanted to prove to his son that he could be relied upon to help with things. That he was more than just the burden Christopher sometimes thought he was.

  Amelia’s heart ached for him and Christopher. How could she deny the earl’s request when so much was at stake? But she detested living with the lie for another week.

  The longer the omission went on, the bigger it became, creating a crevasse that nothing could overcome, including the truth. Yet she feared Christopher would dismiss her on the spot if she told him the truth.

  Both the earl and she would lose if that happened.

  “How does this look, Miss Tippin?” Charlotte asked.

  Amelia studied the girl’s drawing. Her version of a tree was quite clever, showing a talent for art. “Very nice, Charlotte.” She looked at Ronald. “How is your drawing coming along?”