Page 62 of A Remarkable Rogue

“Good afternoon.” Her voice was as quiet and unremarkable as the rest of her. Finishing her smile, she curtsied. “I’m Miss Jenner, Robert’s governess. Welcome to Oakwood Manor, Lady Rowland.”

Sydney returned the greeting with a faint nod and an awkward smile. She’d always felt uncomfortable with the formalities her courtesy title brought, borne as it was on the back of a marriage she had loathed and dearly paid for. “Thank you, Miss Jenner. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

The woman’s eyes drifted to Nate.

“Captain Reed,” Sydney said as he stepped forward, “may I introduce you to Miss Caroline Jenner, Robert’s governess. Miss Jenner, this is Captain Nate Reed.” She searched for the proper way to describe him. “My…escort.”

He made no visible reaction to that except for a polite incline of his head to Miss Jenner.

“I hope we’re not inconveniencing the household by arriving without notice,” Sydney apologized. “I regret that we were unable to send word ahead.”

Miss Jenner smiled that away. “Not at all, my lady. We’re delighted at your visit. Will you also be staying with us, then?”

Sydney nodded. “But only—”

“Yes, we will,” Nate interrupted quickly and touched a hand lightly to her arm to silence her.

Sydney’s throat tightened. He didn’t trust the staff enough to inform them that they would be leaving at dawn and taking Robert with them. Not even Miss Jenner.

“I’ll ask Mrs. Larkin to prepare rooms for you,” Miss Jenner said. “And how long will you be staying at Oakwood, ma’am?”

An honest question asked only so that the cook and housekeeper could make plans. But Sydney had no idea how to answer and darted her gaze to Nate for rescue.

“Most likely only for the sennight, if that’s no trouble.” Nate gave her one of his most charming smiles. “Oakwood was along our route from London, and it offered a more accommodating stay than an inn. Lady Rowland thought it would be prudent to take time to inspect the property while we’re here.”

Miss Jenner nodded. “Of course.”

But what else would the little governess say? Her manners were too proper to comment upon the peculiar circumstances of her employer’s unexpected visit in a rented carriage with a soldier, no less, and without so much as a maid accompanying them. Or luggage.

“We’ll make certain your stay is comfortable.” Miss Jenner hesitated, barely a pause at all, but Sydney noticed. “There’s a wonderful dressmaker and tailor in the village, ma’am. If you’re in need of anything during your stay, I’m certain they’ll be able to provide it. A general mercantile, too, should you or Captain Reed want anything that we don’t have here at Oakwood.”

“Thank you,” Sydney sighed out gratefully. She liked this woman. Miss Jenner was sharp and paid attention to details, yet a pleasantness exuded from her despite her well-guarded answers.

The governess hesitated again, and this time a troubled frown finally cracked her carefully held countenance. “Forgive me, but I wasn’t expecting— Is something wrong with Oakwood, my lady?”

“No, of course not. You’re doing a fine job here, by all appearances.” Sydney glanced quickly at Nate, shaking her head more forcefully than she intended and certain her cheeks had paled. “We were just…traveling from London because…because…”

“Because Lady Rowland has business in Birmingham at one of her parents’ mills that requires her attention,” Nate interjected smoothly. “We weren’t intending to stay here, but this afternoon, when she noticed how close we would be, I suggested we stop.”

Sydney nodded, knowing to play along. “Yes.” She forced a smile to cover the lie. “We thought it would be nice to—”

“Miss Jenner!” a young voice shouted from the hallway, followed by the thumping of running feet. “Miss Jenner, where are you?”

The air ripped from Sydney’s lungs, and her heart lurched into her throat. She wasn’t ready for this! She hadn’t given herself time to prepare or to—

The door flung open, and a small boy ran inside.

Robert.

Eighteen

Nate’s gaze flew to Sydney’s face. She’d gone instantly white as the young boy burst into the room with all the subtlety of a cavalry charge. She stiffened as he bounced toward them. Her hand flew to the gold locket at her throat, her eyes widening with… Good Lord, was thatfear?

“Walk, please,” Miss Jenner scolded gently, and the boy immediately slowed. “Remember what I told you. A gentleman never runs inside the house.”

“Yes, miss.” He nodded automatically, obviously having heard the admonishment several times before. Even though he’d slowed, he still came at a half-trotting walk, and excitement over the news that Oakwood had visitors glowed on his face. From what Nate had gathered, he and Sydney were the first official visitors Oakwood had ever had.

The boy’s attention landed on Sydney, and he frowned. “Hello…”