Page 13 of In Service to the Duke

Now that my sister no longer occupies the spot and cannot inflict her noise on us, it’s time to see just how well this finishing governess can play. Motioning toward the pianoforte, I raise an eyebrow as she stands there, refusing to move. Again, in case she was unsure of my intentions, I motion toward the seat. Is she just daft? Do I have to spell everything out for her?

This will certainly bode ill for her backside and my sanity alike. As erotic as the idea of disciplining her night and day is, the lack of wits is something I will not abide. Perhaps this is the key needed to convince my mother to release her from her duties.

Then again, the last thing I want to do is cause more stress to enter her life and chance slowing down her healing. Besides, I don’t need my ‘mummy’ to take care of this problem for me. After a few sessions in my study, Miss Gillet will either leave of her own accord or I will have quelled the problem.

Either way, it is a win. Once more, I give her the chance to do this without my interference. I clear my throat and point to the seat, snapping my fingers after a few moments of her looking at me. Will I have to force her? To drag her over to the bench kicking and screaming?

Sisters or no, if I have to lay hands on her, I will smack her arse, where they both will see and learn. A smile curls my lips as I contemplate the learning opportunity about to occur. However, to ensure I am seen as fair, I command the willful omega out loud.

“You will play for me. I must ascertain your skill.”

Instead of responding to me, she instead looks at my sisters. “You see, my dears, if a man decides to take leave of his senses and order you about by means of guttural intonation or snaps of his fingers, as if you are a common animal, then the proper thing to do is just ignore him. Do not sully yourself by engaging until he is able to approach you in a far more agreeable, gentlemanly manner.”

Rage swirls through my gut as my sisters have the audacity to agree with her. They nod their heads as if she imparts such sage wisdom far beyond anything their ears have ever heard. Gritting my teeth, I pull back, not wishing to startle the two with my anger.

“Miss Gillet, you are not in a position to garner such respect. A Miss, you are, but no one would dare act as such in front of my sisters.”

“And yet,” she seethes, taking a step toward me. “You just behaved thusly in front of them. I may not be of your station, Your Grace, but I am still a woman, a human, someone who demands respect. And I will have it. If not for me, but to instruct your sisters on their worth. Now then, I will be delighted to show you my musical skills. You have but to ask me nicely.”

Her words slam into me as hard as an icy wind whipping through the trees in the dead of winter. It’s not often I feel taken aback by my actions, but she managed to bring me low. Bowing, I look over to my sisters as they watch the interaction with rapt attention.

“And that is how it is done. I hope you all have learned this lesson well that Miss Gillet and I performed for you,” I lie, saving face by making it appear as if the entire thing was orchestrated from the start.

Thankfully, Miss Gillet keeps those pretty lips closed and does not refute my words. She’s certainly smarter than I first gave her credit for. Still, though, the dance master will be here shortly, and I so desperately wish to know just how skilled her hands are.

Stifling a groan, I fist my hands at my side as my cock twitches at the thought. “Miss Gillet, if you would honor us.”

With a graceful curtsy, she drifts over to the pianoforte and strokes the keys with a gentle caress. Her touch is so light that no sound drifts forth. It’s as if she’s reacquainting herself with the instrument.

Soon, however, beautiful music seeps into the air, flooding the space with its melodious sound. She pounds away, her fingers flying as she plays a piece even I struggle with. A begrudging sense of satisfaction fills me as I watch the skill in which she plays.

If Margaret is unable to improve in this manner, it is not because of some lack on Miss Gillet’s part. Again, I slide my gaze over to the eldest sister, watching as she takes in the performance. There’s an air of desperation around her, a longing which breaks my heart.

Perhaps I’m being too hard on the girls. After all, just because they are Dowdings doesn’t mean they were born perfect and possessing every skill. Sliding over, I wrap my arm around her shoulder and give it a squeeze.

As if I bring out the sun on a dreary winter’s day, her face lights up with more joy than I’ve seen in a long time. Even Elizabeth smiles at us, her face brightening in a way I haven’t seen since Mother has taken ill. In the grand scheme of things, should I really care about such paltry skills when our mother may not be in this world for much longer?

Unfortunately, the answer is still yes. Now, more than ever, it’s imperative I find excellent matches for these girls. I need them settled in houses of their own as soon as they are able to come out. For Margaret, a year might not be long enough to prepare her.

It’s why I’m so enraged that I was not consulted as to the governess to instruct them. I should have had a hand in her employment. Yet, I’m forced to find out if she is indeed up to the task in these underhanded ways.

Easing away from Margaret, I stride back over to Miss Gillet’s side. “I suppose you possess some skill, then.”

“I suppose,” she counters, meeting my gaze with a glare of her own. “Though seeing as I am a woman with minimal means, I suppose I should take the praise of a duke and be content.” The barely leashed aggravation ripples off of her in waves.

Though the predator in me relishes in the challenge she so defiantly gives, I am, still, a duke. To be spoken to in this manner will not stand. Rising to my full height, I glower down at her.

“You seem to have taken leave of your senses to speak to me in such a willful manner. It is only for concern and love for my mother you are still even housed within these walls and not cast out into the streets.” Turning to my sisters, I study their worried expressions, using this as my own teaching opportunity. “You will await me in my study as I decide what to do with you.”

At least she seems to have good enough sense to be frightened of me. Her face pales just moments before she looks down at her hands nestled in her lap. With a gentle nod, she pulls herself away from the pianoforte and disappears into the bowels of the house.

Part of me knew I’d have her over my desk again. I just didn’t realize it would be so soon. Rolling my shoulders, I look about, irritation gathering at the base of my skull as we wait for this illusive dance master.

“Really?” Margaret chides. “Did you have to speak to her that way?”

I whirl about, pinning my sister with a glare. “And what, pray tell, would you rather me do? My station, my authority, is not to be challenged. Especially by someone like her.”

She crosses her arms and scowls at me. “Someone like who? A woman? Is that what you really wish to say?”