Page 27 of His One and Only Lady

“No need to apologize, Purity.” With his thumb and forefinger, he nudged her chin until she met his gaze.

His attention dropped to her mouth, and Purity had a sudden and wholly unexpected epiphany. He wanted to kiss her.

God help her. She wanted him to. Wanted to feel that firm mouth upon hers.

His head descended an inch, and she waited, breath hitched anticipation.

A neatly folded monogrammed handkerchief appeared beneath her nose.

“You were attacked and, in truth, handled yourself with estimable aplomb and bravery.” His tenor had grown gruff as if he battled some inner force.

She blinked for a moment, chagrined and confused.

Had she misread him?

She’d not been kissed before, but every womanly instinct she possessed shouted he’d been a mere second from placing his lips upon hers.

“Thank you.” Averting her gaze, she accepted the square. After indelicately blowing her nose and drying her face, she wadded the once-crisp cloth in the palm of one hand. She’d return the handkerchief after having it laundered.

“I am grateful for your intervention.”

He gave her a cockeyed smile, and her tummy flopped over. It was her ragged nerves. Nothing more. It couldn’t be anything more.

Bending, Mr. Rutland retrieved her cloak and extended it toward her with his gaze rooted to the carpet.

Only then did Purity realize her nightshift gaped open. A humiliated gasp hissed from between her teeth as she snatched the cloak and, with a practiced flick of her wrists, was shrouded in its comforting modesty.

“I should go.” Filling her lungs with air, she met his sympathetic gaze. “Honestly, I’m surprised no one ventured into the corridor to see what the ruckus was about.”

Head canted and his gaze somber, Mr. Rutland studied her.

The candles burning low in the sconces cast enigmatic shadows over the sharp planes of his face. Now that Lord Ceddes had taken his departure, Mr. Rutland appeared remarkably unruffled by the incident.

“What will you do?” he asked in the rumbling timbre Purity had heard for the first time today but would never forget her whole life long. Something about his voice resonated deep within her spirit.

“I’m not certain.” She lifted a shoulder. She honestly didn’t know, but that had been the case half an hour ago as well. The timeline had been expedited, was all, and she most assuredly had no character reference.

“I have some savings, and a friend has already invited me for an extended stay. I’ll wait until the dust settles from this unfortunate affair before making a decision.” She flicked her fingers back and forth to indicate the kerfuffle that had just occurred. “And I shall pray and seek the Lord’s guidance.”

In a blink, Mr. Rutland’s features settled into granite lines, the sharp slash of his cheeks prominent in the dim light. His generous mouth turned downward in displeasure. Any mention of prayer or God and the man became frostier than the Highlands in January.

“I wish you well,” he said stiffly before bowing and presenting his back.

Purity remained where she was until his footfalls faded down the stairs.

“I think I can safely presume there will be no forthcoming offer of employment.”

Never mind at double the wages.

After making sure to lock her chamber door, Purity blew out the candle. Once settled upon the comfortable mattress with the counterpane pulled to her chin, she stared at the shadows dancing across the ceiling. Her earlier fright had dissipated, and one bothersome thought now plagued her.

How in the world would she explain Lord and Lady Ceddes leaving her behind like an old, discarded shoe?

Please post a notice at the usual register offices and place adverts in several prominent news sheets.

I seek a mature woman, well beyond the typical age of marriage, to act as governess for Bernadine. Applicants must possess patience and a kindly temperament and be well qualified in academia, etiquette, and decorum instruction. Proficiency in French, drawing and painting, and musical talent are desirable. The competent candidate must be willing to travel frequently.

Time is of the essence. I should like to hire the new governess prior to visiting Trenthurst House in a bit over a fortnight.