Page 46 of His One and Only Lady

God save him from wanton women.

Grief had kept him from attending social affairs for three years, and before that, he’d only had eyes for his wife.

Theran turned his mouth downward in distaste.

Even before he’d married, trysts with married women had never appealed. They did even less now that he’d experienced the joys of matrimony. Marriage vows were sacred and not to be disregarded at the slightest whim or wave of lust.

Ah, there was Purity with her back to him, sitting with his aunt and uncle not far from where Bernadine enjoyed her luncheon. She’d angled herself to observe Bernadine but still permit his daughter a degree of independence.

He permitted himself a moment’s lazy contemplation as he closed the distance.

What was it about this woman that beckoned him?

Purity looked nothing like Imogene except her green eyes, and even those weren’t the same shade of green. Imogene had been just over five feet tall. Purity was several inches taller. Where Imogene’s figure had been voluptuous and generous, Purity’s womanly curves were lithe and willowy.

Purity worked for a living while Imogene had never toiled a day in her life except for activities she enjoyed. Naturally, Purity must be well-educated and likely well-read. Imogene had attended finishing school, but no one would ever have called her a bluestocking.

So what was this potent allure to the governess Theran had met a few days ago?

This appeal that stirred or perhaps awakened a dormant part of his soul?

Something undecipherable, undefinable, about Purity Mayfield whispered to his own wounded spirit.

And he’d stupidly hired her as his daughter’s governess.

Talk about a fox in the chicken coop, but he was the fox.

His aunt spotted Theran first and waved an exuberant invitation. “Theran. Do join us.”

At his aunt’s call, Purity glanced over her shoulder.

Their eyes met, and her lips swept upward before she averted her gaze in characteristic subservience.

His heart kicked into a new rhythm—perplexing and provocative.

“Well done, Theran.” Uncle Herbert offered a hearty handshake. “I thought Bardstone and his crew had you. Indeed, I did. But that surge at the end propelled you ahead to a brilliant finish. Too bad about that topple into the lake afterward.”

Everyone chuckled.

Bernadine gave him a merry wave but seemed disinclined to leave the older girls. Probably because they were spoiling her with attention.

He waved back.

His aunt’s merry gaze fairly sparkled. “I specifically asked Cook to prepare Scotch eggs and smoked salmon. I know they are favorites of yours.”

“Have I told you lately that you’re my favorite aunt?” Kissing the back of her hand, Theran winked.

“Pshaw.” Aunt Melvelia slapped his forearm with her fan. “Pretty words to be sure, but as I’m your only aunt, you’ll have to do better than that.”

“She has you there, my boy,” Uncle Herbert said, casting his wife an affectionate glance.

“Miss Mayfield, why don’t you go along with Theran and fill a plate yourself?” his aunt suggested with the subtlety of a drunken kangaroo in a tiara hopping about a parlor. “You’ve not eaten yet, so diligently have you monitored Bernadine.”

“Oh, I couldn’t.” Purity shook her head and met his gaze for a second before dutifully returning her regard to Bernadine. “I’ll eat later. I’m accustomed to doing so.”

Athena had never denied herself a meal—or anything for that matter—in favor of her responsibilities to Bernadine.

“Bernadine is quite safe at the moment, Miss Mayfield. I don’t think there is any harm in you enjoying the delicious food while it is fresh.” Theran extended his hand.