Oh… he thought she had left on a whim? That she might leave again? Of course he did. Wasn’t that how her brother had presented the facts? Her rational mind could forgive him for believing that lie. But her heart… that was another matter. Her heart screamed to tell him the truth because it couldn’t stand another moment of his cold, hard gaze. She swallowed the retort that wanted to bubble out of her.
“I have no intention of returning to Suez, Your Grace. Or, indeed, going anywhere else. I have returned to England for good.”
“I wish I could take you at your word. Alas, it has proven to be unreliable in the past.”
Only years of practice in concealing her emotions prevented her from reacting to that barb. Still, she could not prevent a small flinch.
“How could I convince you that I’m in earnest, then?”
“I need to be able to look after the child. I’ll hire a tutor—”
“A tutor? Edward is two years of age!”
“A governess then. To make sure the child is well cared for.”
How dare he!The gall, to imply she could not take good care of her nephew. That he somehow knew better. Who the hell did he think he was, coming here and interrogating her?He hadn’t even met Edward! He had not the first clue what the child needed, and yet he presumed to tell her? Wanted to place a spy in her house? Because she had no doubt that’s what this “governess” would really be.
“That is hardly necessary, Your Grace. I already employ sufficient nursemaids to care for the child, as you’ll be able to see for yourself.” She forced the words through clenched teeth.
“Ah, yes. But they are all employed by you. I need someone who would answer to me. Someone I can trust.”
The insult was deliberate. And well placed.Stay calm. She needed to stay calm. He was misguided. Misinformed. When the time was right, she would tell him the truth, then he would see the error of his ways.
“In other words, you want to place a spy in my household.”
“Call it what you will, but if you want my support, you will allow it. And I dare say, if you were desperate enough to send your solicitor to ask for my help, you really need me. So what’s it going to be, Lady Josephine?”
The way he said lady managed to make it sound like an insult. Was it only a few moments ago that her heart was galloping with tender emotions for him? Now she wanted nothing more than to smack that superior expression from his face.
“Fine, place your spy if you must. But we need to set some guidelines. I won’t have someone in my home who is hostile toward me or whose methods are not in Edward’s best interest. Present me with several suitable candidates, and we will interview them together. I’ll have the final say in whom you hire.”
He narrowed his eyes. “You are in no position to make demands.”
“These are not unreasonable requests. If I’m to have my privacy invaded, my every move reported on—”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” he interrupted her, his tone scathing. “This is not about you. I care not one whit what you do. The governess will only report on the child’s care.”
God, how much he must hate her. He must have been hurt deeply to still carry so much rage after so many years. But then again, maybe it was just his pride that had been hurt. A man’s pride was a fragile thing.
“I still would like to have a say on who you hire. Especially if she’s going to be involved in my nephew’s care.” Her heart might be bruised, but she was proud that her voice came out calm and assertive.
Their gazes clashed, dark green against blue, and she was being pulled under the hypnotic spell of those eyes. Eyes the color of the deepest forest. A refuge she wanted to run into and never emerge from. Though he snatched it away, leaving her bereft and exposed.
“Don’t think you can manipulate me, Lady Josephine.” His quiet tone held a menace that chilled her to the bone. “Your big innocent eyes might fool others, but I know better. If I catch even a hint of deceit, you’ll rue the day you crossed my path again.” With that, he turned and strode away.
What did that mean? Did he accept her request? Had she just succeeded in creating more trouble for herself? She was uncertain, but with a shaky exhale, she sank onto the nearest chair.
Whatthehellwashe doing? He had behaved like a boor. Threats? Insults? Snide remarks? He had done it all. Acted like a spurned lover. A lovesick fool.
A thrice damned fool.
Michael practically ran down the steps of the house as he called for his horse. Thankfully, it was brought back with alacrity, and he leaped onto his mount and sped down the driveway. He needed to get away from this place. Away from her.
After recovering from the shock of meeting her so unexpectedly, he planned to be cold and businesslike. That had not lasted long. She had slid under his skin, the same as before. What right did she have to look so innocent, so lovely? The role of a damsel in distress fit her to perfection. But it was just that. A role. He knew her for what she really was: A faithless bitch. He winced at the ugly epithet, shying away from it even in the privacy of his own mind. He couldn’t hate her. And he couldn’t be indifferent either.
What did that leave him? She was a superb actress, for even knowing her innocence was all an act, he still yearned to protect her. He had wanted to enfold her in his arms and be her champion, her knight in shining armor. The need was so powerful, it created an ache in his chest. Fool. Fool. Fool.
One thing was clear. If she was up to any scheme, he would uncover it. Maybe it was a good thing he had encountered her again. Twelve years ago, their story had ended abruptly and without satisfying answers. There had been no closure. Maybe that was the reason for the irrational obsession he felt toward her.
