My hand dropped from my neck and I straightened. Was she after me too? I blinked at the idea of Miss Lewis scheming to marry a man with a title and money. Was the position as governess a guise to get closer to me? Is that why she had pushed to be a companion with more privileges? Had she staged the boat scene? Is that why she foolishly launched herselfat me? She had brought a maid with her . . . no real governess would do that.
I dug my hand through my hair. Good heavens, could I hear myself? I was suspicious of everyone after Mary Anne and my attack. Miss Lewis was harmless. Hadn’t I decided that the night I had found her in the larder? If she was trying to beguile me, then why would she act standoffish instead of taking every opportunity to throw herself at me? Not to mention it was a horrible scheme, and the odds of success were so poor that I doubted anyone would think of it. But what if she had been sent by my enemies to spy on me . . .
“Lord Camden?” I met Mr. Briggs’s concerned gaze. “Are you sure you are well?”
I slowly smoothed my hair and lowered my hand. “Perfectly,” I lied. In all actuality, I was perfectly confused. I doubted my doubts and was certain everyone was against me. Was Miss Lewis someone I could trust or not?
Chapter 15
Estelle
Ashort history lesson while walking the perimeter of the garden had been the perfect way to pass the time. Augusta seemed to enjoy the stories I told of past kings and queens and the various wars that shaped our country. Her attention did not wander the entire walk.
“I suppose that can be enough for today,” I finished, as we weaved around the many rose bushes. Rosemont gardens were full of their namesake, and I could see why Augusta could spend hours out of doors here.
“I am almost sorry for the lesson to end,” Augusta said, smoothing the white fur of her pet rabbit in her arms. “You must know, that does not happen often. You have an excellent storytelling voice. There is something lyrical about the tone.”
“Oh?” I teased. “Such flattery will get you everywhere with me.”
Augusta laughed. “I am in earnest. I cannot help but listen to every word. Mother will be delighted to hear you managed to teach me something after all.”
I raised one brow. “Many somethings, I hope.” We reached the side yard in time to see a carriage pull away from the front of the house. I followed its course with my eyes. “I did not realize your family had guests.”
Augusta shrugged. “Is he really a guest when he comes so often?”
“Who is he?” I asked, continuing our leisurely pace toward the back of the house.
“Our solicitor, Mr. Briggs. Atlas spends long hours in his office with him. I cannot imagine what they could possibly have to talk about for so long.”
“Could it be the secret business your mother referred to?” I should not have voiced my speculations, but Augusta was such easy company that sometimes I forgot my place.
Augusta smirked. “You have been here a week and already you are intrigued by my brother. Are you dishonoring the memory of the other man you daydream about?”
I wrinkled my nose. “I am intrigued by your brother’s business . . . whatever it is.”
Augusta gave me a wry look. “I cannot say anything about that, but if you want to talk about Atlas himself, I do know a few points on that topic.”
I scoffed. “Why would you assume I fancy him?”
Augusta met my glare with a pointed one of her own. “I noticed he flusters you.”
“Me?” My hand flew to my hip. I did not think she could be as vexing as her brother, despite the stories stating otherwise. I hoped she did not make me change my good opinion of her.
“Yes, you,” she reiterated, smoothing the rabbit’s ears and smiling like a mischievous cat. “And if you were to like him, I would not mind. Only, I must warn you. He is a charming man, and you will be one of hundreds who have fallen for him. Not to mention he set his eyes on Miss Klein years ago. She is the daughter of Lord Hurst, a baron whose estate is not ten miles from here.”
“Are they engaged?” The question fell from my lips, but I found I did not want to take it back. I wanted to know. For curiosity alone, of course.
“Not yet.” Augusta raised the rabbit in her hands, pushing her face into the soft fur. “Nothing has been the same since his accident. Indeed, I have not seen him renew his affection these past six months. He’s changed in other ways too. I worry for him.”
“Perhaps he needs more time.” I felt the same way about my own struggles. Six months had only been long enough to magnify my cowardice and doubt my decisions.
Augusta shrugged, tucking the rabbit back into the crook of her arm. “He rarely smiles. Or at least that was the truth until you arrived. I think he finds you amusing.”
I groaned. “I thought we were speaking of Miss Klein.”
“Oh yes. I wonder if his limp keeps him from asking for her hand.”
“But it is so slight.” I had noticed it a few times in passing, but he hid it well.
