Page 23 of The Governess and the Rogue

“Because there is one,” he said. “That’s how perfect of a solution this would be.”

She forced herself to meet his eyes. Speaking of perfect…

“You’re forgetting the most important thing,” she said.

“I don’t think so. We’ve covered my safety and yours, arrangements for the remainder of the voyage, our amicable breakup, and my finding you respectable employment. As to money, you need have no concern on that score. I’m comfortably enough off to reimburse the Dimsdales for your passage and anything else they⁠—”

“It isn’t money,” Bea said. “It’s Hannah.”

* * *

Jack blinked. “What?”

“Hannah,” she enunciated as though he hadn’t heard her properly. “The lady who wrote the letter you’re constantly rereading.”

Jack stared at her in dawning understanding. “Ah.” His mouth tipped at one corner. “That Hannah.”

“Quite,” Bea said briskly. “I don’t know about her, but if I were your sweetheart, I wouldn’t appreciate you pretending to be engaged to some ramshackle stranger you’d met on a sea voyage.”

“You’ll find that Hannah is quite understanding.”

“Not about this, surely.”

“Even about this,” Jack said. “And even after being married to my oldest brother for the past fourteen years. James has no sense of humor himself. I’m amazed he hasn’t rubbed off on her.”

Bea’s jaw went slack. “Do you mean to say that Hannah is your⁠—”

“My sister-in-law,” Jack said. “Hannah Beresford, Viscountess St. Clare. She’s a capital correspondent.”

Bea collected herself with admirable swiftness, but not before Jack spied a glint of relief in her face.

It heartened him.

The fact that she was relieved to discover that he was free of entanglements meant she was considering his proposal.

Or rather, his plan.

Because it wasn’t an actual proposal. Heaven forbid. Jack had never proposed to a girl in his life. And he didn’t intend to start now, with a little sparrow of a starchy governess. No matter how fine her eyes.

“We’re actually related twice over,” he continued as casually as if they were discussing the weather. “My little sister, Kate, is married to Hannah’s older brother, Charles Heywood. As for myself—” He smiled again. “I have no sweetheart.”

“Don’t you?”

“Not that I’m aware of. I’m a lone wolf, me. Always have been. So, you see… There’s nothing on that score that would prevent us from moving forward with our plan.”

“Your plan,” Bea said. “I’m far too old for such a childish prank.”

“I’m not,” Jack said frankly. “Not if it serves.”

“And you truly believe it will?”

“I do. Indeed, I’m rather impressed at the way it all comes together. Nothing will be left to chance. Nothing can go wrong.”

“Famous last words,” Bea muttered. She abruptly stood. “I’m afraid my answer is no.”

Jack was at once on his feet. He felt an inexplicable surge of panic. “Don’t say that.”

“You’ll be grateful I did in the morning. The whole idea is madness. The mere suggestion of it would send the entire ship into a frenzy.”