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The question of whether she’d remain Bernadine’s governess after the house party was moot. She’d just have to prove herself and convince Theran that not only was she qualified, but she was also a good fit for Bernadine.

Purity studied the slumbering child. Cheeks flushed and mouth parted, Bernadine dreamed on.

Somehow, she needed to persuade the imp that she couldn’t be her mother. However, that might be easier said than done. Once a notion took root in a child’s head, particularly a bright, strong-willed child, extricating that idea might take a while.

While the conveyance trundled along, Purity poured herself a half glass of lukewarm water. Regardless, it quenched her thirst and refreshed her a jot as well. Lady Mumford had sent along a basket with enough food and beverages to feed them for a week. She’d also confided that she’d asked Lady Ceddes to send Purity’s possessions to Mottford Hall. When they arrived, the Countess of Mumford promised to have them delivered to Trenthurst House.

A wry smile tipped up the edges of Purity’s mouth.

If she were still there.

Her belongings might well follow her from house to house to house. It was a good thing she’d packed for a month-long house party.

The coach slowed to a jerky stop, and she leaned forward to see out the window.

A lush green field dotted with black-faced sheared sheep greeted her on the right. Lining the road to the left stood a towering grove of gnarled oaks, behind which marched a dry-stone fence. The most curious-looking cattle—black except for a white band around their middles—milled about a stream burbling through the partially shaded meadow.

Why had the coach halted?

They’d changed the team of horses an hour before, and both she and Bernadine, after sampling the delicious foods in the basket, had frequented the necessary behind the rustic inn. That part of traveling Purity could well do without.

The coach door swung open, and a blast of welcome fresh air billowed inside.

Bliss.

Theran poked his head through the opening and slanted his mouth into a disarming smile. With a fond glance at his slumbering daughter, he removed his jacket.

“I’ll sit beside you. I don’t wish to waken Bernadine just yet.”

Purity dutifully gathered her belongings and placed them on her lap with her reticule.

“We’ll be at Trenthurst House within the quarter-hour,” he said, folding onto the bench beside Purity. At once, the warmth of his body radiated to her.

He smelled of horse, sunlight, and slightly of sweat. After laying his jacket and hat near Bernadine’s feet, he said, “I thought it prudent to tell you a little about my family before we arrive.”

“That’s considerate of you.” Purity was curious about what to expect. Surely they’d be surprised Miss Sommerville wasn’t the governess any longer.

Purity had gone off pell-mell with a man she’d only met a few days before, and their initial meeting had not been cordial. Well, that wasn’t precisely true. Sparks hadn’t flown until the tense discussion in his aunt’s salon.

With a knuckle to the roof to notify the drivers to resume the journey, Theran stretched his long legs out until his dusty Hessians touched the other side.

Purity tried not to notice their sinuous, muscular length covered in fawn pantaloons. She wasn’t in the habit of noticing men’s physiques, yet from the moment she’d first laid eyes upon Theran approaching on the Mumfords’ lawns, she’d noted every detail of his form.

The coach lurched into motion once more, and she fixed her attention on her lap.

Without asking permission, Theran untied his cravat, leaving it hanging from his neck, and unbuttoned his claret and gold waistcoat.

Not a man to stand on formalities, was he?

She couldn’t blame him. Inside the coach was sweltering.

In truth, Purity liked that he was comfortable enough to relax around her.

“I’m the youngest of three, all boys. Jordan is the eldest and heir to the Trentchard Viscountcy when our grandfather passes, as Father died eight years ago. Jordan and his wife, Violetta, have two boys: Jeffrey, six; and Landon, four. And now, of course, the new babe.”

He frowned then raked his fingers through his damp hair, leaving it slightly tousled. “Mother didn’t mention her name.”

“Many babes come into the world early and go on to thrive.” Purity hoped to encourage him that all was not lost.