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“Thank you.”
“You are most welcome. Now go, before I am tempted to abandon my gentlemanly restraint and do more than kiss you.”
Letty smiled, blinking at him as she hesitated to move. She did not know if she would really mind if he had his wicked way with her right here and now. After all, she had no parents to object. There was nobody to really be affronted by her forwardness.
Bertram seemed to sense what she was thinking and took a step back, wagging his finger. “No, no, no. If we are to do this, we shall do it the right way. Now go on and do whatever it is young newly-engaged ladies do.” His voice was mock stern and she smiled before curtsying teasingly.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
She almost skipped as she left the office, hurrying down the hall, before hesitating. Should she go back to the kitchen? Surely her cakes and pie were done by now. Minnie would have removed them from the oven.
She decided to go in search of Mrs. Haversham.
She’ll know what to do.
Taking the stairs two at a time, she made her way to the nursery. To her relief, Mrs. Haversham was sitting in the rocking chair by the window, reading to George. His face lit up as he saw her and he leapt off his bed and came to give her a hug. “Letty! Have you brought me cake?”
Letty laughed. “No, I have not.” She pouted prettily, “And I am beginning to suspect you only like me for my cakes, young man.”
He shook his head vigorously so that his curls flew every which way. “That’s not true. I like you well enough even without the cakes.”
“That is good to know. Now get back into bed or Mrs. Haversham will glare us both into an early grave.”
His twinkling laughter filled the room as he dashed back to his bed and jumped on it. “I’m not even tired,” he complained around a wide yawn.
Letty took a seat at the foot of his bed, “Yes, well, just lie back and close your eyes for five minutes. After that you can get back up again.”
“Really?” he asked, trying to perk up.
“Yes. But you have to close your eyes for the whole five minutes.”
“All right.” He yawned again and lay back down, eyes closed. Letty met Mrs. Haversham’s eyes and they both smiled. The governess resumed reading and soon, George was snoring softly.
Mrs. Haversham put the book down and gestured for Letty to follow her. She led them to their room before turning to Letty.
“What is it?”
Letty lifted an eyebrow. “How did you know something was the matter?”
Mrs. Haversham indicated all of Letty, “You are practically vibrating with it. Come now, tell me what has you so excited.”
Letty took a deep breath. “His Grace just asked me to marry him.”
The shock on Mrs. Haversham’s face was both gratifying and amusing. “What?”
“The Duke asked me to be his bride.”
Mrs. Haversham’s brow furrowed. “Are you sure?”
Letty let out a laugh. “Yes, I’m quite sure.”
Suddenly the governess’s face changed and she lit up before launching herself at Letty, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Oh, I am so happy for you! What a fairy tale!”
Letty laughed a bit uncomfortably. It did feel a little too much like a story for her liking. “Thank you.”
Mrs. Haversham stepped back with a sigh. “You must be quite pleased.”
“Well, yes, I am but also I’m terrified.” She clutched at the governess’s arm, “You have to help me.”
