His Unusual Governess by Anne Herries

were not thinking of holding a dinner?’
    ‘Not for the moment. Unless, as I said, my uncle decides to visit his grandchildren. He told me he has no intention of it until Christmas, but he might change his mind.’
    ‘Yes, I can see that would change things.’ Sarah swallowed a little scrambled egg and a piece of kidney. She touched the napkin to her mouth and glanced at him. ‘Would it be rudeof me to ask why a gentleman like you would agree to be John’s mentor for six months? I should have thought you might prefer to be in town—or have business at your own estate.’
    ‘Should you?’ His brows rose. ‘I see no reason why I should answer your question, but I shall tell you that my estate is within a day’s ride should I need to visit it—and I do have agents and managers to run it for me.’
    ‘Yes, of course, but there is always some little detail needing attention, do you not find? Things that only you can decide …’ Sarah dipped her head as his eyes narrowed in suspicion. ‘My father always said he could not leave his business for long …’
    ‘I thought you said he was a mine manager?’
    ‘Yes, he was,’ Sarah agreed. ‘He was always very busy and had little time for his family. Especially after my mother died.’
    ‘Was that long ago?’
    ‘I was twelve at the time. I grew closer to my father and sometimes accompanied him on …’ She had been going to say journeys, for her father had travelled between the mine and the mills. ‘On his way to work,’ she finished lamely.
    ‘That was before you went to school?’
    ‘Yes, I had a governess. She did not approve of me spending so much time at the m … mine.’Again she had been going to say mills and bit back her words. This was a dangerous subject and if she were not careful she would betray herself.
    At that moment the door opened and both John and Francesca entered. After exchanging greetings with Sarah and Lord Myers, they went to the sideboard and began to choose from the various dishes. John was clearly impressed by the choice and spent some time filling his plate.
    ‘Can you eat all that?’ Sarah asked. ‘You must remember that we shall eat nuncheon later—unless we just have some fruit and biscuits? I thought we might ramble later this afternoon. We can collect wild flowers and stones, things that we can draw or make into a collection. If Lord Myers has no other plans?’
    ‘I couldn’t resist,’ John said honestly. ‘We never get all this in the nursery. I should like to go rambling if Rupert has nothing else planned.’
    ‘As a matter of fact, I had planned that we should start your fencing lessons after nuncheon. We shall spend an hour teaching you the first moves and then I had thought you might wish to play a ball game on the lawn. However, you may go walking after the fencing lesson if you prefer.’
    ‘No, I’d rather stay with you,’ John said andattacked his food as if he had been starved for the past year.
    ‘Better slow down a bit,’ Lord Myers advised and John immediately sat back, chewing more thoroughly.
    ‘I’d like to play ball games,’ Francesca said. ‘I’d like to watch the fencing, too—but it may be best if I wait until John has learned a few moves. We could ramble for a while and then come back and join the others, couldn’t we, Sarah?’
    ‘Yes, of course,’ Sarah said and saw Lord Myers’s brows shoot up. ‘I told Francesca she might use my preferred name when we are alone, my lord.’
    ‘Indeed, Miss Goodrum?’ He looked at her through narrowed eyes. ‘I thought your name was Hester?’
    Sarah felt her cheeks growing warm. ‘I never liked the name and my father had a pet name for me. It was my mother’s name also… .’
    ‘I see. Are we all allowed to call you by this … pet name? Or is it only for Francesca?’
    ‘In company I think it would be best if I remained Miss Goodrum. I leave the rest to your good sense, Lord Myers.’
    ‘Ah, I see.’ A gleam appeared in his eyes.