The Mysterious Governess (Daughters of Sin Book 3) by Beverley Oakley Page A

Araminta as she thought of the happy conclusion to this adventure. Sir Aubrey was more than likely to ask Araminta to do him the honor of becoming his wife on the spot. He’d already made clear his interest during a tender encounter in the corridor of Lady Knox’s townhouse, after Araminta had been returning from the mending room during the ball.
    Of course, Sir Aubrey was a mere baronet at the moment, but only a sickly cousin stood in the way of Sir Aubrey becoming a viscount, and there was even a doddering earl in the wings who’d neglected to secure the family line to whom he was related. Araminta was nothing if not a betting girl.
    “No need to look so downcast, Miss Hazlett, no one will take the slightest bit of interest in you, the way you’re dressed,” Araminta reassured her as they waited in a dim booth in a tavern, a place no respectable lady would be seen. It was very exciting. Araminta had dressed herself for the part in a veiled bonnet. She’d chosen a flattering gown, for she wanted people to admire her without being able to recognize her. And she was not disappointed. Men of all stations positively leered at her.
    Miss Hazlett, veiled too, did not seem to be reveling in the attention nearly as much but then, she was probably uncomfortable at being shown up by Araminta’s superior manner of dress and carriage.
    When Araminta demanded that she tell her why she was looking like a frightened rabbit, the girl replied, “If I’m recognized I’ll lose my position, and then what will become of me?”
    “Your father will take you in.” Araminta wasn’t in the mood to pander to such lily-livered whining. It rankled that her papa chose to spend so much time with his forbidden family. For now, she realized, that was why he was absent so often from home.
    Miss Hazlett fiddled with the button at the wrist of her gloves. “He won’t support me forever. I’m expected to work for my living. It’s unlikely I’ll make a match that will secure me the clothes and comforts you take for granted.”
    Before Araminta could respond, Jem, the lowly valet, slid into the booth, and my goodness he was handsome. Araminta didn’t think she’d ever seen such a handsome man. His hair was the color of corn and his eyes—a hazy, dangerous gray—sparked with a speculative glint when he ran them over Araminta.
    The most extraordinary spasm in the region of her lower belly kicked her into an awareness both disconcerting and incredibly exciting.
    Briefly, she raised her veil to smile at him, just so he could see how truly beautiful she was. But as no one must know she was here, she lowered it again and began proceedings in a formal and businesslike manner, which Jem didn’t seem to appreciate.
    With a grunt, he thrust the letter in front of her and the contents could not have pleased her more.
    In black and white, Sir Aubrey’s late wife branded Lord Debenham the villain, and her Sir Aubrey the falsely accused, unfairly maligned husband.
    This document was exactly what was needed to prove Sir Aubrey’s innocence, and once Araminta could get it into Sir Aubrey’s hands, her future happiness with him was assured.
    Unfortunately, the greedy Jem wanted more than the half a crown she had to offer him for it and didn’t seem to trust her when she said she’d send him the rest but that she needed to take the letter with her now.
    Rudely, he rose before she did, indicating their discussion was at an end.
    Araminta was for the first time in her life speechless. No gentleman had ever spoken so roughly to her on any occasion she could ever remember. Her thundering heart was also not something she was used to, but she ignored that. Her needs centered on the letter—and she’d get it, one way or another.
    Glad of the protection of her veil so that Miss Hazlett couldn’t see how much Araminta was affected by this rude but handsome young man, Araminta said haughtily, “This is not our last meeting, Jem, I can assure you. I always get