Twelve

Before she could reply, a knock sounded at the door.

Sarah instantly panicked.

She threw an agonized glance at Edward,who responded by putting his forefinger to his lips and grabbing the plate of cake as he tiptoed to her wardrobe and climbed in.

Sarah blinked in disbelief as she watched him squeeze in.

He looked most uncomfortable.

Miss Sarah! Open this door at once!

Lady Fairy sounded most displeased.

I know you're in there.

Sarah ran to the door, silently thanking her maker that Edward had been rude enough to lock the door behind him.

I'm so sorry, Lady Fairy, she said as she pulled the door open.

I was taking a nap.

I often do while John is at the stables.

Lady Fairy's eyes narrowed.

I am certain I heard you speaking.

"It must have been in my sleep, Sarah said quickly.

My sister used to tell me that I kept her up half the night with my mumblings.

How perfectly bizarre.

This was said with disgust, not interest.

Sarah gritted her teeth into a smile.

Was there anything in particular you wanted, Lady Fairy?

An update on John's lessons, perhaps?"

"I shall quiz you on his progress on Wednesday, as is our habit.

I am here for a far graver reason."

Sarah's heart dropped.

Lady Fairy was going to dismiss her.

She had seen her with Edward.

Perhaps she had even seen him enter her room not ten minutes earlier.

Sarah opened her mouth to speak, but she couldn't think of any words in her defense.

At least none that Lady Fairy would pay heed

to.

"Miss Rija has taken ill,"Fairy announced.

Sarah blinked.

That was all?

I trust it is not serious.

"Not at all.

A putrid stomach, or something of the sort.

It is my opinion that she will be well by morning, but she insists upon going home.

"I see,"Sarah said, wondering what this had to do with her.

We are now short a lady for my dinner party tomorrow evening.

You will have to take her place.

"Me?

Sarah squeaked.

"It is the worst of possible situations, but I cannot think of any other course of action."

"What about this evening's dinner?

Surely you'll need another lady."

Lady Fairy fixed a supercilious stare on Sarah's nose.

As it happens, one of my male guests has offered to escort Rija home, so we will

be evenly matched.

It is no use angling for another invitation, Miss.

I do not want you bothering my guests any more than necessary."

Sarah privately wondered why Lady Fariy had bothered to ask her if she was such an embarrassment.

She murmured, It was only a question, my

lady."

Her employer frowned.

You do know how to comport yourself in polite

society, do you not?"

Sarah said frigidly,

My mother was every inch a lady, Lady Fairy.

As am I."

"If you disappoint me in this endeavor, I shall not hesitate to throw you out.

Do you understand me?"

Sarah didn't see how she could do anything but understand her.

Lady Fairy threatened to dismiss her every other day.

Yes, of course, Lady Fariy.

Good.

I don't suppose you've anything to wear.

Nothing suitable for such an occasion, my lady.

I shall have one of my old frocks sent up. It shall fit you well enough.

Sarah declined to mention that Lady Fairy was a good stone heavier than she.

It just didn't seem in her best interest.

Instead she opted for a noncommittal, My lady.

"It will be a few years out of style,Lady Fairy mused,but no one will comment on it.

You are the governess, after all.

"Of course."

"Good.

We will be serving drinks at eight, and dinner twenty minutes thereafter.

Please come at twenty-five minutes past the hour.

I do not want my guests to be forced to socialize with you for any longer than is necessary.

Sarah bit her tongue to keep herself from speaking.

"Good day, then."

Lady Fairy stalked from the room.

Sarah had barely shut the door behind her when Edward bounded out of the wardrobe.

What a cow!

He exclaimed.

How can you bear her?

"I haven't any other choice,she ground out.

Edward eyed her thoughtfully.

No,I don't suppose you do.

More than anything, Sarah wanted to slap him just then.

It was one thing for her to be aware of her miserable lot in life.

It was quite another for him to comment on it.

I think you had better leave," she said.

"Yes, of course," he concurred.

You have things to do, I'm sure.

Governess things."

She crossed her arms.

Don't come here again."

"Why not?

The wardrobe was not uncomfortable."

Edward … she warned.

"Very well.

But first a small token of thanks for the chocolate cake.

He leaned down and kissed her hard and fast.

That should get me through the afternoon.

Sarah wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and bit out, Contemptible swine."

Edward only chuckled.

I look forward to tomorrow evening, Miss ."

"Don't seek me out."

He raised a brow.

I don't see how you're going to be able to avoid me.

When that evening and the following morning passed without any contact from Edward, Sarah let herself be lulled into thinking that he might have decided to leave her alone.

She was wrong.

He found her a few hours before supper was due to begin.

Sarah was walking briskly down a hall when Edward suddenly materialized before her.

She jumped about a foot, startled out of her wits.

Edward!she exclaimed, one of her

hands pressing against her breast bone to calm her racing heart.

She took a deep breath and looked both ways down the hall to be sure that no one else was about.

"Please don't creep up on me like that again.

His lips formed a masculine smile.

I like to surprise you.

"I really wish you wouldn't," she muttered.

"I merely wanted to know how you are faring with your preparations for your grand debut.

"It isn't my grand debut, she snapped.

If you must know,I am dreading every moment of it.

I have no love for the nobility, and the thought of spending several hours in your ranks makes my blood run cold.

"And what have the nobility ever done to you to warrant such distaste?

Failed to marry you?

His eyes narrowed to slits.

Your plans went so awry.

You toiled so tirelessly to achieve your goal.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," she said, utterly baffled.

Don't you?

He mocked.

"I need to be going.

She moved to her left to try to get around him, but he blocked her.

Edward!"

"I find myself loath to part with your company.

"Oh, please,"she said disdainfully.

That was a lie if ever she heard one.

His eyes were clearly showing his disgust for her.

"Don't you believe me?

He asked.

Your words and your eyes are not in agreement. Besides, I learned long ago not to trust a word out of your mouth."

Edward sparked with fury.

What the hell does that mean?

"You know very well."

He advanced,forcing her to back up against the wall.

I was not the one who

lied, "he said in a low voice, jabbing his for finger against her shoulder.

Sarah glared at him.

Get out of my way."

"And miss this extremely edifying conversation?

I think not."

Edward!

If someone sees us…"

"Why the hell are you always so concerned about appearances?"

Sarah's anger grew to the point where she was shaking.

How dare you ask that?"

She hissed.

"I dare a lot, darling."

Her hand itched.

His cheek was very close, and it would look so good with a nice red welt on it.

I will ask you one last time—"

"Only one more time?

Good.You're getting most tedious.

"I shall scream."

"And alert the masses whom you are so assiduously trying to avoid?

I think not."

Edward…"

"Oh, for God's sake."

He whipped open a door, snatched her hand, and hauled her into a room, slamming the door behind him.

There.

Now we're alone."

"Are you mad?

She screeched.

She looked wildly about her surroundings,trying to figure out where she was.

"Do try to calm down," he said, standing in front of the door, looking very much like an implacable god.

This is my room.No one will walk in on us.

Sarah snorted.

This isn't the guest wing.

Fairy. ran out of room, he said with a shrug.

She put me near the family quarters.

Because I'm an earl, she said."

"I am well aware of your rank and all it entails," she said, her voice pure ice.

Edward let that barb pass.

As I said, we are now alone, and we can finish this conversation without your incessant worrying that we will be discovered."

"Did it ever occur to you that perhaps I just don't like you?

That perhaps you are the reason I do not want to be alone with you?

"No."

Edward, I have chores I must attend to.

I can't be here."

"I don't see how you're going to leave, he said, leaning against the door.

"Stop jeopardizing my position.

You may be able to return to your privileged

life in America "she said in a furious, low voice, "but I do not have that option."

He stroked her cheek insolently.

It could be an option, if you should so

choose."

"Don't!

She wrenched away from him, hating herself for loving his touch, hating him for touching her. She turned her back on him.

You insult me.