On the way to Lord Nightingale's Manor, Avaline flipped through the magazine Vivian had pushed into my hands as she departed. She read through the passages explaining the importance of a child's education. Their skills needed to be targeted and monitored. Any mistakes will be reflected on the governess's performance and reputation. If I fail....
Avaline shook her head. She couldn't doubt herself yet. No, she should be thinking about why she agreed to visit so early in the day. It was nowhere near time for Delilah to be awake. Did Lord Nightingale wish to speak to her separately?
Avaline's stomach grumbled once more. She should have gone home for a meal, then changed her outfit. What governess went to someone's home dressed like her? The gown was intended for socializing, not teaching.
Determined not to make a fool out of herself, Avaline composed herself. This was a job. She had to do well. The first impression between her and Lord Nightingale hadn't been the best, but Delilah had given her a chance to rectify it. First things, first...manners.
When the carriage stopped, the door opened. Avaline scooted toward the door and took the outstretched hand. She stepped out expecting to see Mr. Timmons, but instead she froze. Her breath hitched at the sight of Lord Nightingale standing outside.
He gave her a dazzling smile. She stared at his softened visage, unable to believe someone could look that ravishing. A raindrop fell on Avaline's head. She flinched, breaking the moment. Lord Nightingale grabbed his coat and covered Avaline's head with it like an umbrella.
"This way, Lady Stark."
Avaline's neck prickled as she followed Lord Nightingale inside. Had her stare been obvious? More raindrops fell, splattering on the lord's coat. Even as the chilly wind swirled around her, Avaline was in no rush.
Inside the manor, Avaline shivered at the warm air. Mr. Timmons took Lord Nightingale's coat.
"A small spread has been prepared for the lady," the butler said. "It's been served in the lounge."
With her hand folded in front of her, Avaline followed Lord Nightingale. His stride was short as if he were keeping pace with her.
"Am I too early?" she asked.
"Not at all," he said. "In fact, I wanted to speak with you privately before your time with Delilah."
Stiffly, Avaline glanced at him. Had he changed his mind? Was he going to kick her out after one day? Her anticipation grew, and so did his silence. Avaline squeezed her fingers. They walked down the hallway and into a smaller lounge with a single bookcase, a piano, and a small round table. Lord Nightingale pulled the chair out and helped her sit. The small spread included tea, ham sandwiches, sponge cake, and jam tartlets.
"What do you wish to say?" she asked.
Watching him sit down, Avaline pulled her gloves off and placed them on her lap under a napkin. The delicious scents of the ham made her mouth water. Focus.
"My thanks," Lord Nightingale said. His pointed ears reddened. "I truly appreciated your assistance today. I should have been more prepared to attend the sermon."
Gratitude? She wasn't expecting this. Avaline waved his words away.
"Not at all!" she said. "I was honored. I'm pleased I could be of some assistance." She licked her lips. "If anything, I should apologize if I caused some strife with the Whitaker family."
Lord Nightingale's demeanor changed. Previously relaxed, his physique stiffened. Avaline sat back in her chair, her teeth clenched. This is what he wanted to speak with her about. Had she embarrassed him?
"I," she began.
"Allow me to apologize," Lord Nightingale said. His words rumbled in his chest. "You were disrespected at my side. That was not my intention. I shall speak with Lord and Lady Whitaker about their behavior. It will not repeat itself."
Avaline's face burned. He was apologizing to her. He was defending her. Avaline pressed her lips together to hide her smile. Instead, she poured herself and him a cup of tea. The pink liquid smelled of roses and sweetness.
"It was bound to happen." Avaline placed the tea kettle on the tray. She met his gaze. "If I may be so bold, my lord, you're a highly desirable noble who's settled in Blackburry. Even at your welcoming ball, I believe many ladies were competing for your attention."
Avaline sipped her tea, unable to meet his gaze. Perhaps it would have been best not to explain. She peeked over the rim of her teacup. When she caught his gaze, there was a glint in those golden eyes.
"Was that your intention as well?" he asked.
She nearly choked. Placing the cup down, she dabbed her mouth with a napkin. Her face flushed. Is that what he thought of her? Hadn't she explained herself the other day? As she struggled to think of an answer, the smile on his face told her everything she needed.
"Not at all," she said. Struck with another moment of boldness, she leaned forward. "If my lord wishes-" she licked her lips, "-I can compete as well."
Lord Nightingale fiddled with his cuff links. "I wouldn't dare ask the lady to do something she was uncomfortable with."
Trying to interpret his words, Avaline nibbled on the ham sandwiches. She would have contemplated more if only her stomach hadn't betrayed her. She ate as lady-like as she could manage, but the pound cake disappeared, and so did the sandwiches, and she might have emptied her cup twice.
Meanwhile, the rain gently tapped the windows. A large green hedge obstructed her view up, but the view in front of her was much better. Lord Nightingale leaned his head against his fist, an elbow on the arm of the chair. With his thick eyelashes and half-closed eyes, he was better than any magazine.
"Are you finished, Lady Stark? Should I ask Mr. Timmons to replenish the spread?"
Avaline wiped her fingers. She twisted the napkin in her hands. Looking at the empty plates, she scolded herself. She should have held back.
"Lady Stark?"
"Yes! No!" She blushed. "Wait, no. I don't need any more. Thank you. This was more than enough." Avaline cleared her throat. "About Lady Delilah's lessons. I want to start with etiquette."
He nodded. "Yes. I believe that would be necessary." Reaching into his coat, Lord Nightingale looked at his pocket watch. "She should be getting ready at this time. I'll have Mr. Timmons take you to the study room. Let him know if you need anything."
"I shall. Thank you."
***
After a trip to the privy, Avaline followed Mr. Timmons to the playroom, where she met with Delilah the day before. Sir Myla bowed upon greeting. Upon seeing Avaline, Delilah jumped down from the couch. Her dark gown had lace and ruffles along the sleeves, collar, and hem. Black ribbons were intertwined through her hair.
"Ava!"
Avaline stepped out of the room and closed the door. She counted to ten, then opened the door once more. Delilah stared at her with large eyes.
"May Luna bless you," Avaline said with a curtsey.
Delilah crossed her arms. "That's unfair."
Avaline smiled. "Shall we try again?"
Delilah puffed out her cheeks. "No."
Delilah curtsied in response. Her words were clearer than the time before. While Delilah didn't stumble, she raised her skirts a little too high. When Avaline corrected her, Delilah sighed.
"Does it matter?"
Avaline gently grabbed Delilah's hand and sat her down on the couch.
"You might think it might not matter," she began.
Delilah crossed her arms. "I don't go anywhere. Brother has me stuck in the house all day. When am I ever going to greet anyone?"
Avaline smiled. "You greet me."
"It's not the same thing," Delilah grumbled.
"There will be many festivals for you to visit," Avaline said. "I'm sure your brother will let you attend them."
Delilah's eyes twinkled with excitement. "Do you think so?"
"How about we ask?"
"Yes!"
Avaline stood. "Let's keep practicing, shall we?"
After another hour, Delilah had mastered the art of curtsying to the point that Avaline could count it as passable. While Lord Nightingale hadn't mentioned how long Avaline was to stay teaching Delilah, she decided to spend the rest of the time having Delilah read to her. Unlike her siblings, Delilah decided on a history book instead.
As Sir Myla served them tea, Delilah puckered her lips in thought.
"When the moon rose that ni, night," Delilah said, "everything Luna tu, touched was bathed with cr, ci, cri...crim-son."
Avaline glanced over Delilah's shoulder. "Good reading. Now try it again. This time without pausing."
Delilah sighed. "I've done it five times already."
"You've gotten better each time," Avaline reminded her.
Someone knocked on the door, and Sir Myla opened it. Mr. Timmons stepped through.
"The carriage is ready for you, Lady Stark."
Avaline glanced outside the window. It was darker than she remembered. Even though the rain had stopped, the clouds had stayed.
"Tell you what," Avaline said. "Practice this, and I'll listen to it again next time I come."
"With your siblings?" Delilah asked.
Avaline bit her lip. "We'll see."
Delilah closed the book. Standing proudly, she curtseyed.
"May Luna grace your path with her brilliance."
Avaline also curtseyed. "You as well."
After bidding Delilah farewell, Avaline followed Mr. Timmons to the door. Her eyelids grew heavier, and a yawn nearly escaped her mouth.
"The Lord wishes to express his apologies for not being able to bid you farewell, my lady," Mr. Timmons said.
"No apologies necessary," Avaline said.
The ride home was dark. Dark enough that Avaline almost fell asleep. Instead, she glanced out the window, watching the dimly lit street pass by. The child education magazine was still on the seat, and she made a mental note to forget this time.
All too soon, Avaline arrived home. She glanced around before exiting the carriage. She rushed to the door and quickly went inside. A few candles lit the foyer. By how dark the house was, Avaline couldn't tell if anyone was around. She was about to sneak upstairs until Charles stepped out of his office.
"Brother." Avaline hid the magazine behind her back.
Charles's voice was low when he spoke. "Where have you been?"
Avaline's nail bit into the paper. "I, um, I was delayed in town."
"Delayed?"
Avaline nodded.
"In my office," he said. "Now."
Swallowing thickly, Avaline shuffled toward the office. Inside, Vivian sat on the couch. The sisters stared at each other. Avaline's stomach clenched. Could Charles have guessed?
"Sit."
As she did, Vivian grabbed her hand. The other held the magazine tightly.
Charles closed the door and sat opposite them. He crossed his legs and rested against the back of the couch.
"It's time for both of you to tell me what you've been up to."