Free Why Do Dukes Fall in Love?: A Dukes Behaving Badly Novel by Megan Frampton Page A

significant change.
    “Good morning, Miss Clark. Thank you for coming to speak with me.” Edwina had contacted Carolyn as soon as the duke had given
     her the authority to hire a governess, and it had been a few days before Carolyn had located a suitable candidate. Gertrude
     had initially been averse to the idea of having a governess, but had taken to it once Edwina had told her about some of the
     books she was currently unable to read.
    “Can you tell me why you believe you would be a good fit for this position?” Edwina smiled at Miss Clark, who offered a tentative
     smile back. “That is, I have reviewed your qualifications, but I would like to hear them in your own words.” Just as the duke
     had done to her—it was a good tactic to ask the applicant to speak for herself and not just rely on what was on the paper.
    “I spent ten years at the Woodson School, the first six as a student, the rest of the time as an instructor. I taught composition,
     drawing, and French.”
    “That is a wide array of subjects,” Edwina replied. “Which is your favorite?”
    The girl’s expression eased. “It is difficult to choose just one. The students—or most of them—were all so eager to learn,
     and it made teaching a joy. I found myself the happiest while teaching French, I think, since it was introducing the students
     to a whole other world of language.” She looked embarrassed. “Although that sounds rather presumptuous, doesn’t it.”
    Edwina chuckled softly. “Not at all. You sound enthusiastic, and that is the kind of person I wish to teach my daughter.”
    “Are you the lady of the house then?” Miss Clark looked confused, as she should—Edwina’s gown, a simple but flattering dress
     in dark blue, was suitable to her position as a secretary, and not nearly as grand as a duchess would wear.
    “No, I am not. I am the Duke of Hadlow’s secretary, and my daughter resides here with me.”
    “His . . . secretary?” The girl looked askance, and Edwina felt herself bristle in response.
    “Yes, his secretary. And only his secretary,” she added sharply, and then felt terrible when the girl’s expression fell.
    “I didn’t mean—that is, I apologize,” Miss Clark said, looking down at the floor.
    Edwina sighed. “I suppose it is an inevitable thought, given how unusual it is for a woman to be employed thusly.” And even
     more reason she absolutely should not be thinking about the duke in any way other than as her employer—not how tall he was,
     or how his presence made her stomach get all fluttery, or how his voice seemed to resonate through her entire body. Or how
     she found herself just looking at his face, noting the strong features, the long, sharp nose, the wickedly intelligent eyes.
    None of that, Edwina , she reminded herself.
    “If I were to be your daughter’s instructor, I would provide instruction both in and outside the classroom.” It seemed Miss Clark
     was determined to continue, not obsessing about her possible rudeness. Edwina liked that. “We would go for walks in the park
     to identify insect species, we would take on some of the shopping to practice her maths skills, and I would ask her to find
     our way home, so to practice her navigational skills. This in addition to the usual schoolroom activities.”
    “That sounds quite progressive. And exactly the type of thing Gertrude would find interesting.” Her daughter, Edwina knew,
     liked to be challenged, to try new things just because they were new. Not unlike Edwina’s employer. “I want to thank you for
     your time, and I would be pleased to offer you the position.”
    Miss Clark gasped aloud, and then a wide smile crossed her face. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Cheltam. I promise you will not
     regret the decision.”
    “We will set up your room, so if it isn’t too soon, perhaps you could join us and start work on the day after next?” She wouldn’t
     follow her employer’s lead and just give the poor