Free Andrea Pickens - [Lessons in Love 01] by The Defiant Governess Page A

interrupted by the crowd beginning to move off as the parson finished his speech. The smell of savory pies filled the air, as did the lilting notes of the fiddlers. Farmers drifted to the exhibition of livestock while their wives and children clustered around displays of ribbons and sweets. Jane stayed where she was. She had always enjoyed the sights and sounds of a country fair and was now taking a moment to drink it all in. And of course she had to admit that she wanted the satisfaction of seeing the haughty marquess accede to her request.
    To her shock, however, she saw him move off with the gentleman and two ladies, not in the direction of the riding but towards an area where long trestle tables had been set up next to a group of laughing farmhands dispensing ale and mulled cider. She remained rooted to the ground for a moment, unable to believe that anyone could be so selfish and cruel. In her mind's eye, she could picture the look of dejection on Peter's face, the slump of the frail shoulders so used to disappointment.
    It goaded her into action.
    With nary a regard for the propriety of her actions she hurried after His Lordship's party. Coming up close behind them, she called out firmly, "Lord Saybrook, may I have a word with you—in private, if you please."
    All four people turned around, different degrees of surprise registering on their faces.
    The gentleman frowned at Jane's temerity while his wife exclaimed," Well, I never... Who is this woman?"
    Saybrook had a faintly sardonic smile on his face as he seemed to ponder just how great a scene Jane would cause if he refused her request. "My ward's governess."
    "Such manners! Turn her out instantly," said the woman as if Jane wasn't there. "I shall be more than happy to give you my recommendations—"
    Saybrook interrupted her. "I trust you will excuse me for a moment."
    The woman sniffed in the air and turned on her heel, taking her husband by the arm. As the younger woman turned as well, Jane realized with a start that she knew her. Lady Matilda Farrington. A flighty, insipid girl now entering her second Season. Jane had seen her at various routs and ball, and of course Almack's, and had disliked her instantly. The girl was one of those creatures who flirted shamelessly with gentleman with a title, young or old. There was no need to fear recognition, however. Lady Matilda didn't even deign to look at her as she lifted her elegant skirts and swooshed after her parents.
    Saybrook followed Jane a little way off, out of hearing of anyone around them. Still white hot with pent-up anger, Jane launched into a tirade with not a thought as to what she was saying.
    "It is beyond belief," she hissed, "that one man can be so selfish, so unfeeling, so... monstrous! Whether you choose to treat your acquaintances and your servants with disdain—oh, I see the haughty sneer on your face—is entirely your own concern. But that you would deliberately hurt a child is outside of enough! Are you too blind to see that Peter is craving for your notice, for your approval, though Lord knows why! If you don't take a few minutes of your precious time to do your duty as a guardian..." She was so beside herself that she didn't know quite how to finish the sentence. "Oooohh," she sputtered, "If I were a man, I'd horsewhip you!"
    Saybrook had gone rigid and his face was absolutely drained of color.
    "And you needn't bother telling me I'm turned out!" she added. "I will pack immediately."
    Turning on her heel, she stalked off, not bothering to note the marquess's reaction. Now that she had vented her anger she felt drained, almost too weak to walk. But she took a deep breath and kept her chin up, refusing to let him see her waver.
    She made her way to where Henry had tethered the horses. Had she really said such things to the marquess? She was lucky he hadn't called the constables to haul her off to Bedlam. With a sigh, she had to admit that her brother was right—there were times when she could