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

be quite... rash.
    Before mounting, she looked to where the riding competition was taking place. Peter was in the middle of the ring, trotting in a neat circle. She felt a rush of pride at how straight he sat in the saddle and how well he guided his pony. From the corner of her eye she saw Saybrook leaning stiffly against the fence, watching as well. So, at least she had accomplished something—other than getting turned out without references! Peter would be in raptures, no matter that it was a false happiness.
    The judges suddenly motioned Peter towards a little jump standing at one end of the ring. Jane bit her lip in alarm. Peter had never attempted such a thing, but he was cantering towards it with nary a hesitation. Up went Tarquin, and for a moment it seemed that the boy would be left behind. But he regained his balance and kept his seat. The small crowd burst into applause. So did Saybrook. Peter reined in close to his guardian, a shy smile on his face. To her great surprise, the marquess vaulted over the fence and patted Peter on his thigh. Even from where she was, she could see the happiness on the boy's face. Well, she thought, at least the man could do his duty handsomely if he tried.
    Peter was awarded a blue ribbon, then walked his horse, with Saybrook still at its head, toward where the marquess's own stallion was tethered. Jane sighed and mounted her own horse. She had enjoyed it at Highwood. Now what was she to do? On the ride back, she rued her blasted quick tongue. Once again, it had landed her in the suds.
    * * *
    Jane sat on her bed surveying the meager pile of belonging ready to be packed in her small trunk. She suddenly realized that she had not enough money for the coach ride back to her father's estate, even if she took outside passage. Certainly, there was nothing for an inn. To be sure, she was owed some amount for the time she had spent at Highwood, but she could not bring herself to ask Lord Saybrook for anything. With a slight frown of dismay she wondered whether she might have to sleep in a field tonight. And she hadn't even decided if she would go home in any case.
    But what else was she to do?
    In the middle of mulling over the problem, a knock came at the door. She sighed and bid whomever it was to enter. Perhaps Mrs. Fairchild had heard of her being turned out and had come to say goodbye. If so, Jane decided that she might be able to bring herself to borrow a few shillings from her. But most likely it was a footman, ready to toss her out the door, she thought glumly. Which was no doubt what she deserved.
    The door opened slowly and Peter's smiling face appeared behind it. He rushed to her arms, already talking excitedly.
    "Did you see my ribbon?" he demanded, not waiting for an answer. "I was a little scared—just a little—but I knew I could do it! Uncle Edward says that it was a tip-top performance!"
    "It was indeed."
    "And I'm to have supper with him in the real dining room. With silver candlesticks and champagne!"
    Jane laughed. "Oh, very grand."
    "Yes," continued the boy, "And I asked if you could come too..."
    "Peter!" she exclaimed. "You—"
    "...and he said yes, of course, and that I should come and ask you to join us."
    Jane was thrown into a state of confusion. "But Peter," she said gently. "It's not proper for a servant to dine with the master."
    He looked at her in consternation. "But why not? Uncle Edward said it is quite alright."
    "He didn't say exactly that, I'll wager," she muttered, but she didn't have the heart to spoil the boy's day. If the marquess could bear it, so could she. "Very well then, I shall be delighted to attend."
    "He says to be there at seven."
    "I shall come by your room ten minutes beforehand. You must look your best if you are to grace His Lordship's table."
    When the boy had hurried off, she sank down on her bed, relieved that at least for tonight she didn't have to worry about where she would sleep. Surely he wouldn't expect her to leave in the dead