“Yes. What would I be?”
Genevieve put a finger on her chin and pretended to study the girl. “A King Charles Spaniel.”
“Why?”
“Because you have those big brown eyes, and they’re so pretty. Whenever I see a King Charles Spaniel, I can’t help but love him or her because of those eyes.”
“I want blue eyes like Harriet.”
“Blue!” Genevieve waved a hand. “Blue eyes are lovely, but brown eyes are captivating.”
“What’scaptivating?”
“I’d love to speak more, Miss Frances, but if I’m not to interview for the governess position, I should go home and have some tea and toast. I was in a bit of a hurry this morning, and I’m beginning to feel peckish. My tummy will start rumbling in a moment.”
As though on cue, Frances’s stomach rumbled. Genevieve grasped her own belly and pretended to be appalled. “Was that mine? Oh, how embarrassing!”
“No! It was mine!” Frances said, laughing.
“Don’t let the wolves hear your belly rumble like that!” Genevieve held out her hand. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Frances.” She started away again. One step, two, three…
“Wait! Will you stay and be my governess?”
Genevieve smiled and turned. “I thought you were running away?”
“Maybe tomorrow. I need to eat so my tummy doesn’t rumble in the woods.”
“You seem quite grown up to me. Are you certain you need a governess?”
Frances looked down. “Maybe I don’t, but Harriet does.”
“Does she? Oh, wonderful! Oh!” Genevieve put a hand to her heart and sighed.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’ve never been governess to a doll. I don’t know what to do.”
“I’ll help you.”
“You will?”
“Yes!”
“Oh, thank you, Frances. Will you walk back to the house with me?” She held out her hand. Frances promptly took it, her small hand fitting easily in Genevieve’s. “I’m a little nervous. I hope Mrs. Mann is nice.”
“She is. But don’t kick her. She doesn’t like that at all.” Frances laughed, and Genevieve laughed with her. The child had a very infectious laugh that seemed to make the blue skies bluer and the green grass greener. The day was bright and sunny and perfect.
Until the door to Lilacfall Abbey slammed open and the clouds, in the form of a man, descended.
*
Rory had notslept well the night before. He never slept well when he remembered the night he’d been cursed by the witch or the day seven months ago when…when his life had changed. Coming home to Lilacfall Abbey brought all the memories back.
By dawn, he was so tired he pulled a pillow over his head and fell into a restless sleep. That was when his valet came in and said, “Pardon the interruption, my lord.”
“Go away, Chaffer,” Rory said from under the pillow.
“I would, my lord, but there is a problem.”
