Only Olivia

Chapter Six

"She certainly is a vision," Giles said in a poor mockery of sotto voce. The vision in question, Miss Fairfax, hung her head over her cup of tea. She looked more a daughter of the house than a governess, clad in a pretty striped muslin of lavender and grey. She had matured well since Giles had first met her. Her form filled out into luscious curves. If he remembered correctly, she had not been lacking them before. Her manners were very elegant for an orphan. Philip had relayed Miss Fairfax's history to him lest he make a fool of himself and ask inappropriate questions.  

"Hush," ordered Philip. His eyes had yet to stray from Miss Fairfax. She, too, had a difficult time averting her eyes from his. Lady Baynes had a wide grin upon her face, happily dominating the conversation. 

"I believe I shall plan a ball. There is a frightful lack of ladies in town but I am sure we can scrounge some up. If I throw a ball, I am sure some of the ton may even come from the country. After all, I am still exotic to them. They wait in anticipation for me to so something Spanish. What does that even mean? In any case, Miss Fairfax must absolutely attend. You both must as well. I shall perish if you do not." Her lips drew into a becoming pout as she repeated, "Absolutely perish." 

"The Four Horsemen could not keep me away if Miss Fairfax is to attend," Giles assured her. He shot a twinkling smile towards the governess. He was also too aware of the displease glare Philip was directing at him. He was helplessly fascinated by this alleged governess. From where did she come? More importantly, why were the Baynes accepting her into their family with such ease? Very havey-cavey.  

"You are too kind, my lord." Miss Fairfax spoke to him though her attention was on Philip. The four of them lapsed into silence. Giles was certain Philip and Miss Fairfax were having some look-based conversation. There was too much staring. He couldn't stomach it.  

"Miss Fairfax, would you care to take a turn around the room with me?" Philip broke the silence and a pleased smile broke out on Miss Fairfax's face.  

When they left the table, Lady Baynes turned to Giles. "I have read in Lady Badcock's paper that you have a new mistress. I only assume it is you. Look here!" She gestured to the single-sheet on beside the tea tray.  

He picked it up and read it over. "Our most beloved buck, the darkly handsome Lord L-- has wrangled another beautiful songbird for his gilded cage. Signorina L-- is a lucky lady indeed. I anxiously await the day he is in the market for another lover." He chuckled to himself. "Darkly handsome, that must be me. I cannot believe you read this drivel." 

"It is the only way to get Society news."  

"Stay in London more." 

"We shall once the girls are a bit older and, eh, polished. Miss Fairfax has done a truly stupendous job with them. They don't use their fingers anymore to do sums." She puffed out her chest like a proud mama bird. He thought that age thirteen was a little late to be just getting past that stage, but they were girls. Many of the elite did not waste too much time and money in schooling for their daughters. Most were destined to become society-hopping wives with servants to do the thinking. He admired Lord and Lady Baynes for taking such an active interest in the lives of the children. More credit should go towards the brilliant Miss Fairfax. 

That governess was too...too what? Too pretty. Too smart. Too elegant. Too charming. All of this. Oh boy. Giles shoved the thoughts away. He needed to go see Gabriella.  

"Lady Baynes, I fear I have another engagement and I must be off." 

She tucked a strand of raven black hair behind her ear. "I am sure it it endlessly more interesting than listening to a mother boast about her children. Do go on. Expect my invitation in a matter of weeks."