The Arrogant Duke

CHAPTER THREE

Do you know where heaven is?” James asked.

Edward thought that his Mama would have a lot of explaining to do, considering the child had no idea about the concept of death … and his Daddy never returning to him again. He brought the child he found inside, it would be the best idea as of the moment. If James’ parent was to ever look for him, then he would be well taken care off.

“No, but I do in fact know what heaven is like.” Edward replied tenderly.

“What’s it like?” James asked excitedly.

“Well, to put it in one word, it is paradise.” Edward told James. “Heaven is a place where people go and rest. It is a place where they do not have any problems to take care off, work to do …”

“Is my Daddy tired then?”

Edward chuckled. “No, I don’t think so.” He shook his head. “But do know this child, your Daddy is with the Lord now and he is in a good place.”

Edward could here faint sounds of laughter in the foyer. Jessamine must have brought her friends over, he thought. Hand in hand, Edward and James entered the sitting room to investigate further.

Mr Parker and Ms Moore were standing, blocking what seemed to be a woman in a black mourning dress.

“I found this child in the garden,” Edward told his busy employees.

Mr Parker was startled. “Your Grace, I apologize.” He said. “I thought that you were with the children.”

“They weren’t in the garden, but I did find young James here.” Edward smiled at the boy.

“James!” Grace who sat in the settee stood up. “I told you not to leave my side,” she scolded. “Where have you been?”

Edward froze, this woman had been long dead to him. This woman, who left him the day before the wedding he waited very long for. This woman, who humiliated him badly. This woman … who broke his heart.

“I apologize, Your Grace.” Grace stood before him, taking James away from Edward.

“Yes, Your Grace,” Ellen looked at Grace, the Baron’s daughter should not be reprimanded by the Duke. “Please forgive the new governess.”

“Governess?” Edward raised a brow. “Then, will it be alright if I spoke with you in private, regarding the children?”

“Of course.” Grace nodded.

Edward walked towards his study, looking back for Grace every now and then. A governess? He had no doubt in his mind that she had a desperate life in America with her man. He wondered if they had some sort of problem that is why she returned to England.

Grace shut the door behind them, the study was as she remembered it the last time she was here. It did brought back horrid memories she wished to forget. She knew that Edward loved her, but she left him and fled to America instead.

“So, you’re the new governess?” Edward asked, his eyes were steadily looking at Grace. “Why?”

“Because I needed the job, Your Grace.”

“Edward,” he corrected with spite. “You used to call me ‘Edward’. Now, try again.”

“Because I needed the job, Edward.” Grace repeated. “To provide for my son.”

“And you thought that working for me would be the best way to do so?” Edward asked. “Come on, Grace. Do not be ridiculous.”

“The past is long gone, Edward.” Grace said. “I am standing in front of you decently as a person, so you should do the same.”

“As am I,” Edward retorted. “Now if you are as what you’ve claimed to be, you will leave this house and stay away from my family. Go back to your father, I am sure he would love to see you.”

“No,” Grace shook her head. “I’m am sorry, Edward. I believe that I am highly capable of taking care of children and teaching them in the school room.” Grace told him firmly. “I will stay here as I’ve already accepted the job. Now, if you do not wish to see me, then you won’t. You are not my priority, nor my master here. My work involves the children, not you. My mistress is Lady Jessamine, not you.”

“You do forget that I am the one who signs the pay check of all of the employees here every end of the month, so be wary of what you say.” Edward warned. “You may leave.”

Grace immediately left the room without showing courtesy to the Duke. As she thought, Edward was still the intimidating man he was. There was no wonder that Grace still felt chills at the back of her spine whenever they were alone in closed doors. She did not like the feeling of it, so she had no intentions of ever doing it, ever again.