Lady Hartwell shook her head, looking flustered.
“Did I not tell you I had taken in Helena’s daughter to be my companion? I am very lonely, here, dearest, for you are so often away.”
The man’s dark brows flew up in arcs of surprise and once again, Elissa saw her Mama’s face in his.
“What? Wicked Aunt Helena’s little chicken come home to roost! Well I never. Let me look at you.”
He held out a hand, enticing Elissa to come to him.
“You are fooling with me, Grandmama,” he said, staring into Elissa’s face, “it’s only a Governess after all.”
“I – am Helena’s daughter – ” Elissa stammered.
“How can you be?” he said and he reached up and teased a strand of hair away from behind her ear, playing with it between his fingers.
“Look at you – how can you be one of us – you are fair-haired!”
“
