Everything and the Moon by Julia Quinn Page A

my male guests has offered to escort Hypatia home, so we will be evenly matched. It is no use angling for another invitation, Miss Lyndon. I do not want you bothering my guests any more than necessary.”
    Victoria privately wondered why Lady Hollingwood had bothered to ask her if she was such an embarrassment. She murmured, “It was only a question, my lady.”
    Her employer frowned. “You do know how to comport yourself in polite society, do you not?”
    Victoria said frigidly, “My mother was every inch a lady, Lady Hollingwood. As am I.”
    â€œIf you disappoint me in this endeavor, I shall not hesitate to throw you out. Do you understand me?”
    Victoria didn't see how she could do anything but understand her. Lady Hollingwood threatened to dismiss her every other day. “Yes, of course, Lady Hollingwood.”
    â€œGood. I don't suppose you've anything to wear.”
    â€œNothing suitable for such an occasion, my lady.”
    â€œI shall have one of my old frocks sent up. It shall fit you well enough.”
    Victoria declined to mention that Lady Hollingwood was a good stone heavier than she. It just didn't seem in her best interest. Instead she opted for a noncommittal, “My lady.”
    â€œIt will be a few years out of style,” Lady Hollingwood mused, “but no one will comment on it. You are the governess, after all.”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œGood. We will be serving drinks at eight, and dinner thirty minutes thereafter. Please come at twenty-five minutes past the hour. I do not want my guests to be forced to socialize with you for any longer than is necessary.”
    Victoria bit her tongue to keep herself from speaking.
    â€œGood day, then.” Lady Hollingwood stalked from the room.
    Victoria had barely shut the door behind her when Robert bounded out of the wardrobe. “What a cow!” he exclaimed. “How can you bear her?”
    â€œI haven't any other choice,” she ground out.
    Robert eyed her thoughtfully. “No, I don't suppose you do.”
    More than anything, Victoria wanted to slap him just then. It was one thing for her to be aware of her miserable lot in life. It was quite another for him to comment on it. “I think you had better leave,” she said.
    â€œYes, of course,” he concurred. “You have things to do, I'm sure. Governess things.”
    She crossed her arms. “Don't come here again.”
    â€œWhy not? The wardrobe was not uncomfortable.”
    â€œRobert…” she warned.
    â€œVery well. But first a small token of thanks for the chocolate cake.” He leaned down and kissed her hard and fast. “That should get me through the afternoon.”
    Victoria wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and bit out, “Contemptible swine.”
    Robert only chuckled. “I look forward to tomorrow evening, Miss Lyndon.”
    â€œDon't seek me out.”
    He raised a brow. “I don't see how you're going to be able to avoid me.”

Chapter 7
    W hen that evening and the following morning passed without any contact from Robert, Victoria let herself be lulled into thinking that he might have decided to leave her alone.
    She was wrong.
    He found her a few hours before supper was due to begin. Victoria was walking briskly down a hall when Robert suddenly materialized before her. She jumped about a foot, startled out of her wits. “Robert!” she exclaimed, one of her hands pressing against her breastbone to calm her racing heart. She took a deep breath and looked both ways down the hall to be sure that no one else was about. “Please don't creep up on me like that again.”
    His lips formed a masculine smile. “I like to surprise you.”
    â€œI really wish you wouldn't,” she muttered.
    â€œI merely wanted to know how you are faring with your preparations for your grand debut.”
    â€œIt isn't my grand debut,” she snapped. “If you