“I wonder if the king’s side has contacted her. Would someone with such quick hands go so long without plotting anything?”

“Yes. But did you notice any such signs from Miss Somerset?”

Windsor once again tightly sealed his lips.

There were no such signs. However, it seemed better to drive Jacqueline out before she betrayed him. Even if it created a gap in Benjamin’s education.

Would this uncomfortable feeling disappear then?

Windsor leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes. It was an unpleasantness he had never felt before she came to the Preston mansion.

So perhaps when she disappears, this feeling will disappear as well.

As he closed his eyes, Jacqueline’s brightly smiling face invaded like an unwelcome guest. Despite his not wanting it.

He tried to push it away, but the more he did, the deeper her smile became. The unpleasant feeling that started at his ankles had already crept up his body and began to strangle his throat.

Windsor unconsciously put his hand in his pocket. The neatly wrapped gift crumpled with a rustling sound in his hand.

***

“I’m back, William.”

Jacqueline greeted the butler who had come out to the carriage to welcome her. William walked with her to the mansion and said:

“Welcome back, Miss Somerset. The young master has been eagerly awaiting your return.”

“Really? Benjamin?”

Jacqueline couldn’t hide her spreading smile, even knowing it was just a polite remark. Receiving a child’s affection was more joyful than she’d expected.

Walking faster than usual down the hallway, Jacqueline saw a familiar shadow approaching from the opposite direction. She stopped and called out to him with narrowed eyes.

Her voice held undisguised affection.

“Lord Preston.”

Windsor, who had recognized who it was just from the footsteps, only stopped when he heard her calling him.

He turned to look at Jacqueline with indifferent eyes. Seeing the smile on her lips, Windsor spoke gruffly.

“Did you have a good visit with your friend?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Friend, huh.

Windsor wondered why she had lied to him to meet Evan Knox.

Did she think I wouldn’t let her go if she said she was meeting him? Why?

If so, that was her misunderstanding. Windsor didn’t care at all who she met.

“You seem to be in a good mood.”

“Well, I have no reason not to be, right?”

Jacqueline retorted, curving her eyes even more.

If Evan’s proposed book succeeds, renting a room in the capital might not be impossible. With extremely good luck, she might even be able to get a house with a small yard.

Then I must bring Mother. I can’t leave her with Aunt forever.

Jacqueline smiled broadly just imagining the happy future. In contrast, Windsor’s voice grew even colder.

“Benjamin has been waiting for a long time.”

For a moment, Jacqueline’s eyes widened slightly. It sounded like a rebuke for being late.

Tilting her head briefly, she cautiously replied.

“I don’t think I exceeded the agreed-upon outing time.”

“I would appreciate it if you refrain from outings in the future. That is, if you know what your primary duty is.”

Only then did Jacqueline’s eyebrows twist. She narrowed her eyes and glared at Windsor. When did he flip his palm like this, after letting her go so readily before?

“Wasn’t today Sunday, with no lessons? I don’t think I’ve ever failed to fulfill my duties to the point of deserving such words from Lord Preston.”

Windsor pressed his lips tightly shut, as if at a loss for words. He knew himself. That his words didn’t make sense.

But the words had tumbled out before he could think. As if he couldn’t bear not saying them.

It was quite an unfamiliar sensation for him. Windsor, who had a rational personality, rarely spoke emotionally or impulsively.

It was his habit to speak only after long consideration. Sometimes so long that the other person might get bored.

But in front of Jacqueline, he occasionally blurted out words impulsively like this. Even after saying them, the unpleasant sensation choking his throat didn’t go away.

Windsor loosened his tie with a frustrated expression.

“But if it’s Lord Preston’s order, I’ll keep it in mind. After all, I’m a governess employed by Lord Preston.”

She shot back coldly and moved her feet. As if she no longer wanted to be with him, she brushed past him mercilessly.

Windsor stood there blankly, watching Jacqueline’s back as she climbed the stairs. He wished she were the king’s pawn.

Then he could drive Jacqueline out first. And after that, all this uncomfortable sensation choking his throat would disappear.

Windsor’s eyes twisted slightly as he walked to the living room.

William, left alone in the hallway, fiddled with his glasses cord with a bewildered expression at the untimely cold war.

***

“Miss Somerset.”

Jacqueline, who had come out after changing clothes, slightly widened her eyes at the small shadow standing in front of the door.

“Betty told me you had returned. Did you enjoy your outing?”

The child looked up at Jacqueline with worried eyes, as if concerned he might be bothering her. She whispered gently with a smile.

“I told you it’s okay to knock, didn’t I?”

“Um… Won’t I be bothering you?”

The child only peeked at her expression after voicing the fear in his heart.

“No way!”

Jacqueline hurriedly shook her head. And walked side by side with Benjamin down the hallway. Her soft voice hovered around the two.

“On my way back, I saw many people strolling in the park. Before it gets hotter… um… how about we go for a park stroll next Sunday? Of course, if Lord Preston allows it.”

Benjamin’s eyes widened. A park stroll – it was something he had never considered before.

“Yes, Miss Somerset!”

The child answered quickly. Lest she take back her words if he hesitated even a little.

“Good. Later I’ll ask Lord Preston…”

Jacqueline, who had been smiling softly, paused. The image of Windsor looking at her coldly just a moment ago came to mind.

“I really don’t understand what he’s thinking.”

“Pardon?”

“…Hm? It’s nothing. I’ll ask Lord Preston separately later.”

“Yes, Miss Somerset.”

Jacqueline automatically pulled up the corners of her mouth as she met the shiny brown eyes. Being trusted by a child always excited her.

Especially when she recalled their first meeting.

If it was to see Benjamin’s smile, speaking to the unpredictable Lord Preston was no big deal.

“It’s already tea time. I should ask Betty to prepare the tea.”

“Can I… have tea together too? That is, if you don’t mind.”

Benjamin still lacked confidence. The adorable child was always unsure if he was worthy of being loved.

Jacqueline vaguely guessed it might be because of his parents who died early.

At an age when he should have been receiving plenty of love, Benjamin experienced great loss twice, and perhaps it remained as a deep trauma.

Expressing love openly to such a child was also part of a governess’s job. Jacqueline looked down at the child with gentle eyes.

“Of course, Benjamin. You’ve never bothered me even once. You’d be surprised to know how much I look forward to talking with you.”

“Really?”

Benjamin widened his eyes as if he couldn’t believe it. Jacqueline replied “Of course” and added:

“Let’s ask for cocoa for your share. You said your stomach hurt yesterday from drinking too many cold drinks, right?”

“Okay, Miss Somerset.”

The two went down the central staircase side by side. Their steps, which had been quite different on the first day, now matched perfectly like twins.

Just as the two were about to start their tea time, William entered the living room carrying a silver tray. He handed a letter to Jacqueline.

“A letter has arrived for Miss Somerset.”

“For me? Who… Oh? It’s from Aunt. I wonder what’s the matter.”

Jacqueline opened the envelope with the paper knife on the tray. And casually unfolded the letter.

“…”

Her face hardened as she read the letter. Jacqueline, who had unknowingly held her breath, stood up abruptly the next moment.

“Miss Somerset?”

Benjamin looked at her with startled eyes. It was because Jacqueline’s face had turned pale as if she might collapse at any moment.

She stared into space with trembling eyes and clenched her fist. The letter crumpled in her hand with a rustling sound. The child’s gaze turned to the letter at that sound.

“Is it bad news?”

“Ah, Benjamin…!”

As if suddenly coming to her senses, she pulled her lips up as if to reassure Benjamin. But it disappeared like smoke before it could become a smile.

“I’m sorry. I think I need to see Lord Preston urgently. Can you have tea alone?”

“Yes, Miss Somerset. Of course. Don’t worry about me.”

Benjamin nodded maturely.

“Thank you.”

Jacqueline left the living room right away. Arriving at Windsor’s office in one breath, she knocked on the door without even catching her breath.

“It’s me, Lord Preston.”

“Come in.”

Windsor, who had been looking at the crumpled gift, put it in the drawer and raised his head. Suddenly, he frowned faintly.

“What’s the matter.”

Instead of answering his question, Jacqueline quietly took a breath. The veins stood out on her slender neck.

She looked like someone standing on an icy pond. Like someone hiding an anxious heart on thin ice that could break at any moment.

Unable to stand it any longer, Windsor slowly rose from his seat. His gaze was fixed on Jacqueline’s face.

“What’s the matter.”

Windsor urged an answer, uncharacteristically. Jacqueline moved her tightly drawn lips. A faintly trembling voice flowed out between them.

“I think I need to go home.”

“Home?”

Windsor frowned at the bridge of his nose. Jacqueline hurriedly nodded.

“My mother is critically ill. I think I need to go urgently. I know I’m not fulfilling my duty as a governess, but…”