by Ella Quinn
The cleaning tools fell silent. “Can you imagine Miss Tillerson stepping out with him?”
Guilt struck Dorie that she was listening to servants’ gossip, but no one would know. She was too far back in the room for the maids to see her. And if it involved her sister’s governess, it was something she should know. Not that Tilly appeared to be the subject of the conversation.
“No, but all our ladies are proper ladies. I’m not sure”—the maid lowered her voice so that Dorie couldn’t hear the name—“is.”
Who is stepping out with whom and who is the man?
“From what I hear, she don’t even sew like our ladies are always doing.” There was the sound of charcoal being poured into the fireplace.
A lady who doesn’t embroider?
“That’s a household that doesn’t need more trouble. I don’t like it any more than you do, but it’s not fair for us to tell others about it.”
“We don’t have to tell no one. It’s a plain as the nose on yer face what’s goin’ on.” The maid sniffed. “It’s no wonder he don’t look at any of us when he’s got a fancy piece like her.”
A lady is having an affair, but which one?
“Sukey, you better not go around saying such a thing when you don’t have proof.”
“You take a good look at her when she comes back after her half day.” The sound of flint striking and blowing filled the room.
“If you’re so sure, we ought to tell Mrs. Banwell,” the second maid said. “She’ll know what to do.”
I had no idea our housekeeper was the repository of this kind of gossip, and how would she know what to do?
“If you’re goin to do that, make sure she looks at the lady real good. She’ll want somethin’ to go on when she decides what to do,” Sukey said sagely. “It ain’t fair to those girls either.”
The pieces abruptly fell into place, and Dorie covered her mouth quickly to stop her gasp from being heard. They had to be speaking about Miss Rivers. One thing they had said was correct: The Exeter household did not need another disaster. The problem was that Dorie could not tell her mother. Nor would it be proper to tell Lord Exeter. It was simply not a conversation an unmarried lady had with a gentleman. Still, something must be done. But the mystery of why Lady Exeter had hired the governess was solved. She was probably the only one she could find who would agree to remain with the girls after her ladyship remarried and departed in such a scandalous way. Still, if Miss Rivers was having an affair, it would be bad enough to be doing it with a gentleman. But to do it with someone—well—someone who was not of her social standing—that had to have been what the maid meant when she had said “like to like”—when she was in charge of poor Penelope and Phillida would be seen as even more morally reprehensible. Something must be done to get rid of the woman before the whole world knew, but what? Perhaps Dorie could nudge Lord Exeter about hiring a new governess immediately. Or better yet. She could tell Caro and Caro could tell Mama, and Mama could tell …. No, that would not work. Perhaps Caro could tell Huntley and Huntley could tell Papa and Papa could tell Lord Exeter.
The door closed, letting Dorie know she was alone again. She looked at her pin watch. There was still an hour until dinner. That would be enough time to send a message to her sister-in-law.
* * * *
Alex arrived at the ball shortly after it began. Fortunately, it was not that crowded, and he was easily able to find Miss Chatham on the dance floor. Waiting until her partner escorted her to her mother, Alex greeted Mrs. Chatham before turning to the young lady. “Are all of your dances taken?”
“No, my lord. I have the next set free.” Her mother turned to a woman next to her and began to chat. “You look excited about something. Do you have news?”
“I do.” He was excited and couldn’t help grinning. He’d never assisted in a romance before and it was rather exhilarating. Especially since it gave him a chance to put a spoke in Lytton’s wheel. “The person we have been awaiting will arrive soon.”
The smile that dawned on her face could have blinded half the room. She remembered to compose herself, but it was too late. The lady next to Mrs. Chatham whispered loudly, “It won’t be long now, I warrant.”
“Oh, dear,” Miss Chatham murmured. “Now what shall we do?”
The violins struck the first chords of a waltz, and he bowed. “We dance. The rest of it will work itself out once Dursley returns.”
Which could not be soon enough. Alex had forgotten how easily expectations rose in the matchmaking mamas in the ton. What worried him more was if Dorie had also taken his squiring of Miss Chatham in the same light.
* * * *
The next morning Alex arrived at Huntingdon House shortly after breakfast. He had only three hours before his interview with the governess recommended by Lady Huntingdon took place. But that was time enough to start building a much-needed rapport with Dorie. He should spend some time discovering who the gentleman she had mentioned was. One must know one’s competition. Yet the only man she spent even slightly more time with was Fotheringale.
She can’t seriously be thinking about him!
Just the idea was an anathema. He was a good fellow, but she would be wasted married to him.
The door opened and he was taken to the library by the butler. “Lady Dorie will be down straightaway, my lord.”
“Thank you.” The fire had been built up, which was pleasant as the morning was rather chilly. Farther back in the room, he found the heavy, square ash table with books and a stack of paper on it.
“Lord Exeter?” Dorie called.
“I’m back here.” Alex stepped out where she could see him.
“Oh, good.” She smiled politely as she strolled toward him. “I asked for tea, but we might as well begin.”
“Very well.” He held her chair. “Who is Coke of Norfolk? I looked around my library after I left you yesterday and could not find a mention of him. And what is Holkham Hall?”
“Holkham Hall has an experimental farm and Mr. Coke owns it. He was an early proponent of crop rotation.” She settled a paisley shawl more closely around her shoulders. “He is quite famous for holding seminars and classes in new farming methods.”
“Interesting.” Alex took out his notebook and wrote down the name. “How does one arrange to attend one of his seminars?”
A footman entered with a tea tray, placed it on the table, and withdrew.
While Dorie spoke she poured, and he was impressed that she remembered how he liked his tea. “You must either contact Mr. Coke or write Holkham House. My father and brother attended one of his events and came back with a lot of new ideas.” Dorie was quiet while he wrote, then continued. “He is in Parliament. I can ask my father’s secretary for his address.”
Alex grinned. “Or I can instruct my new secretary to find the information.”
“I did not know you had hired one.” She gave him a look of approval.
“Having a secretary has been a relief. It is giving me more time to deal with other things.”
She took a book from the top of the stack. “Let us begin, shall we?”
“Before I forget, I have a question.”
Although covered by a fichu, the throbbing in her neck was plain to see. “What is it?”
“How did you learn what you know?”
“I listened to my father and brother as well as going out with them.” An uncomplicated smile appeared in her eyes. “Many times I was also taking baskets to the tenants, but I also learned how to talk to them about their concerns and think of a ways to address them.”
“I wish I would have been encouraged to do the same.” He could do nothing about his father’s mistake, not that Alex had thought there was anything wrong at the time. He’d been more than happy to go off on long walking tours and visit friends. But when he had children he’d make sure all of them knew
how to take care of an estate and tenants. For the first time he had an image of little girls with honey blond hair and hazel eyes.
She tapped the paper with her pencil. “I have made a list of where we should begin.”
The hours passed quickly as they discussed what he remembered about how the tenant farms at Longwood were laid out, the number of tenants, which crops they grew, and the other basic things he should know. By the time he had to leave, he had his homework for tomorrow. And he was happy with how well he and Dorie worked together.
Her brows furrowed as she neatly stacked the papers and books. Then she glanced down at the papers and moved them off to the side of her before glancing up again. “Did you receive the recommendations for governess my mother sent you?”
“I did, and I am interviewing both of the ladies later this morning.” She nodded tightly making Alex think that something of which he was unaware was happening. “I will be glad to be rid of Miss Rivers.” For a bare second, he could have sworn that panic appeared in Dorie’s eyes. “She is not following my instructions regarding my sisters.”
Her generous breasts rose and fell as she took a deep breath. “In that case, you must replace her as soon as possible.”
“I intend to.” Something was definitely going on. “I’ll offer her six months’ wages to leave as soon as I hire another governess.”
“I am very glad to hear that.” Nervously, Dorie separated the top sheet of paper from the stack and moved the rest to the side. “I have never thought she was quite right.”
She fiddled with the pencil. Alex had never seen her less than self-possessed, but something had her nerves on edge. “Apparently, neither does my staff.”
“Really?” She took a quick drink of tea. “Have they said anything?”
Alex maintained an even countenance, debating whether to ask her what was wrong. “Nothing specific.”
“No.” She glanced up. “No, I should think that not following your directions would be enough.”
“My lady, I have the feeling there is something else. Have you heard anything I should know about?”
Dorie turned a fiery red, and jumped up, knocking her cup over as she stood. “There is something, but you should ask Huntley about it. I must go.”
She dashed out of the room as if the devil were chasing her. What in God’s name was wrong?
He started out of the library after her when he noticed a maid had been with them the whole time. Not that it surprised him. Naturally, she’d be chaperoned. But he had been so engrossed in the conversation that he hadn’t noticed they were not alone. The woman glanced at him and shrugged.
Perdition. He couldn’t go after her now, but he was damn well going to discover what was going on.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Alex returned home to his secretary’s grim face. “What is it?”
“Coyne came to speak with me not long after you had gone. It appears one of the maids confided in Mrs. Wooton that there is gossip about Miss Rivers having conjugal relations with one of the tradesmen.”
“I beg your pardon?” Surely he hadn’t heard correctly. But Cunningham’s flush reminded him of Dorie’s …Oh. Good. Lord! No wonder she had turned bright red and run out of the room. If his mother were here, he’d be hard pressed not to throttle her. The man cleared this throat, and Alex waved his hand, cutting his secretary off. “A tradesman?”
Cunningham nodded. “I regret saying this, but she must be turned off without a reference, my lord.”
“I almost regret doing it, but she has put my sisters’ reputations at risk.” He took a seat behind his desk. “I don’t suppose this is simply gossip?”
“Coyne would not come to me with mere gossip. He said Mrs. Wooton has proof.”
“Very well. I’ll write a draft on my bank, and you can withdraw the funds. Ask Coyne if there is a boardinghouse in which Miss Rivers can reside until she decides what she wants to do. Despite what she has done, I cannot bring myself to turn her out with nowhere to go.”
“No, my lord.” Cunningham glanced at the clock while Alex wrote the check. “Miss Holliwell will be here soon.”
“What about the other governess?” He handed the draft to his secretary.
“I have not yet heard from her.”
“Well”—Alex let out a breath—“I hope Miss Holliwell will do. I cannot allow Miss Rivers to remain in the house.”
“No, my lord.” Cunningham appeared as if he felt the burden of the decision as much as Alex did.
It wasn’t that Alex had an immutable prejudice against the mixing of classes. The local squire’s daughter at home had married a prosperous merchant. It had scandalized several people in the neighborhood, including her parents who—the last he knew—still had nothing to do with her. But Miss Rivers had crossed the line when she romantically involved herself with a man of a lower status while she was in charge of Penelope and Phillida. Actually, if she was indeed engaging in marital congress with a man outside the bounds of marriage, even if it was a gentleman, he would have had to have turned her off. If Alex did not take immediate action, it would be even worse for his sisters and for him.
He took a few moments to review Miss Holliwell’s qualifications. She was fluent in French, Italian, and German, could instruct her students in all the regular subjects as well as drawing, music on the piano and harp, dance, embroidery, and social discourse. According to her résumé she was eminently qualified, and exactly what he needed for his sisters. Yet he had one question that must be answered to his satisfaction.
A knock came on the door and his butler ushered in a lady who looked to be in her late twenties or early thirties. Alex immediately stood. Coyne bowed. “Miss Holliwell, my lord.”
She was dressed plainly but with propriety—strange how he was beginning to notice things like that. She wore a dark blue gown that had a round neckline, cut higher than most ladies he’d seen wear, and a snowy white fichu. Her bonnet could only be called no-nonsense, and her gloves were tan leather in good condition. She had an air of competence and authority, but more importantly she was every inch a lady.
“Miss Holliwell, allow me to introduce myself. I am Exeter. Please have a seat.” Alex motioned to a chair next to the fireplace. “Coyne, tea, please.”
She moved as gracefully as any lady he knew, and as she sank onto the chair he knew he’d found his savior. At least with regard to his sisters.
Once she was seated, he took his place on the opposite chair and she glanced up at him. “I assume you have read my qualifications and recommendations, my lord.”
He had, but some of it he had not fully understood. “Er …Yes. Could you please explain what a finishing governess does exactly?”
“Generally, I take charge of girls about two years before their come out and ensure they have all the necessary requirements of a young lady. I do understand that you have a sister who is fourteen.” She raised one brow and he nodded. “Naturally, I shall instruct her in the subjects she is required to master as well.”
“I did notice that you have moved households quite a bit, I now understand the reason. Are you averse to spending part of the year in the country?”
“Not at all. Young ladies must learn to comport themselves there as well.”
Alex felt as if bricks were falling off his shoulders. “I would like you to meet my sisters.”
“Of course.” Miss Holliwell smiled in a way that assured him she loved the children she worked with.
He tugged the bell-pull and Coyne appeared with the tea tray. “Please bring my sisters to me.”
If Alex hadn’t known better, he would have thought he’d seen the veriest hint of a smile on the man’s face. “Yes, my lord.”
“Can you tell me, my lord,” Miss Holliwell said, “what the girls have been studying?”
Keeping a grimace off his face, he stepped over to his d
esk and took up the lesson plan Miss Rivers had given him. When he sat down again, Miss Holliwell had poured two cups of tea. “How do you take your tea, my lord?”
“Milk and two sugars, please.”
She nodded efficiently and when she’d finished, he handed her the papers. Her lips pressed together disapprovingly. “Well, this is certainly different.”
He felt as if he must defend his sisters. “You must understand it is not that I mind them learning Latin and Greek. They can be very helpful, but…”
“They must fit in with their other studies as well.” She gave him a long look. “My lord, I do not have either Latin or Greek.”
Again he felt a sense of relief. “And I would not expect you to. They need—no, they must know how to comport themselves in a manner befitting their rank.”
“That is precisely what I am able to do.” She placed the papers on the tables next to the tea. “Where is their mother?”
Just when he had started to relax. Then again, she would be living in this household and had a right to know what she might be getting herself into. “My mother married a Scottish earl shortly after my father died. I returned home to find her gone…” She nodded several times as he explained what had occurred since his return, including the help he’d received from Dorie and her family. Miss Holliwell’s countenance gave him no indication of her thoughts, and, by the end of his explanation, he didn’t know if she would stand up and walk out, or stay to be offered the position.
Just then the girls walked into the study, glanced at Miss Holliwell and at him. He could only be thankful that they did not have the frightened looks on their faces they’d had when he first arrived home.
“You wanted to see us?” Penelope asked, taking Phillida’s hand.
“Yes.” He glanced at Miss Holliwell and she nodded. “I would like you to meet Miss Holliwell. Miss Holliwell, Ladies Penelope and Phillida, my sisters.”
The girls performed credible curtseys. Still, there was a lot of work to be done there. Cocking her head slightly, she looked at him. “I will accept the position.”
