by Ayles, Abby
She took her seat and, passing her information forward to the Earl, kept her eyes on the hands neatly folded in her lap. Sebastian pulled his eyes from her curious figure to the pamphlet before him.
Her dress seemed to make more sense as he read over that her schooling was at Hendrick’s Preparatory School for Young Misses. He was familiar with the institution. Though it produced satisfactory educators, it was one often used by those who couldn’t afford much better.
“I am in need of a lady who can both teach my two young daughters the educational lessons appropriate to their age as well as etiquette they will need in preparation for their adult lives. I trust your education at Hendrick’s Preparatory was satisfactory?”
“Yes, Lord Grimshaw.”
“And if you were offered the position, how soon would you be able to arrive at Brighton Abby? Of course, I would pay for your transportation,” he added with a wave of his hand.
“I could leave as soon as needed, or as soon as it is convenient for you,” she replied with her head still down.
He didn’t rather like how dull and sullen she seemed. He wondered how that would fair with his girls who were often rambunctious and feral. Though on the other hand he thought perhaps her demeanor might have an influence on them.
“I see here that Hendrick’s first put you with the Baron Edgley. I see you spent almost a year there, but I see no reference.”
“That is correct,” she said as her eyes met his for the first time since entering the room.
“Could you perchance tell me why your post terminated with the baron and perhaps why there is no reference,” Sebastian said, a little more severely than he had meant to.
He was just frustrated, not with the miss, but with the fact that this was yet another red flag against yet another unqualified governess.
“Perhaps you know the baron?” Hannah retorted, not yet ready to answer the question.
“No.”
“Oh, well, my ward was their son, Joseph. He took ill quite suddenly and after several months without recovering they thought it best to dismiss me. Both Baron and Baroness Edgley were beside themselves with worry over Joseph, and I didn’t feel it appropriate to ask for a reference in such a time.”
“Why did they not supply one upon your dismissal?”
“I suppose it was just the stress they were under. I think the Baron forgot, he had so much on his mind, you see.”
Sebastian thought this over and considered it to be a suitable reason for not giving a reference. Hannah Jacobson didn’t seem like the type of girl who would fail in her job as an educator if her school marks were any indication.
“Well,” the Earl said, standing up. Miss Jacobson did the same. “I have seen as much as I think I need to. You are hired. I will arrange a coach to collect you and your belongings first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Tomorrow morning?” Hannah said, surprised to not only get the job with such a dubious work history and suspicious explanation of it, but to also start right away.
“You said you were available, did you not?”
“Yes, yes of course. I would be happy to begin as soon as you wish. I was just surprised is all,” she added with a shy smile.
She looked down from the Earl, no doubt to hide a blush behind the large ruffles of her cap. He couldn’t help but wonder later that day if it was actually dimples he had also seen along with the rose on her cheeks.
Do you want to read more?
Click on the link below!
http://abbyayles.com/AmB03toB11
Also by Abby Ayles
The Lady, The Duke And The Gentleman
A Broken Heart’s Redemption
Falling for the Governess
The Lady’s Gamble
The Lady’s Patient
Saving Lady Abigail
Engaging Love
A Cinderella for the Duke
The Tales of Haskett’s Manor
Portrait of Love
A Mysterious Governess for the Reluctant Earl
The Ladies' Secrets
About Abby Ayles
Abby Ayles was born in the northern city of Manchester, England, but currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and their three cats. She holds a Masters degree in History and Arts and worked as a history teacher in middle school.
Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.
In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented “Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time!”
When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.
