Falling for the Governess: A Historical Regency Romance Book by Abby Ayles

Author:Abby Ayles [Ayles, Abby]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-02-09T18:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

Isabella made her way, quite sadly, to her room. According to the agreement with Lady Lydia, she was to have no interaction with the rest of the household. She was to refuse any invitations from Lord Bellfourd, Lady Abigail, or even Lady Wintercrest.

She was to make any time with the household, as governess to Jaqueline, as brief as possible and then quickly make both their exits.

Aside from her short mornings with Betsy, and afternoon lunch with Mrs. Murray, her sole companion was Jackie. Of course, she couldn’t share her sorrow with the child. Poor Jackie had already noticed enough the fall in her countenance and had asked if there was something the matter. Isabella, of course, would not get the child involved in such matters.

She spent all her afternoons and evenings in her room, as instructed by Lady Lydia, so as not to interlope on anyone in the garden.

She settled herself to take the time to work on Betsy’s dress. With Lady Abigail’s help that first day, she was able to measure and cut out pieces to the proper size as best she could. Her nights of solitude gave her ample time to work the tedious hand sewing of creating the garment.

Isabella missed the company of Lady Abigail and her youthful energy when she talked. She even missed the occasional teasing that came with conversations with the marquess. Part of her wished she had never gotten to be such good friends with the Wintercrest family. Now in the absence of their companionship, she felt so much emptiness.

There was nothing to be done about it. The duke’s health continued to worsen and Lady Lydia was all too happy to carry the offensive newspaper clipping with her wherever she might go.

In any instance when Lady Abigail or Lord Bellfourd would try to include Isabella, Lady Lydia would take it out most carefully to flaunt before Isabella’s eyes.

Between the wicked ways of Lady Lydia and the constant fear that Mr. Smith might happen on her, Isabella felt she was becoming a shell of herself.

Soon the time of All Hallows’ Eve was upon them and Isabella was happy that she had at least finished Betsy’s dress in time.

She asked Betsy to meet her in her room just after supper for a surprise.

“Oh, my! Why, this can’t be meant for me?" Betsy exclaimed, pulling back the brown paper Isabella had wrapped the garment in.

“Of course it’s for you, you silly.” Isabella felt the warm glow of happiness reach her cheeks for the first time in a very long while.

“'Tis so fine. I could never wear such a thing,” Betsy protested softly, touching the lace overlay of the ivory dress.

“You certainly shall. I will help you put it on and together we will create the finest hair. Mr. Johnson will think twice about looking past you after tonight. I will make you the belle of the festival.”

She hugged Isabella in a tight embrace. Both girls had tears brimming in their eyes.

An hour later, Betsy was dressed and looked absolutely stunning.

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