The Earl's Runaway Governess by Catherine Tinley

Author:Catherine Tinley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2019-01-03T14:14:25+00:00

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Two days later Marianne waited anxiously in the sitting room at Grillon’s for the arrival of Mrs Bailey and her daughter. Her luggage rested by her feet, for she was packed and ready to return home to Ledbury House.

Ash had made his travelling carriage available to them—an unexpected and unlooked-for privilege. Ledbury House’s new housekeeper and her daughter had been instructed to present themselves here at ten o’clock, to meet Lady Kingswood, after which they would set out for Ledbury House with Marianne.

Lady Kingswood, however, had been somewhat distracted by the arrival, an hour before, of her new footman—a superior-looking, confident young man in magnificent livery. She was still preening herself at this boost to her consequence, and hoping she would be seen by as many ladies of her acquaintance as possible, when the footman who was stationed outside the door of their suite opened it to announce the new housekeeper and her daughter.

‘Allow them to enter,’ intoned Lady Kingswood dramatically, ‘for I am quite at my leisure!’

Mrs Bailey and Jane entered, looking a little anxious. Marianne exchanged a glance with the housekeeper, giving her what she hoped was a welcoming smile. She had not seen Mrs Bailey since that day at the register office, and of course had not seen Jane since she’d left home.

If they were anxious, their anxiety did not last long. Within a very few moments it became clear that Lady Kingswood had already tired of the conversation, and before long she had dismissed the three of them.

They made their way silently to the carriage, and then finally they were inside and the door closed. As the carriage left all three women expressed their relief, and Marianne hugged both Mrs Bailey and Jane fiercely.

‘Oh, Miss Marianne!’ Mrs Bailey cried, wiping away a tear. ‘It is so good to see you again and to see that you are safe. I thought I should pass out when I saw you in that register office!’

‘Me too!’ said Marianne fervently. ‘I had no expectation of seeing either of you—though of course when I heard what had happened with Henry I understood it all immediately!’ She turned to Jane. ‘I am so, so sorry that he importuned you. Are you—are you still unwell?’

Jane looked at her steadily. ‘I was at first. But I am much recovered now and I am determined to be well.’ She smiled shyly. ‘It is a relief to be away from—from him, and to be working for you again, miss!’

‘Oh, no! You are not working for me, but with me,’ said Marianne. ‘You must not forget that I, too, am an employee at Ledbury House—the governess only. I eat with the family, it is true, but I have friends among the servants. It is most gratifying!’

Jane looked shocked. ‘Friends with the servants—oh, miss! And you such a fine lady!’

‘I was born a lady, that is true, but we are both women, are we not? And we are nearly the same age. My changed circumstance means, I hope, that we can be friends.

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