How to Claim a Governess’s Heart - Bridget Barton Page 0,14
don't even know if my funds could handle such a situation for her."
"Now this is a place I can give you aid," Higgins said, sitting a little straighter in his chair.
He was a tall man, though not quite as tall as Lord John. He had a slight frame with brown hair that he cropped short in a Roman fashion. His narrow, hooked nose gave him the ability to strike the fear of God into his flock. When he smiled, most often, when his wisdom would be put to good use, his dark chocolate eyes lit up, removing all fierceness.
"There are many boarding schools here in London. Certainly, the most fashionable of the Ton keep their children at home with a private governess. Still, it is not always feasible for the gentry. Several good houses have been produced as a result where a child can get a fine education and boarding for a reasonable price."
"How reasonable? I have some excess in my yearly allowance as I have no plans to spend time out in the town, but I daresay not much."
"I think you will find there are a few options that could meet your needs. They are not the finest boarding schools, but as of recent times, there have been several seminaries – once for commercial education – extending their reach to classes in a more gentle education. I know of one in particular as I have just helped place a fellow clergy member for Latin lessons."
"It would be extra charges to add on various accomplishments but, if I remember correctly, a base education was only fifteen pounds for the year. With such a price, you could certainly add French lessons, dancing and needlework. I would surmise these would be the very least required of a lady."
"That does seem very reasonable. What is this school? I suspect if you are suggesting it it is of high standing."
"Miss Heartfelt's Seminary for Pious Young Ladies. Miss Heartfelt herself tends to much of the children's education. She is a firm but Godly woman. It is one of the larger of the private boarding schools, so it is a short coach ride out of the city. The grounds are quite immense, having transformed an old abbey, and taking on up to seventy pupils a year, if I remember correctly. I only toured the grounds once myself," Higgins added quickly, "as I visited the new Latin teacher, Mr. Fleming. From his words, it seems the school has made great strides in incorporating pupils of a higher class than previously."
Lord John pulled at the tablecloth between them as he listened to his friend's recommendation. He wasn't altogether comfortable with the idea of sending Betsy so far away, especially with her parents’ recent demise. He knew that Higgins was right in suggesting a boarding school, however, as keeping the governess was next to impossible.
Miss Thatcher's employment was sure to be at least double that amount, as per the known rates of such a person in a household. However, he seriously doubted his cousin gave less than fifty pounds for her position.
Lord John had yet to learn much about Miss Thatcher's upbringing and background. Still, he guessed that no matter her past place in society, being asked to take a significant pay cut would not suit her.
Even if Lord John could convince Miss Thatcher to stay on, or hire someone in her place for significantly less, he would also have to find a nanny to take charge of the child outside of her education. Then there was the fact that Betsy would be in the small townhouse all day long, distracting him from the work he so desperately needed to complete.
"I think you are right. Though I know a seminary is not what Frank had in mind for his daughter, it is clear what must be done, at least for the next year."
Higgins nodded his agreement.
"It would only be for a season," he encouraged, seeing the discomfort on Lord John's face. "Once you set your place in this world, you could bring the child back. You will have won your inheritance and made a name for yourself as you always spoke of in our boy years."
"Well, that is assuming that I actually write something worth publishing. If not…"
"You could take your commission," Higgins suggested.
"I refuse to do that," Lord John said, heat rising up his neck. "I will not lead those below me on a battlefield to die. I refuse to be that callous with another man's life."