How to Claim a Governess’s Heart - Bridget Barton Page 0,20
catch myself consumed in a good book when I should be attempting to write one myself."
"Mrs. Smith mentioned to me that you were very skilled with a pen and paper."
"Mrs. Smith is very kind. I try. I fear, like needlework and painting. There must be a drop of talent given to truly be a good writer. I don't know if I have it, exactly, but I do have a passion for it."
"I'm sure you're just being modest."
"Let's hope so," Lord John said with a happy chuckle. "Otherwise, this whole year will be for nothing."
"If you would be willing," Bridget asked, "I would be interested in reading something you have written."
She didn't know why she was full of butterflies as she asked. She had never felt so nervous and happy at the same time while talking to an employer.
"I would be very honoured to have a fellow bibliophile give me their opinion on my abilities," Lord John responded.
He smiled a heart-melting wide smile that made Bridget blush again. She couldn't entirely be sure, but she almost thought that Lord John was using his charm on someone such as her.
Chapter 7
Lord John looked down at the work on his desk, surprised at how much he had accomplished today compared to the last week. After spending the afternoon in the library with Betsy and Miss Thatcher, he had retired to his office.
Unlike other attempts to write that had been filled with anxiety and pressure, he found himself relaxed and at ease. The thoughts in his mind seemed to flow smoothly from hand down to the page. Having completed several pages, he sat back to study his work.
The opening and closing of the front door, followed by the sounds of childlike giggles, pulled him from his writing. After their time in the library, Miss Thatcher had suggested taking Betsy for a walk in the park. Though he had greatly welcomed the peace and quiet to work, he couldn't help but alight his face with a smile at the noise signalling their return.
In his mind, he could see clearly the time Betsy and Miss Thatcher spent in the park. He was sure that Miss Thatcher would have stopped from time to time to admire the colours of the falling leaves as Betsy skipped on ahead in the path. He couldn't help but focus on the imagined Miss Thatcher smiling and laughing as the wind caught the brown ringlets that framed her face.
Lord John shook the image out of his head with a chuckle. He wasn't entirely sure why he had fixated on the governess since her arrival. In fact, he knew he should be distancing himself from her as much as possible. After all, later tonight, he would have to tell the governess that her services would no longer be required.
Though it was unorthodox for a boarding school to take a child in the middle of the year, he had been assured by Higgins that Miss Heartfelt's would easily find a place for Betsy nonetheless. In a week, Betsy would be removed to her school, and Lord John's life would return to normal.
He would write a recommendation for Miss Thatcher and see that she found her new place of employment, and then never cross paths with her again. Though he knew it must be done, Lord John couldn't help but feel a part of him tear away and rebel at the notion of sending them both away.
With these thoughts coming into his mind, the light heart he had felt since returning home that afternoon suddenly became very heavy. This dark shadow continued throughout the evening meal and time spent in the parlour with Betsy and her governess.
It was clear to the rest of the party as well that Lord John's mood had changed. Even at her young age, Betsy could sense the foreboding atmosphere. Miss Thatcher did her best to distract the child from the sadness that filled the room. Having already selected a book from the shelves, she read to Betsy close to the fire, entertaining her with different voices for each character.
When the time came for Betsy to bid Lord John goodnight, he felt the pressure within him rising to bursting point. He knew this was the moment he must lay out his plans to the governess, and he dreaded the thought of it.
"Miss Thatcher, I wonder if after Betsy is settled, you would come back down so we may discuss matters," Lord John said in what he hoped was a light voice.