How to Claim a Governess’s Heart - Bridget Barton Page 0,25
I suppose they were lavish,” Lord John said, thinking back on his own history. “When I was young, it was always in the country. When my brother and I were old enough to be sent to school, we spent our holiday breaks here in London with my mother, father and sister.
“I think I liked the London holidays best. Christmas dinner was always a large party with several guests either at another home or here. I remember one in particular when I was about sixteen. There were so many people squeezed around the dining room table for our Christmas dinner that the servants could barely get around the chairs to lay out the various courses.
“It was all those people, friends and family, laughing and enjoying each other's company that made it so special to me. That was actually the Christmas right before Betsy was born.
“I remember Frank and Elisabeth came. My parents were happy but surprised that they did. Elisabeth was so great with child that my mother feared she might burst at any moment. Frank was so sweet to her,” Lord John said in a softening tone. “He loved and doted on her so much. He was always concerned for her comfort. They really loved each other. It’s such a rare thing to see, I think.”
“I hope it is not so rare,” Bridget retorted. “Though I guess my only life experiences of couples are reserved to the Smeltings and what I read in books, so perhaps I am not the best judge.”
Lord John looked down at Bridget with a smile that made her stomach flutter.
“You’re very lucky to have such a pure view of marital relationships. My own parents’ marriage was arranged. They were amicable towards each other, but I would not call it love. I learned quickly that having a deep affection for your spouse was the exception and not the rule.”
“I suppose you are right in situations like your parents. Things beyond love must be considered for people of title and wealth. Do you think you will get a chance at love, though? Perhaps you are more able to freely choose your wife without the pressures of title that your brother bears.”
Lord John’s smile flickered as the conversation turned more to present family situations.
“I don’t know if my life is any less controlled than my brother’s. I am bound to accept the choice he makes for me, or else…”
“But since you are to make something of yourself, and I have no doubt you will, you will be free from his chains, won’t you?” Bridget quickly said to lighten the mood again.
“Yes, yes, of course,” Lord John replied, taking her cue to leave these negative notions of the future.
“Mrs. Smith said that you have been very successful in writing your manuscript these last few weeks. Does that mean that you think you will complete it soon?”
“I think I still have a while to go, but yes, I think it is going very well.”
“I hope Betsy and I haven’t been too much of a distraction for you,” Bridget said, peering at him sideways.
She hoped she could gently coax out any opinion Lord John might have now that the two ladies had stayed with him for some time.
“Honestly, it hasn’t been a distraction at all,” he replied, squeezing the hand that she had threaded through his arm as they walked the path.
“I think you should be commended for how well you have continued your teaching in such unique circumstances.”
“So you haven’t heard us? We haven’t pulled you from your writing?” Bridget asked, hoping to reassure herself.
“In writing, for me, at least, my problem usually lies in starting,” Lord John tried to explain. “Once I start to write, I guess you could say it's like a river. It starts to flow out of me, and the world seems to disappear around me. My struggle has always been in starting the flow of the river, not getting distracted from it, if that makes any sense.
“To be honest, I think having Betsy here has actually helped with my problem. I felt such pressure – so much anxiety – to write something perfect, but now I have another person relying on me. She has given me the push I need to get past my own ego, I guess you could call it. I feel like it’s because of her I can finally make progress in my work.”
Bridget couldn’t help but beam up at Lord John as he struggled with his own emotion to put into