the fortune of Miss Thatcher’s presence here. I certainly had no idea that institutions still practised in such a way.”
“I did have another boarding school catch my attention recently,” Higgins continued, glad of his friend's forgiveness. “A family friend mentioned that they will be boarding their own child there come the new year. I know you mentioned you were still keeping your options open in this regard. I assure you I did my research well this time before I thought to bring it to you for an option,” Higgins smiled broadly.
Lord John quickly looked at Miss Thatcher again. As far as the governess knew, there was no more talk of sending Betsy away. He feared she would not only take it as a danger to her position but a slight in his trust in her.
“I think we have done well these past few months in our current situation,” Lord John sputtered. “Though I appreciate your diligence, I don’t know if I require such a suggestion anymore.”
“Well, hear me out,” Higgins said, scooting forward in his chair in excitement. “You may consider it a most agreeable school that would benefit Betsy much more than a home education. Not to suggest your practices in education are in any way lacking, Miss Thatcher,” Higgins added quickly. “It is only that I mean their resources far surpass any that could be acquired on an individual basis.”
Lord John let his friend continue in his explanation of the school. Clearly, Higgins had put great effort and time into his research, and it would have been rude to flatly dismiss him again.
Though it was Higgins who spoke to him, Lord John couldn’t help but hold his gaze on Miss Thatcher. For her part, she kept her eyes down to the hands folded in her lap. She only spoke when prompted to give her opinion by Higgins. She would mumble her agreement that whatever was spoken did sound nice or would make Betsy very happy.
Lord John would have given anything to catch Miss Thatcher’s eye. He wanted to assure her that he had no intention to remove Betsy – or herself – from his home, even if the child was offered a tutorage at the feet of the prince regent himself.
“And I’m sure that Miss Thatcher here has desires beyond just being a governess. I can already see you are a fine lady and would have no trouble in making an amiable match for yourself. Betsy attending such a fine school in January would free you to explore such opportunities over the next few weeks. Certainly, the ball John’s throwing would give you such an opportunity.”
“I have no desire to leave Betsy’s side for personal motives,” Miss Thatcher stated, finally looking Lord John's way. “And I know of no ball,” she added, holding his gaze in question.
Lord John gave out a long sigh. “I actually hoped it would be a surprise for you,” he said sheepishly. “I am hosting a ball here, on the Saturday before the new year. Nothing terribly large. I thought it might help to inspire more fond memories of what you said was your favourite time of the year.”
Miss Thatcher blushed profusely at his explanation. Though Lord John had no knowledge of Miss Thatcher’s inner thoughts, he hoped her outward reaction was proof that she wholly approved his surprise.
Chapter 10
It was the morning of the secret ball. Bridget had allowed Betsy to take a break from her lessons for the duration, from Christmas to the new year. She knew well enough that the excitement of the holidays would be far too much to keep the child focused on any studies.
Instead, Bridget had filled most of her days in the library reading books in one of the cosy window alcoves, while Betsy played with new toys on the hearth rug. Lord John had gone above and beyond what Bridget could have imagined possible for the child’s first Christmas in her new home.
Along with newly sewn outfits for Betsy’s favourite doll, he also commissioned the construction of a giant doll’s house. Bridget had never seen one matching in skill and beauty. The house was three feet tall from floor to roof. It had the main floor with a parlour, kitchen, and study. A set of mock stairs led to a second floor that housed two large rooms with their own miniature fireplaces. It was all furnished with hand-carved furniture, painted wall hangings, and even miniature candlesticks to light the rooms.
Along with the house and all its