How to Claim a Governess’s Heart - Bridget Barton Page 0,3

this information as quickly as possible. He understood that, naturally, Betsy would be sent to a member of the Hughan household. Frank Smelting was the only son of Lord John's Aunt Agatha. She was the sole younger sibling to his father, the late Duke of Ludford.

Lord John, his elder brother the duke, and their young sister Agatha, named after their aunt, were the only family Betsy had to his knowledge. What was most perplexing to him was that Frank had decided to turn the child over to him and not his brother.

Surely such a thing would be expected in the situation. Not to mention Lord John was a man of little money at present. He had no title of his own, no relative looking to pass along an inheritance. By all accounts, he was the least likely to secure a respectable upbringing for Betsy when compared to the duke.

He was once again brought back keenly to the fact that he had a year left of allowance from his family before he was forced to choose a life of his brother's choosing or quite possibly destitution in the life of his own choosing.

"Are you not sure that Betsy is to be the ward of my brother, the Duke of Ludford? Don't get me wrong, I am happy to have Betsy with me, but I fear a grave mistake has been made."

"I know the situation is slightly peculiar, but Lieutenant Smelting was quite clear that he wished you to be Betsy's guardian. I know it is a lot to take in all at once," Miss Thatcher added quickly. "I had hoped you would have made time to process the information as it was laid out in the letter. I had no idea this would be the first you hear of it.

“If you would like, Betsy and I will return to our lodgings until you are prepared to further discuss the matter."

"It is far too late at night for you to be returning anywhere. I wouldn't dream of risking even the walk to a carriage for Betsy in this weather. I am not entirely in a position to be taking on a ward at the present time, but clearly Frank wished it, and I won't disregard it without consideration.

“I will have a room aired for you both for the night. If it is most convenient for you, Miss Thatcher, would you be willing to stay on here with Betsy, or do you already have other employment lined up?"

"Actually, Lord John," Miss Thatcher said, sitting up a little straighter and fidgeting with her hands. "I have no future arrangements made at present. I rather hoped to continue to stay with Betsy if it were at all possible. I have several letters of recommendation that I am happy to give you," she added quickly.

"That won't be necessary, I trust Frank's judgment. Understand, however, that I cannot promise you anything permanent. I must first sort out my affairs and decide what accommodations will be in Betsy's best interests."

"Of course, I understand, sir," Miss Thatcher responded visibly relaxing.

Lord John studied them both for a second longer before coming to his feet. At least one decision could be made tonight, while many more would still need working out. Ringing the bell on the side table, Mrs. Smith immediately appeared. Lord John suspected that she had been waiting outside the door, attempting to hear who the mysterious visitors were.

"Betsy and Miss Thatcher will be staying with us. Will you please have the blue room aired for them. I'm sorry to say that the house only has one guest room ready," Lord John added towards Miss Thatcher.

"We are very grateful for it and know we will be quite comfortable together."

Lord John smiled, relieved at Miss Thatcher's willingness to adapt to the situation.

"I presume you have more than just the one carpetbag?" Lord John asked, eyeing the luggage next to the lady. She nodded in affirmation. "I will have Perkins retrieve it in the morning from your lodging. Mrs. Smith here will see you to your room."

"Come my little one," Mrs. Smith said in a happy tone holding a hand out for Betsy, "We will make sure your room is alight with fire and the bed warmed with the biggest hot pan we can find."

Betsy looked up at Miss Thatcher for assurance, who nodded her approval. Happily, she took the housekeeper's warm grasp, and together they started out of the parlour.

"Thank you for letting me stay with her, even if it