How to Claim a Governess’s Heart - Bridget Barton Page 0,32
me to do so,” he added, looking down at Bridget with excited enthusiasm. “I hope tonight will be a welcoming event for Miss Thatcher into the fine society that we have been privileged to enjoy. I hope you will allow me this desire.”
Several glasses were lifted and words of agreement were exclaimed at Lord John’s request. Admittedly, Bridget couldn’t tell if they were simply indulging their host out of politeness or genuinely willing to accept a governess in their midst. For her part, she felt so embarrassed at having so many eyes on her, that she could do nothing but stare at the floor and blush.
“Well then, I would invite you all to join me, and our guest of honour, as we make our way to dine,” Lord John finished, holding out his arm for Bridget to take.
Her heart raced as she slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. She knew he was simply playing his part as host, but she couldn’t help but feel the joyful sensation at being at his side for all to see.
“I hope you don’t mind,” Lord John bent his head down to say softly into Bridget’s ear, “I thought I might keep you by my side for the first part of the night. I could help introduce you to everyone.”
Bridget studied the face of the man next to her. She couldn’t be sure, but she almost sensed he was nervous that she might turn down his request. To be sure, he was quite forward to ask her to stay by his side in a crowd of new acquaintances to be made. She, however, had no desire to do otherwise.
“I would be most grateful if you would, sir,” Bridget replied, beaming up at him.
“Good,” he said with a sigh of relief. “To be honest, I can already tell several gents here will be upset to hear you say that. Mr. Higgins in particular, I think, and several other of my single friends would have been very happy to have the job. I suppose that’s why I wanted to ask first before they had the chance,” he added with a sheepish grin.
“Mr. Higgins is a kind man and does seem to be a good friend to you,” Bridget commented. She watched as his visage became crestfallen at the remarks. “I’m sure, however, that he will be understanding to the fact that I would be most comfortable at your side,” she added, bringing back the light to his face.
“Then it’s settled then.”
Chapter 11
Lord John couldn’t remember a night he had enjoyed as much as this night. As they sat around the table, he couldn’t help but be grateful to Mrs. Smith. She had painstakingly planned and prepared course after course of the delectable dinner.
He was glad that Miss Thatcher had accepted his offer as the guest of honour for the evening. Instead of sitting at the other end of the long table, as custom would dictate, she was seated at his right in a place of honour.
“Tell me of your family, Miss Thatcher,” Lord Babcock questioned in his robust voice from Lord John's other side.
Viscount Babcock was an older gentleman with a moustache large enough to cover most of the lower half of his face. He spoke in an exact manner, getting straight to the heart of things. The late duke and Babcock had been close friends. There were very few events Lord John could remember attending without the viscount and family also present.
“It is so unfortunate that so many fine families fall on hard times, and their children must take employment out of necessity. I sense you must be from a fine family, perhaps I have even made acquaintance with your parents,” Babcock continued.
“Actually, I have no family to speak of. My parents died when I was very young. I wouldn’t say we were a fine or prosperous family. Still, my father was able to save up some money that paid for my education even after their death.”
Lord Babcock’s small black eyes widened with surprise. Lord John should have known that assumptions about Miss Thatcher and her predicament that led to her becoming a governess would be under scrutiny.
It was something he had never really cared to consider until this moment. It was common for many families to give their daughters such an education when social standings were lost. It was not the best lot in life but certainly better than a lady forced into servitude.
“So, you have no family connections?” Babcock asked again.