How to Claim a Governess’s Heart - Bridget Barton Page 0,33
time his small beady eyes darted back and forth between Miss Thatcher and Lord John. He could not fathom why a man of Lord John’s standing in society would dare to consider inviting the finest people of the Ton to celebrate a governess with no connections to speak of.
“I’m afraid not,” Miss Thatcher replied with her chin held high.
Lord John had to admire her for it. Though he had never stopped to consider the repercussions of his actions, Miss Thatcher had clearly expected these shocking conversations.
“Well, nonetheless, family connections aren’t everything,” Lord Babcock said with an upturn of his moustache in a polite smile. “You are here by way of employment, am I right? It was a terrible business with Mr. and Mrs. Smelting. I do give my sincerest sympathy on that point,” Lord Babcock continued in conversation.
“I think Betsy has done very well, adjusting to her new home. Lord John is most accommodating to her needs,” Miss Thatcher complimented as her eyes drifted over their host.
“I do have to ask,” Lady Temperance said, leaning forward on the other side of her father, “I was curious to hear that the child was put in your care. Was that true?”
Lady Temperance was nearly the same age as Lord John. For most of their teenage years, it was an unspoken agreement between the two families that they would eventually be matched. Lord John hadn’t been entirely pleased with the prospect of an arranged marriage but also knew there was little chance of an alternative for him.
While he was resigned to the fact that there would be a union between himself and the lady, she had had different notions. For several seasons her attachment seemed drawn to a specific gentleman, one who was to inherit his own viscount title.
Lord John knew little of the details that transpired between them or the events that led the gentleman to engage himself to another at the end of the previous season. All he did know was now Lady Temperance seemed to think that an arrangement between their two families was still possible.
“I am her Godfather, so yes, I was named her guardian,” Lord John did his best to sound unconcerned.
“But surely it would make more sense to have the child and Miss Thatcher reside at Lexington Park with the duke and your mother?”
“I find it necessary to keep her close by for now,” Lord John said calmly.
“But what does your mother make of it?” Lady Temperance pressed further.
“I don’t think you need to worry, my dear,” Lord Babcock said, patting his daughter's hand. “I am sure Lord John has things well in hand.”
Lord John was grateful for the intervention. He had no desire to explain to the lady that he had not discussed the matter with his mother or his brother. In fact, he rather hoped against all the odds he could hold off that conversation forever.
Lord John felt that much pleasure had been had by all attending the private event that night. As dawn began to approach and the gathering came to its conclusion, he searched the hall for Miss Thatcher.
Lord John and Miss Thatcher had danced the first set together to start the evening. He had wondered if the lady would object, perhaps not being able to dance the various steps. After all, she had not been raised in a family that would have facilitated such necessities.
Much to his surprise, she had happily agreed. She admitted to not being the best at dancing but had learned during her time at school. It was not due to education in the field, but instead one of the girls she was close to throughout their education.
Dancing, drawing and music lessons had been offered at Miss Heartfelt’s for an extra cost. Her friend had been lucky enough to have parents who could afford such an education along with the practical standard one offered. However, she hadn’t been very good at most things considered talents by fine young ladies.
To help improve her skills, she taught Miss Thatcher, who then practised with her whenever possible. In Lord John’s opinion, all of this had led Miss Thatcher to being an excellent dancer.
Once their set was over, Lord John couldn’t ask to dance another with the governess. To do such a thing would have been extremely gossip-worthy and could even bring her reputation into question as they were living under the same roof. All the same, he would have been happy to dance with Miss Thatcher for the whole evening.