How to Claim a Governess’s Heart - Bridget Barton Page 0,52

want to talk the matter over with her.

“I have taken care of it. You will still be staying here under my employment.”

That was the most explanation that Bridget had received directly after she and Betsy had dared to come back downstairs at the evening meal on the night of the confrontation. Directly after dinner, Lord John retired to his study and had scarcely come out again since.

Not only did this worry Bridget, but she realised how deep a void was opened up in her life without him around. She couldn’t help but find herself looking longingly towards the door that separated the library and office, wondering what he was doing. Obviously, he had to be working, but despite only a wood portal between them, he suddenly seemed worlds apart from her.

Betsy had quickly noticed her Godfather’s absence from her presence and had made regular comments on it the first few days. Always Bridget explained to her that Lord John was very busy and hard at work. She assured the child that he would spend time with them as soon as he was able.

After the first few days, Betsy stopped asking. Bridget supposed she was tired of getting the same answers over and over again.

Bridget feared she too was getting used to the new normal in the house. Lord John sometimes would show his face for breakfast and only once had joined them for dinner. Otherwise, he had taken all his meals within the walls of his office. According to Mrs. Smith, he had barely left the room to rest in his own sleeping quarters.

Bridget most feared what this sudden change in his behaviour meant. He had mentioned he was nearly done with his manuscript. He had been so relaxed as he first told her the news. With the duke’s arrival, maybe his had changed. Perhaps the duke was demanding he end the agreement sooner than expected?

Bridget worried that the real reason for his sudden spurt of constant work was that he was beginning to distance himself from Betsy. She believed Lord John when he said that they didn’t have to leave, but perhaps it was just at that moment. If all he said was true of the duke, Bridget had a hard time believing that he would not continue to press the matter, perhaps even take legal action to have Betsy removed from Lord John’s care.

Maybe Lord John knew this was inevitable and was preparing himself to no longer have them in his household.

“You have nothing to worry about,” Bridget muttered to herself. “Even if Betsy is taken to live with the duchess, how bad could her life be? She will have all her physical needs met.”

Even as she spoke the words to herself, she couldn’t make them stick. She watched as Betsy and her little friend ran from one end of the promenade to the other to escape from a little boy chasing them.

What happiness could Betsy possibly experience in the duke’s house? Would she still be allowed to run and play as she did now? Would she get to sit on her guardian’s lap, receive warm hugs and kisses morning and night? Would she be shuffled off to a boarding school or perhaps be kept in the care of a nanny all day and night?

Bridget’s insides were turning at all the possible situations that might befall the child. She loved Betsy more than life herself. She would do anything to stay by her side if only so that Betsy could still have someone who loved her as a mother should in her life.

But to leave Lord John’s household and follow Betsy was sure to split her soul in two. These days away from Lord John had solidified in her heart and mind how much she loved him. Though she didn’t know if he felt the same, nor did she expect him to, she also couldn’t bear the thought of being permanently removed from his presence.

He had seen a friend in her, an equal in raising Betsy, and cared little for her origins and misgivings. He had not cared one wit that her arms were lined with thick scars. They were physical signs of her sins in the past, yet he never once thought her dishonest or untrustworthy as others would.

She knew even if she stayed as governess to Betsy all her days, it would be enough for her. It certainly would be a happy life. To stay with the child she loved and watch her grow into a