How to Claim a Governess’s Heart - Bridget Barton Page 0,8
in this letter is the question I am sure has troubled you from the moment you received word of your guardianship. Why did we choose you? I am sure that there will be some gossip in this regard. Naturally of our family – both Elisabeth and I – the proper choice would be to give our children to Aunt Gretchen, your mother and Betsy's Godmother or, at the very least, to the Duke of Ludford.
I want to assure you when deciding who should secure the happiness of our Betsy – or any future siblings – in our stead, we didn't do it lightly. You know well that the house I was raised in was not one of love. My father was distant and stern at the best of times and violent and cruel at the worst. My own mother had little time for her own child, preferring to rank society's company and opinion in the highest regard. You know well that this was never something I wanted for my own family.
Though I know the dowager duchess has the means to see that Betsy is brought up as a fine young lady, I fear that the only person I can honestly say has loved her as Elisabeth and I love her is you.
I cannot in good conscience trust my children to any house but one that will offer them the love and admiration of a real parent. I know that you will be this for my children, should the need arise.
If you are reading this, and my wife and I are gone, I only ask that you love my children as if they were your own. With this love in your heart, no obstacle you encounter will deter you from your desires in life, or in being a good father.
Eternally Grateful,
Frank Smelting
Lord John sat back in his chair, reading the letter for at least the tenth time. It was still a hard realisation that Frank and Elisabeth were gone. Even more so to process that he was now in charge of another life. A small child that her loving parents begged for him to love as his own.
With these words, he knew there was no question to it. He could not ask to be removed as her guardian. He would need to find a way to fulfil his cousin's request and somehow write his manuscript well enough to be accepted to publish in less than a year or forfeit all hope of ever being a novelist.
It seemed a tall order. Lord John had no idea how he could accomplish both. He had limited funds at present to maintain the small London house, and those would be removed by the duke when his year was up. He had no idea how he was also supposed to use these meagre means to see to the needs of a child.
Though he had enjoyed the governess’s company and had appreciated her love for the child, he knew right away there would be no possibility to keep her on as staff. Not to mention he was sure he would need a nanny to look after the child while she was here with him. Mrs. Smith might do it for a few days, but she had her own duties in the house that she needed to see to.
There was certainly no way he could look after the child without a nanny to help. For one, he had no idea what small children needed. He knew how to bring them entertainment. He knew how to play children's games alongside them, but to actually see to their needs, he was grossly under-qualified. Not to mention, how was he to write his novel if he spent his days keeping Betsy out of harm's way? He was almost certain there was no possible way to meet his impending deadline and keep Betsy.
"I do hope you are awakened early," Mrs. Smith's voice called from the office door.
Lord John lifted his head to greet the early morning rays, now beginning to spill through the windows.
"I'm afraid I never made it to my bed," Lord John said in a weary voice.
Mrs. Smith came to stand in the room before the oak desk, her hands crossed in front of her, as she so often did.
"I hope you have much to show for your sleepless night, though I fear you will only make yourself sick working as you are now."
Lord John shook his head in response.
"Little work was accomplished. I am sorry to say, though, I