Mr. Gardiner and the Governess - Sally Britton Page 0,13
his nets or cages to catch spiders.”
Lady Rosalind sniffed. “As well he should not. You would do something horrid with them.”
Alice turned another page in her book, though she had not read a single line in some time.
“But Father commissioned Mr. Gardiner, so should he not do as we say?” Lord James asked, a near whine creeping into his tone.
As governess, it was time to speak up. “Your father also commissioned me to teach you until January, Lord James. But I do not do what you say.”
The boy muttered, “Then what’s the point of being a duke’s son?”
Alice lowered her book to her lap. “Dear me. I hope you do not mean to be tyrannical with your powers. I would imagine the point of being a lord has less to do with telling others what to do and more with how to exert your influence in a way that betters the country and the people under your care.”
Although the boy did not appear chastened, he furrowed his brow and went back to work on his map.
Mr. Gardiner had been commissioned by the Duke of Montfort to do something. Something regarding insects. Given his state the day before, capturing and observing the butterfly, whatever it was took his full attention.
How fortunate he was to have not only a subject which interested him, but which others found useful.
A knock at the door brought everyone’s gaze up. Alice rose. “Enter, please.” She put down the poor book she had used as a prop for her wool-gathering.
A woman Alice had not yet met entered the room, dressed in the clothing of a gentlewoman. “Do pardon me for interrupting, but Her Grace has sent for Lady Isabelle and Lady Rosalind.” She was taller than Alice, with dark brown ringlets of hair styled in curls, and flashing eyes that bespoke a good sense of humor.
Both girls immediately came to their feet. Alice checked the clock on the schoolroom mantel. “I imagine you will move on to your art lessons after you attend your mother, so I will see you both at two o’clock unless informed otherwise.”
“Yes, Miss Sharpe.” The girls spoke and curtsied in unison, then left the room with barely concealed glee. Given the time of day, Alice would guess their mother had invited them to take refreshment with her. It was likely the first time since the guests had arrived the week before that they would have the opportunity to spend time with the duchess alone.
The woman at the door watched them walk away, then looked back into the room. “We have not been introduced yet, Miss Sharpe. I am Emma Arlen, companion to Lady Josephine since her entrance into Society last year.” She came into the room, clasping her hands before her.
Alice relaxed. Here was someone in the household in a position similar to her own. Not a part of the family, but not truly part of the staff. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Arlen. I believe this is the first time I have even caught a glimpse of you.”
“The castle is quite large.” Miss Arlen raised her eyebrows. “It is a wonder more of us do not get lost or marooned in the wrong wing, waiting for someone to rescue us.”
That elicited a laugh from Alice. “I have done my best not to stray from the main halls for just that purpose.”
“Wise of you. I understand you went to dinner last night. I was sorry to miss you there. We might have enjoyed a pleasant conversation afterward.”
“Oh, yes. I balanced the table when the vicar’s wife fell ill.” Alice immediately wondered why they had asked her, rather than the eldest daughter’s companion, who ranked higher than Alice in the hierarchy of staff.
Miss Arlen tilted her head to the side, as though she had heard Alice’s unspoken thought. “My family lives nearby, and it was my evening to be with them.” She gestured to Alice with a graceful wave of her hand. “I should like to come to know you better, Miss Sharpe, now that we have met properly. Perhaps the two of us might take tea together tomorrow? Lady Josephine is to receive instruction from her grandmother, and I need not be present.”
If Miss Arlen could be a friend, Alice’s time at the castle would certainly be more enjoyable. “That would be wonderful. I take tea with the children.”
Lord James huffed, making a dark mark on his map. “I dislike tea.”