Page 34 of The Secret Life of the Elusive Governess
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Lavinia had bidden her time, knowing that Moses had spoken strongly to her about Miss Robins. It wouldn’t do to anger the man more now that his work in the county council had increased. In the past few days—days where Moses had not returned from his self-imposition in the adjoining room—Lavinia had noticed his interactions with the infuriating governess.
He never smiles like that to me.
The Duchess knew that Moses held the woman in high esteem and grudgingly, Lavinia had to accept it was justified. Miss Robins had gotten Josephine to speak French fluently in under two years and had done the same for Nicholas with Latin and Greek. She was pretty, anyone with eyes could see that, and she had manners, accomplishments, and was so well read that that could rival anyone of noble birth. But what irked the Duchess was that she sensed Moses was looking down onherfor not matching up to the woman.
So what if I cannot spew some words from an ancient tome to him?She seethed.I was not born with the only option of being a bluestocking.
“Your Grace,” Miss Orville said from the doorway, and Lavinia looked up from her book to see her maid cloaked in a coat and bonnet, “I will be taking my leave now.”
“Very well.” Lavinia murmured, then a conniving thought came to her, “Summon Miss Robins to me as you go.”
“I will, Your Grace,” Miss Orville curtseyed, “Have a good day.”
I will teach you your place, Miss Robins.Lavinia’s lips flattened.
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Caroline’s eyebrows arched at the curt message Miss Orville had just relayed on behalf of the Duchess. “Thank you, Miss Orville.”
What is it this time? Why am I being summoned?
There was not much time to think it over, so she gathered herself together. After making sure her simple dress was immaculate and her hair in place, Caroline left and went to the Duchess’ quarters with her dread building with every step.
She entered the sitting room to see the Duchess, once again, sedentary, with a book in her lap. Caroline thought it prudent to be silent until acknowledged.
“As Miss Orville is absent, you are going to be my maid today. There is an apron on the chair beside you,” the Duchess said coldly, “Put it on and fetch my breakfast.”
Caroline baulked for a moment.Aren’t there other servants she could have called? Why me? “But what about the children, Your Grace? I cannot care for them while serving you.”
“Well, that is your problem, isn’t it?” the Duchess said emptily.
“But Your—”
The glare she received sent shivers down her spine and she swallowed her words of protest back down her throat.
“Understood,” Caroline replied meekly, took the apron and tied it on. “What do you desire for breakfast, Your Grace?”
“Do not question me, just go for it,” the Duchess snapped. “Now.”
Spinning on her heel, she strode to the kitchen but halfway there paused to press her hand on her eyes.
God help me.
She got to the kitchens and the warmth there nearly counteracted the chill that had settled under her skin from the Duchess’ icy words.
Mrs. Willow’s eyebrows darted up so high they nearly met her hairline, “Miss Robins, oh my, what are you doing in a smock?”
“Miss Orville is off today, and Her Grace had ordered me to fill in.” Caroline sighed weakly, “She needs her breakfast, Mrs. Willow, but there were no specific demands.”
The cook hummed, “Well, Her Grace is a finicky eater. So, I’ll prepare some toast, fresh fruit, and weak tea.”
Caroline waited patiently until the cook had arranged the items and with a prayer for fortune, she took the stairs to the Duchess room.
“Your breakfast, Your Grace,” Caroline said as she settled the tray.
The lady took one darting look at the tray. “Take it back.”
