Page 37 of The Secret Life of the Elusive Governess
A sly smile tugged Lavinia’s lips to the side as she lay feigning sleep. Over the years she had spent in Moses’ presence, knowing how he took on the burdens of people like they were his own, she could predict that Moses would come defending the little mouse like the righteous avenger he thought himself to be. She was faking sleep because just as she knew Moses would come to defend his charity case, she knew he would never disturb her in her slumber.
Ah, my husband,Lavinia smiled as she heard him turn away,you are so easy to predict.
* * *
The Duke was awoken the next morning by his butler who carried some disturbing news.
“What?” Moses sat up with pulsing head and heavy eyes, “What the deuce do you mean my steward is here? And at such an ungodly hour, too. For God’s sake, it’s barely dawn.”
“Mr. Reddington needs you, Your Grace,” the butler replied a little sheepishly at seeing his master in such a disheveled state. “He is saying that the workers are clamoring to speak with you even though the negotiations are done.”
“Bloody hell,” Moses sighed. By nature, he was not one to curse, but in his state, one that was suffering the torment of inebriation, too little sleep, and now with two burning issues to take care off, he could allow himself to swear. “Tell my valet to prepare some water for my bath and have Mrs. Willow brew the bitterest coffee possible.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Hinds bowed and left.
Rubbing his eyes, that felt as though they had amassed a quarry’s worth of sand sometime during the night, Moses swore to never let his emotions lead him into drinking too much wine again.
Last night, knowing that he could not confront Lavinia about her actions had left a bad taste in his mouth. One which he had washed out—or more likely down—with wine. He had stayed up and stewed, feeling a strange sense of impotence when it came to his wife. It was as if nothing he tried could stop her.
“The water is ready, Your Grace,” the valet announced, “And I have taken the liberty of taking out your clothes.”
“Thank you, Porter,” Moses grimaced as he removed the bedsheets. He managed to make his way to the annexed section where a tub was being filled.I will have to deal with her another time.
* * *
Lavinia was sure of her plan this time. Leaving the dratted woman to flounder in the town was simplistic. She needed something much more damaging, something to get her removed.
Earlier that day she had taken out her most prized jewels, a set of blood-red rubies that her father had given her as a part of her dowry. The gems were beautiful and anyone would love to have them. Prying the box open she saw the necklace, bracelet, and brooch, and smiled.
This will get her out the door, I am sure of it.
Closing the case, a swift thought ran through her,Why am I doing this? Does she deserve this?
The strange moment of vulnerability and reflection quickly passed in a flash and Lavinia felt an old anger bubble in her mind.He thinks he can parade her in front of me like she is better than me! So what if she’s comely and smart, I am the Lady here and he will have to acknowledge it.
* * *
Caroline was summoned to the Duchess’s room once more, but thankfully, this was a Saturday morning and the children had no school.
“Good morning, Your Grace.” Caroline said quietly, “What do you need of me?”
“I have decided to spend a day with Nicholas and Josephine.” The Duchess declared pompously. “But at the same time, my quarters need to be cleaned as Miss Orville is off again. In my wardrobe, there is a pile of clothing that I need to have mended, and shoes that need to be shined. Attend to them and do it thoroughly. Dust my vanity, as well.”
Caroline nodded, “Understood, Your Grace.”
The Duchess waved her off, “And make sure that everything is in the place where I left it.”
The governess baulked a bit at the insinuation that she would steal something from her but then curtseyed. “Yes, Your Grace.”
Moving off to attend to the lady’s wishes, Caroline prayed for some levity in her day but knew that the hopes of that were slim. She then paused with a stark realization.
This is Their Graces’ room, not just the Duchess but the Duke’s, too.
A soft blush claimed her face as she went to take out the dusting materials she needed and then she went to take out the clothes, mostly shifts, and stockings that needed sewing.
It was easier to dust as the furniture was not that dirty and she soon got the deep brown wood of the bedposts, armoire, and tables glowing. Laid out on the dresser was a set of the most beautiful jewelry that Caroline had ever seen. The ruby stones set in soft silver gleamed in the low light and shimmered on their velvet bed.
Caroline had to stop herself from reaching out and tracing her fingers over the gems but smartly kept her hands to herself.
