Page 48 of The Secret Life of the Elusive Governess
“My Lord,” the butler, Mr. Crowe, bowed with a letter on a silver platter. “Forgive me for interrupting your meal, but you have received a correspondence from an unknown party and the courier said it was urgent.”
The Baron’s curiosity was piqued, and he laid away his utensils. Clearing his throat, he beckoned the liveried man over, “It is all right, Crowe, an unknown party, you say?”
“Yes, My Lord,” the bald man replied while handing the letter over. “But perhaps I should clarify. The unknown person is the one who sent it, not the one who delivered it. It was received just a while ago, by a man from the village who said he was paid to deliver it.”
“Intriguing,” Albion hummed while taking the letter. “Thank you, Crowe. I will call you if I need you.”
“Good evening, My Lord,” Mr. Crowe replied while bowing out.
Albion opened the sealed letter and after settling back in his seat, read it.
Dear Lord Rowe,
I have received information about a third party that I think is a concern to both of us. If a redheaded woman with blue eyes that goes by the name of Caroline is of any concern to you, I know where she lives and where you can find her. She goes by the name of Robins and she is currently holding the position of governess to the Duke of Barley and his family. If she is of any problem to you, as she is to me, this is the time for us to act.
A concerned party.
Postscript: she takes a trip to the town every Sunday.
Instantly, the Baron’s natural hunger disappeared as he stood from his seat and smoothed his hand over his thinning auburn hair. What he held was an answer to long-forgotten prayers.
A sadistic smile crossed his face as his eyes narrowed, “Well, well, Caroline, you have finally resurfaced from the void. What a wonderful reunion this is going to be.”
Chapter 19
It was the first occasion for the Barley Estate to throw a dinner party and ball in over two years. Three nights ago, Lavinia had given out the suggestion for a ball and to Moses’ surprise, he had agreed with it.
“I think it will do well,” he had said.
It was only sensible for them to host social gatherings before uncontrollable rumors about their disappearance from thetonstarted to spread. From the moment the order was given, the mansion had turned into days and nights of flurry.
Old rooms were being aired out, the formal dining room was given an intense shine, and the old china had been resurrected from the lock and key cupboards. The mansion was brightly lit and alive with activity, with the formal dining room ready, and the large table set with white for the first course, and under it, green cloth for the second course.
Mrs. Willow was in true form, cooking up a storm in the kitchen as the hour drew near. The maids had on their best uniform and the footmen and butler were dressed in freshly ironed house livery.
The foyer, where the guests were received, was clear except for a footman and classical music wafted through the first floor of the house to the second.
The outfit Moses had on was one of his best. Clad in fitted black silk breeches, dark blue tailcoat, and plain black waistcoat, the Duke stood at the main staircase landing with both gloved hands clasped behind him.
While Lavinia was still getting dressed, he was scanning the guests for Edward and Lady Dalton to arrive. Currently, and much to his shame, they were the only ones he had a familiar rapport with.
“I still do not understand why you chose to dress in black,” Lavinia said as she joined him. “Are you a representative from a mortuary, Moses?”
Not heeding her jibe, the Duke turned to her and had to admit that she was lovely. Her white muslin dress, tooled with delicate needlework, was simple, however, the long white, cream, and gold shawl draped over her left shoulder was stunning. To crown the riveting ensemble, her golden hair was coiffed in a delicate French bun with the bud of a white rose as its ornament.
“You are beautiful,” Moses admitted while offering his arm, “Accompany me to the ballroom, Your Grace?”
Her satin-gloved hand slipping into the crook of his elbow was her answer and they descended. The walls of the massive ballroom were painted pale yellow, allowing the light from fan-shaped wall sconces to give a beautiful effect. At intervals were large windows with fluttery curtains.
Slowly, they made a round through the room, with Moses luckily unearthing the half-forgotten names of Viscount so-and-so and Lady so-and-so, by seeing their faces.
Finally, the dance floor cleared, and the orchestra began playing a country dance. As the leading pair, Moses and Lavinia danced down the line until the second set did their round. The second dance flowed into the third and while the waltz was playing, Moses looked at his partner, a Baron’s lovely daughter, and felt an almost crippling need to have someone else in his arms.
Steeling himself, Moses tried his best to enjoy the rest of the ball but felt himself faltering. And it was not only him who noticed. After another waltz, the Duke found himself strong-armed by Edward who pushed him, unceremoniously, out unto the nearest balcony.
Moses spun with confusion. “Edward, by the graces, what has—?”
“You are slipping, Moses,” Edward whispered furtively while glancing over his shoulder, “I have counted, no less than seven times, where you have looked over the ballroom, for whom I can only conjecture is this governess of yours.”
