Page 11 of The Colonel's Ungovernable Governess
“How long might you stay?” the boy asked. “Will Mr. Darcy come also?”
“Did you bring the baby?” his sister asked over him.
Mrs. Darcy directed the children to the side. “Let us permit my friend room to step down,” she instructed. “Yes, Lord Vincent, Mr. Darcy plans to join us in a couple of days. I expect we shall be here a week or so.” To the girl, the lady said, “Hannah and the boy’s nurse are in the other carriage.”
“May I go see?” the girl asked.
“First, I wish you to make your bows to my friend Miss Lambert,” Mrs. Darcy diplomatically suggested, knowing her child’s caretaker was a better choice than the two children to hold the boy, who was quite active.
Jocelyn stepped down to stand before the trio. “Lord Vincent. Lady Victoria, permit me to give you the acquaintance of my friend Miss Lambert.”
The boy’s eyebrows arched in suspicion. “Is she to be our new governess?”
Mrs. Darcy slid her arm about the boy’s shoulder, and Jocelyn noted how the child stiffened, but he permitted the lady’s kind gesture. “Have you again lost a governess? I was not aware, for I have been visiting with my sister Mrs. Bingley in Cambridgeshire. As to Miss Lambert, she was also with me and sharing a table with my dear Jane, for, like you, she has lost family, and she was headed north to seek employment. I offered her passage in the comfort of my coach, for I would not turn any young lady out on the road alone in these days. It was I who insisted that Miss Lambert join me here. You will note Mr. Jasper is riding my friend’s horse and her saddle is on top of my coach.”
Jocelyn stood in awe of the woman. Mrs. Darcy had convinced the child to believe what she wanted him to believe. Mrs. Bingley had said something similar of her sister, but Jocelyn had not fully comprehended until this very moment.
“That is . . . your horse, ma’am?” the boy asked.
“Is she not a fine example of horseflesh?” Jocelyn asked as she turned to look at the animal. “If you like,” she said casually, “I would be glad to introduce her to you. That is a bit later, after she settles in.”
The boy still appeared more than a bit skeptical, but he said, “I would like . . . that very much. I still only have . . . a pony. I hope my stepfather . . . will permit me . . . a real horse soon.”
Jocelyn said. “We all must begin somewhere. While I am here, if you will permit it, I would welcome showing you something about riding.”
“Me also?” Lady Victoria asked.
“Absolutely,” Jocelyn confirmed, “but first we should all go inside. I am confident Master Bennet wishes to stretch his little legs.”
“May I hold Bennet?” the girl asked.
“I fear my child is of his father’s nature,” Mrs. Darcy said diplomatically. “He does not sit well in one place for long, but we can permit Bennet to practice his crawling skills if you wish to sit with him on the floor.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Lady Victoria skipped off to look upon the baby, while Lord Vincent said, “What type of . . . horse . . . is yours?”
Mrs. Darcy nodded her approval, so Jocelyn said, “I could tell you, but does not Lord Lindale’s library or something similar hold a book about different types of horses? Do you know for what purposes your pony was bred? It is all quite fascinating. Someday I would like to own a line of thoroughbred horses. Mrs. Bingley’s husband has some of the most beautiful animals I have ever seen. I would know pleasure in sharing what I observed at Mr. Bingley’s estate, if you like.”
Mrs. Darcy cautioned, “You must permit Miss Lambert and me a few minutes to freshen our things first.”
The boy grinned, and something in Jocelyn knew pride in placing a smile on his face. “I will go ahead . . . and find the books.” He darted off, but stopped suddenly to look back to Jocelyn, examining the weight of her words. “You will . . . keep your promise . . . Miss Lambert?” he asked with a frown.
“Other than my horse, I do not own many things others would think are valuable, but I consider my word my bond,” she stated firmly.
The boy studied her for several elongated seconds before presenting her a nod of approval. He turned and raced off towards the house.
“Well done,” Mrs. Darcy whispered as they passed each other while separating the trunks being lifted down from the coach.
“My brother adores horses,” Lady Victoria said softly. They both had forgotten the girl had not followed her brother inside.
“Most boys do,” Jocelyn said in kind tones. “Though I too enjoy riding. Do you not?”
The girl shrugged. “I go riding with Vincent because riding is his favorite exercise. I usually permit him to lead.”
Mrs. Darcy said, “In England, we women must often subjugate our wishes to the males in our lives, but such does not mean we may not enjoy our own interests. There are men, such as my Mr. Darcy, who do not fear a woman with her own ideas. Your brother is young enough to learn it is also acceptable for you to sometimes lead and he should follow.”
* * *
An hour later, Jocelyn agreed to permit Lord Vincent to show her his pony, but when they reached the outside, she stopped, refusing to follow him any longer.
