Page 36 of The Colonel's Ungovernable Governess
“I hold no doubt,” Mrs. Darcy declared. “I am never wrong, and you are what this family requires.”
“Come along, Mrs. Darcy,” the lady’s husband said as he extended his hand to her.
“Mrs. Darcy was just telling me she never errs in judging a person’s character,” Jocelyn supplied in excuse for the woman tarrying by Jocelyn’s side.
Both the colonel and Mr. Darcy burst into laughter.
“Did I say something from place?” Jocelyn asked.
“Someday I will tell you the story of how many times Miss Elizabeth Bennet misjudged one Fitzwilliam Darcy,” the colonel said with another round of laughter.
“It was all a grand plan,” Mrs. Darcy declared with a sweep of her arm in illustration. “Every other woman in England had flattered Mr. Darcy, claiming his all-consuming self-interest was sublime. I took a different approach. And note what I have earned for my troubles: I earned a man who most suits me.”
“Come along then, Mrs. Darcy,” her husband said with a smile. “Now that you have unfairly won my esteem, you must tolerate my ‘all-consuming self-interest,’ which lies with you, my dear wife.”
Mrs. Darcy laughed easily. “As you say, sir.”
Jocelyn looked on as the woman caressed her husband’s cheek before she permitted him to assist her into his carriage. The two smaller carriages would follow his. Mr. Darcy looked back to Jocelyn. “Please write to my lady,” he instructed. “She has become quite fond of you.”
The colonel came to stand behind Jocelyn as she waved to the Darcys. “They found each other despite the world saying they should walk different paths. You have no idea how many times Darcy proposed to Miss Elizabeth Bennet and how much he enacted to save Elizabeth’s family from ruin, even when he thought never to know her as his wife. Theirs is a great love story. Minerva Press could turn their tale into a book all of the female population of England would gobble up, and, perhaps, even some of the males. Yet, my cousin would never share their tale, for they each performed as they did to protect a variety of innocents. Now, they are the ideal couple, one by which everyone who knows them set as the standard for a relationship.”
Jocelyn did not turn to look upon him, for she feared the need to rush into his arms if she did so. “Perhaps their tale should be written by an author all of England and the world will recognize. My mother always said only a woman who has never known love understands how precious it is. Perhaps there is just such a woman residing in her father’s house somewhere in England who could provide their story justice.”
“Are you such a woman, Miss Lambert?” the colonel asked.
“As you well know, I am what English society would consider to be an ‘ungovernable governess.’ I have not the talent it would take to tell such a tale, but I would love to read it.”
Chapter Fourteen
When Jocelyn saw him off early Tuesday, she was the only one who did so. The twins were still in bed when she departed the house. She wanted to be at the turn in the drive where no one from within the manor house could view her so she might greet him one last time. All of yesterday and most of the night, she had considered how she must move forward, and in none of the situations had she imagined a means for her to remain at William’s Wood and be expected to know his company on a regular basis. She was not built to hide her feelings, and, each day, her affection for the man had grown quickly—too quickly for her own good.
* * *
Edward had known disappointment at not knowing a “taste” of family before he departed for his duties. It was foolish of him to think of Miss Lambert and the twins as his; yet, somehow the image had taken root. Someday, in what he hoped would be the “distant” future, the children might depend upon him for their care, but, in reality, Miss Lambert would eventually move on, once the children were off at boarding school. Perhaps she would prefer the teaching position in Lambton instead. She could possess a bit of independence there. Even find happiness in marriage, an idea which did not please him.
Then, he turned his horse to the open road, and she was there. He reined in quickly, but she said, “Do not dismount.”
He knew he frowned, but he remained upon upon his horse. “You are out early, Miss Lambert.” He waited, watching her while a myriad of expressions flitted across her countenance.
Her shoulders shifted, becoming very stiff. “I wished you to know I mean to leave soon. I will do so once you can return and oversee the house in your brother’s absence. I thought you might wish to add an advert for a proper governess to your list of what you must accomplish.”
“Then you mean to accept Mrs. Darcy’s offer of a teaching position?” he asked.
“No.” She finally raised her eyes to meet his. “It would be too difficult. Though it might not be every day, eventually, we shall again be in company.”
“The children require your attention. They have come to blossom under your care,” he argued.
“And I have found purpose with them,” she countered.
“I will remain away from the manor.” He had already considered that once he married Miss Romfield, he could not subject Miss Lambert to the knowledge of his new obligations.
“I could not ask it of you. Moreover, . . .” she began, but appeared to swallow what she intended to say.
He studied her carefully. “I will see to the hiring of your replacement. You know how to reach me if you have a need of me at the house. I will come immediately.”
“Be safe, sir. The twins and I look forward to learning of your successes.” She turned to walk towards the nearest folly. He could have followed her and attempted to convince her to stay. He could kiss her until she agreed to change her mind. He could go against his father’s edict. He could find a means. If only . . . Yet, he knew such was not in his nature. Therefore, he nudged his horse into an easy canter “Forward,” he whispered to the wind. “To a future without her.”
* * *
