Page 10 of In Search of a Husband
“I would give you large saucers full of milk,” she cooed.
Charlotte laughed once more. “Kate.”
“Fine, fine.” But she couldn’t help smiling as well. There was no point in allowing the morning she had experienced sour the rest of the day.
“Your Grace,” a frazzled young woman said, running short of the doorway. “It’s Dorothea again. I need your help.”
“Miss Sedgwick, of course.” Charlotte glanced back at Kate, her eyes wide with pleading.
“I will find the ledger and save the day. Go on,” Kate shooed.
“You are a master chaos tamer.”
“I’m unwanted, squarely a spinster, and bored.”
“But I love you no matter what, darling.” Charlotte mouthed “thank you” before whisking the young teacher away as the girls shrieked downstairs, and the piano erupted into a bawdy tune in the music room.
The girl had spirit. That much was for certain.
The cat jumped off her chest, circled the desktop before curling up beside a compass and a worn timepiece, and had a nap.
Kate found the ledger, not on the desk or any of the bookshelves, but on the floor under the chair beside the tall window. She glanced up at the ceiling her friend had adorned like the night sky. This was her world, not Kate’s.
But Scotland.
That could be hers if she wished it.
She balanced the ledger quickly, caught up on vendor payments,and was about to find Charlotte once more before she reached for her reticule and removed the letter from her purse.
She scanned the brief missive once more, though she was certain she could now recite it by memory.
Dearest Katherine,
It has been some time since I have last written, and I recognize that your time in London recently has been less than ideal. I am writing today with the utmost urgency to ask if you would consider a governess position for a distinguished Scottish household in the Highlands. The situation is most tragic and requires someone of refined temperament, who will guide these two young girls with a gentle but firm hand. A keen mind and patience will also be required. I am only your father’s cousin, a spinster, living out the last of my years here in Edinburgh. I do not wish to impede on your privacy, but only hope to offer you an opportunity to move beyond London. Sometimes, that is all a young heart needs.
If you are interested, please reply directly to Mr. Gabriel MacInnes, Dunsmuir Castle, Aberdeenshire.
With Regards,
Miss Alice Bancroft
Kate grabbeda blank piece of paper and gripped the quill. With a quick stroke, she began her reply:
Dear Mr. MacInnes,
A family friend has written to me and told me about your family’s situation. I understand you are in dire need of a governess, and I amin dire need of leaving London.
“No, no,” she grumbled to herself.
She continued,I am available to fill the position immediately. Qualifications were not asked for, but I feel as if I am an excellent candidate as a lady of theton. I speak French fluently, play piano, and dance well.
Kate drummed her fingers on the desk, stuck on what to write next.
I am well educated and read extensively.
Ha, wasn’t that the truth. She had nothing but time to read lately.
And given the delicate nature of the sudden opening for this position, I must assure you that I am up to such a challenge. I will make arrangements to venture to Scotland immediately.
