Page 18 of His Godsent Duchess
Quiet at last. Victor returned to his task of binding the book. He picked up some resin and warmed it over a candle to use as the adhesive, but as he examined the cover, he decided it would be better to fashion a new one. He recalled the Duchess's apology and how he had dismissed her.
A pang of regret struck him; perhaps he ought to have accepted her apology, for she did appear genuinely remorseful. He tried to focus on sorting more of the scattered books in the library, which he had insisted on organizing himself. However, the Duchess kept intruding upon his thoughts, her bright green eyes and fiery hair commanding his mind.
He sat in a chair and pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing deeply.What am I to do with her?She clearly lacked the decorum he had expected, yet his daughters seemed to adore her already. They heeded her every word, and she could easily influence them. If only it was the right sort of influence.
A knock sounded at the door, and he immediately called, "Enter," thinking the Duchess had returned. When he looked up, however, his anticipation faded as Mrs. Peversly entered the room. She curtsied and greeted him.
"Your Grace, the children have all retired for the evening at the appropriate time," she informed him.
He nodded, appreciating the adherence to routine. Mrs. Peversly looked around the room with the same disapproval that had mirrored his earlier feelings.
"I cautioned Her Grace against allowing the children to play in the library," she continued, her tone self-righteous. "But she merely responded that they are children and require chaos for their growth."
"Chaos," Victor muttered under his breath, feeling a flicker of annoyance.
"The children have been quiet and rather well-mannered this evening," Mrs. Peversly went on, "and I see it as the commencement of great achievements. I understand that Her Grace is very spirited," she took a step closer to Victor, her tone insistent, "but I am here to ensure they are raised to be the epitome of good breeding in England."
Victor's patience was wearing thin. "I am well aware of all that you have said, Mrs. Peversly. I have taken the proper measures to ensure the suitable upbringing of my daughters."
She smiled, the expression not reaching her eyes. "Do not hesitate to call upon me should you require anything."
Victor frowned at her choice of words, but before he could respond, she had curtsied again and was walking out of the library. He did not ask her to elaborate because he had no desire to prolong any conversation with her.
Left alone, he wondered briefly about the governess's intentions, but he quickly dismissed the thoughts, attributing them to his weariness. He returned to his task, yet the image of the Duchess and her captivating green eyes lingered in his mind, making it difficult to concentrate.
Eight
Christina eyed Miss Peversly from across the drawing room, her gaze steady and appraising. The governess was instructing Katherine in the art of embroidery, while Christina sat at leisure with Addison, sipping her tea.
Miss Peversly's eyes suddenly met hers. The governess smiled coldly and remarked, "Embroidery is such a precious talent that many ladies seem to lack."
Christina's eyes narrowed slightly. Setting her teacup down with deliberate grace, she met the governess's gaze head-on. "And how, pray tell, did you arrive at such a conclusion, Miss Peversly?" she inquired, her tone polite yet edged with steel.
The governess smiled again, a thin, condescending one. "I have never seen Your Grace embroider."
Christina leaned back on the sofa adjusting the folds of her dress with a calm, deliberate motion. "Miss Peversly, while embroidery is indeed a fine accomplishment, it is not the sole measure of a lady's worth or abilities. I have been otherwise occupied with duties of immediate importance, but rest assured, I am more than capable should I choose to engage in such pastimes."
Miss Peversly's smile faltered, and she had no response. She turned back to Katherine with a tight-lipped expression, resuming their embroidery lesson in silence.
Katherine looked up and asked innocently, "Miss Peversly, why do you look so offended?"
The governess snapped, "Return to your task, my lady." She then stood, the sudden movement disturbing the sewing items about their feet. Her stiff black dress swished behind her as she made for the door.
Christina watched her go, satisfaction and curiosity brewing within her. She turned back to Addison and Katherine, who were exchanging amused glances.
Addison leaned closer to Katherine and asked, "Is the governess in mourning? I have never known a governess to be garbed in black at all times."
Katherine grinned and set down her embroidery hoop, moving to sit beside Christina. "When Miss Peversly first arrived, she wore a lovely green dress, and her hair was styled with curls framing her face. But as the days passed, she began wearing darker colors until all she wore was black. Her hair changed too, to that very stiff knot."
Christina pondered this change, her fingers idly tracing the delicate porcelain of her teacup. What could have prompted such a transformation in Miss Peversly in so short a time?
Addison, as though noticing Christina's contemplative expression, voiced the question that was on both their minds. "What could have caused such a transformation?"
Katherine shook her head, her youthful face crinkling in thought. "I do not know."
Christina decided then and there that she would uncover the truth behind Miss Peversly's change. After all, she didn't trust the governess. There was something unsettling about her.
Agnes walked into the drawing room with Carrot trailing behind her, his orange fur standing out against the muted colors of the room. She stopped in front of Christina and sighed dolefully.
