Page 28 of His Godsent Duchess
"We've been waiting for days!" Cassidy added, speaking over Amelia.
Annie, wide-eyed, looked to Christina for some kind of guidance, clearly overwhelmed by the flurry of attention.
"Girls," Christina gently reminded, raising a hand to calm the rush. "One at a time, please. Let Annie catch her breath."
Cassidy, ever the exuberant one, smiled brightly and began, "We're so excited to have you here, Annie. Welcome!"
Amelia, not to be outdone, followed swiftly. "Yes, welcome! We can't wait to show you the castle and everything in it!"
Annie, still regaining her composure, gave them both a warm smile. "Thank you, I'm so pleased to be here." She then looked up, spotting Kitty standing quietly behind the others.
A soft smile touched Annie's lips. "Kitty, it's lovely to see you."
Kitty, ever composed, smiled softly in return. "And you, Annie. It is most pleasant to have you with us."
Their calm exchange was a marked contrast to the younger girls' excited chattering, and it brought a tender warmth to Christina's heart.
Kitty then stepped forward, ever the little lady. "Shall I show you to your chambers? They're just beside mine."
Annie nodded eagerly, and before Christina could offer further assistance, the girls whisked her away, rushing up the stairs with gleeful chatter. Christina lingered in the grand foyer for a moment, smiling as their voices faded into the distance.
Her smile, however, dimmed as her gaze landed on the figure standing in the archway leading toward Victor's study. Miss Peversly. Christina's eyes narrowed, though only slightly, her guard instinctively rising. The governess, dressed in her usual severe black gown, curtsied with an air of deference that was almost too perfect, too polished.
Christina inclined her head in response, masking her wariness. Despite the governess's outwardly respectful demeanor, Christina had not forgotten her earlier outburst. Nor could she ignore the fact that Victor had allowed Miss Peversly to remain in the castle, a decision that rankled her more than she cared to admit.
"Your Grace," Miss Peversly greeted, her voice as polished as her curtsy. "I trust all is well."
Christina forced a smile. "Quite well, thank you. And how goes the search for the new governess?"
Miss Peversly's dark eyes flickered with something unreadable. "Ah, Your Grace, I have been meaning to speak with you on that matter."
"Of course," Christina replied, her tone crisp but courteous. She motioned toward the drawing room. "Shall we sit?"
As they entered the room, Christina felt a knot of tension coil in her stomach. The governess was unusually polite today, and Christina could not help but wonder what prompted this change in behavior. They took their seats, eyeing one another with a sense of wariness, like opponents on a chessboard awaiting the next move.
"I wish to first offer my sincerest apologies," Miss Peversly began, her voice measured and soft. "I cannot explain my conduct from before. I do not know what came over me."
Christina's brow lifted, though she remained silent. The governess's tone was indeed contrite, and her expression appeared softened, her normally sharp eyes filled with what could only be described as sorrow.But is it genuine?Christina wondered, unwilling to trust too quickly.
After a moment's consideration, Christina nodded once, accepting the apology—at least outwardly. "Very well."
Miss Peversly inclined her head in gratitude. "Thank you, Your Grace. I do hope to make amends. In that vein, I wish to discuss the children's education. It has been… paused since my dismissal."
Christina's lips tightened. "Their education will resume when a new governess is appointed."
"Of course," Miss Peversly agreed. "However, if I may, I would like to continue instructing them in the interim. A young lady's education must never be neglected."
Christina's gaze hardened slightly. "I shall discuss the matter with His Grace before any decision is made."
Miss Peversly's smile did not waver, though there was a glint of something else in her eyes now, something sharper. "I understand. I merely wish to offer my services should you require them."
Christina nodded again, more out of formality than agreement. The conversation left a bitter taste in her mouth, though she could not yet place why.
The governess rose then, curtsying once more, her movements fluid and precise. "I am also diligently seeking a suitable replacement, Your Grace. You have my assurance."
"Good," Christina said curtly as she rose from her seat. "Is there anything else you wish to discuss?"
Miss Peversly hesitated for a fraction of a second, then shook her head. "No, Your Grace. That will be all."
