Page 17 of The Precious Secret of a Loving Governess
Finally, she realised that she had little option other than to stand nearby until the Earl noticed her and made a decision of his own as to what he must do.
Shuffling into view, Victoria waited. The Earl’s eyes landed upon her instantly and she saw a half smile curve up at his lips. For a moment, he was distracted, but then pretended to be listening to the man beside him before politely informing the group that he had to make some introductions.
“Miss Jamison, it is good to see you this evening,” he said, breaking out of the pack.
“And you, my lord,” she curtseyed.
“I must introduce you to Lady Ingles. Will you follow me?” he asked, leading her to a group of ladies nearby.
“Excuse me ladies, but I fear that I must interrupt and take Lady Ingles from you all,” he said, engaging the women who all seemed to gaze upon him with the same affection that Victoria had felt well up in her own heart. There was evident jealousy among the women to see Lady Ingles chosen from out of them.
“Oh, my dear, what is it?” she asked, looking Victoria up and down with what appeared to be a polite smile.
“This is Miss Jamison, Marian’s governess,” he introduced.
The woman was beautiful with deep red hair and dark brown eyes. Her features were petite and her figure just the sort that an English woman might hope for.
Victoria sensed that she was less than impressive when compared to the woman, but she knew that it was simply a matter of her own appearance. The contrast of her dress to the white gown worn by Lady Ingles was stark and there was little doubt of their class difference. Nevertheless, the Earl’s betrothed seemed not to mind.
“It is very nice to meet you, Lady Ingles,” Victoria curtseyed again.
“Yes, I’m sure. And it is good to know that Marian has a governess who has had such a splendid education,” she replied, vaguely referencing the position Victoria once had to pay her a compliment.
“Well, I must be off and greet more of your guests, my lord,” Lady Ingles noted before taking her leave from them. It had been a brief introduction, but Victoria was left with the distinct impression that Lady Ingles was a decent woman who did not note the difference in their class, despite being aware of her own change in position.
Victoria saw the woman’s eyes consistently landing on others throughout the room, but the Earl did not quite seem to notice for he was looking at Victoria instead.
“Please excuse her, she is a socialite and is poorly accustomed to speaking for very long with anyone,” he said.
“It is nothing at all, my lord. I am hardly someone worth engaging with at a party,” Victoria laughed.
“Quite the contrary…” the Earl said, his eyes fixed on her.
Victoria felt a strange anxiety in her belly and wondered what he meant by that. But soon he was being approached again by another. He apologised to her before taking his leave and entering into the other conversations.
Sidling herself against the wall and observing the guests, Victoria thought back once more to the parties her parents had hosted. She had been young and unable to attend them in their entirety, but was always presented and allowed to remain for a time.
Now and then, she would catch eyes with the Earl who would look at her apologetically, as if he pitied her boredom and the fact that there was no one for her to speak with or engage. When she had a moment, she would catch Miss Franklin or one of the other maids and speak for only so long as they would not get into any trouble.
But then she would see Lady Ingles once more, who was proving to have a rather vivacious personality. She simply lit up the room and people were drawn to her from every corner of it.
Victoria wondered why the Earl was not making a greater effort to interact with her since she was so evidently amusing. Her liveliness and constant laughter were beautiful to behold, even if they did give Victoria another reason to be jealous. She hated that feeling and wished that she could make it dissipate.
She had not wished to be so petty and disliked that she was feeling alone and rejected that evening. Everything was a reminder of what had been taken from her by her father’s selfishness.
The man had chased after her mother after his mistake, trying to win her back once she left him. But he had never come back for Victoria, had never begged her forgiveness.
Oh, but this bitterness was too heavy to bear and Victoria pushed it aside, trying to enjoy herself. She got a pastry and retreated once more against the wall. At this point, she noticed a man coming closer to Lady Ingles.
A look passed between them, something that made Victoria feel ill and uncomfortable. She couldn’t quite say why, but she knew that the look held something that it ought not to have. Something wrong. Something…secret.
She watched them a little longer, but Lady Ingles shifted her position and spoke with some of the other women.
“Miss Franklin,” Victoria said in a loud whisper, trying to get her friend’s attention.
“What is it? Are you alright? Do you want some of the wine?” she offered.
“No, not at all. I am curious about that man there. Who is he?” she asked.
