Page 25 of The Precious Secret of a Loving Governess
“As it is my job to be your governess and I am in charge of your education, I think you shall find that I can indeed keep you here,” she replied.
Marian’s face fell, aware that Victoria was correct. Not only was she correct, but she was maintaining authority, something that had evidently lacked in Marian’s previous governesses.
“Fine,” she spat, taking the book in her hands again. She finished the chapter and Victoria gave her a break to indulge in the other book.
All in all, the strategy was working well. By incentivising the other book, she was instilling in Marian an appreciation for reading that no one might have otherwise expected her to grow into.
Nearly two weeks into the position, Victoria was amazed by the difference she was seeing in Marian’s attitude. It was still far from where it ought to be, but she was growing, learning to respect Victoria’s authority and now even enjoying the concept of books.
Victoria had found the right balance of stern authority and graceful patience, watching as Marian softened. Before long, she was determined that the two would find an ease in their communication and a better way of interacting.
“Do you like the book?” Victoria asked after another break in the day.
“Very much,” Marian nodded eagerly.
“I am glad to hear it. It was one of my favourites when I was your age. You are reading it rather quickly and I think I shall have to find another for you very soon,” she grinned.
“Are there more like it?” Marian asked.
“My dear, your father has an entire library filled with books. I have seen many that shall be wonderful for you to read and will make it my mission to keep you well entertained,” Victoria promised.
That evening, she went into the library and pulled another five books from the shelves that Marian might be able to enjoy. She was certain that this was the best option for encouraging a further love of reading and so far it had worked.
A sound behind her startled Victoria and she turned to see the Earl standing in the doorway with a look of surprise on his face.
“Oh, hello Miss Jamison,” he greeted, a gentle laugh of surprise escaping his lips.
“My lord, good evening. Forgive me if I’ve startled you,” she said.
“It is nothing. May I help you?” he offered.
“I think I am finished, but thank you. I was searching for books that Miss Marian may enjoy,” she told him.
The Earl scoffed. “I wish you luck with that. She is not much for reading,” he remarked.
“Yes, but she has enjoyed one volume I suggested for her and I am pleased to say that she is going through it rather quickly. I thought it best to make a few further selections for her,” Victoria told him.
The Earl simply stared at her as if she were mad, hardly believing what she was saying.
Victoria stood uncomfortably in the silence.
The Earl shook his head, as if coming back to himself.
“Well then, I suppose if that is the case, I ought not to keep you. Very well, enjoy your evening,” he said, making his way to a shelf on the other side of the library.
“And you as well,” Victoria replied, taking the books and leaving the library.
The Earl was very difficult to read, but she could not help her curiosity about him. She hoped only to please him when he saw the impact of her teaching his daughter. If she could do it well, Victoria was rather convinced that all would go well for her in the home.
It had to go well. She had no other choice.
Chapter 12
“Papa, did you know that Miss Jamison is positively the most intelligent woman who ever lived?” Marian asked, rather nonchalantly.
Reginald looked at his daughter from the book in his hands, rather taken aback. It was one of the first times he had ever managed to convince his daughter to sit with him in the library, indulging in a book suitable for her age.
But even that had not prepared him for these words of approval in reference to her new governess.
