Page 29 of The Precious Secret of a Loving Governess
“Oh dear, that is a terrible idea,” Miss Franklin said, shaking her head.
“Yes, it was. But the worst was that he began to live unfaithfully to my mother, and he betrayed her. He even rented out homes for his mistresses. After a time, he would grow bored and move on to a new lady,” she said.
“My mother knew nothing of the women and I...well, anyway, it all came to light eventually. The truth had been known long before by his friends and acquaintances but it is hardly unusual for men of that ilk,” Victoria said, needing a break before she continued.
“But what happened next? You speak of your father in the past tense, is he not still alive?” Miss Franklin inquired.
Victoria thought about that question. Of course he was still alive. But was he the same person? That was what she wished she knew.
“He is. And after my mother learned of his behaviour, she separated herself from him to the fullest extent that might be deemed acceptable by society,” she replied.
“So they are no longer living as husband and wife?” came the next question.
Victoria paused.
“I...I received a letter this morning,” she started, hesitantly. “It would seem that that my father has shown a genuine repentance and my mother has chosen to allow him to prove himself once more as her husband,” Victoria shared.
It had been a shock to her. As much as she had hoped for reunification, she was still angry at her father and wondered if this was the right decision for her mother.
Miss Franklin’s mouth dropped wide open in surprise.
“Your mum took him back?” she asked innocently.
“Yes, it would seem that she has. They have been living apart for quite some time and are far removed from society after the downfall. But my mother appears to have trusted him enough to see a change and believe it to be true. I certainly hope that it is genuine. I should not like to see my father that way again,” Victoria sighed.
She wanted desperately to believe that it was true, that he had really changed. But she couldn’t know for certain whether or not her father was being honest about it all. She hoped with all her heart that he was.
But there were far too many wounds for her to give over her trust to him so easily.
When Victoria had read the letter that morning, she had been astounded. Her mother had certainly informed her that her father had made efforts to prove himself, but she had not expected those efforts to come into fruition. But she had opened the paper and been entirely devoted to its contents with a deep interest and wonder.
My Dear Victoria,
I hope that these words find you well. I was glad for your last letter and the updates you provided me with regarding your current position. It would seem that all is well with you and that the little girl is finally beginning to show improvement which brings me delight and pride.
As for us, I must inform you of a change that has come.
You may be astounded to learn this, but I am delighted to tell you that your father has truly proven the changes that he has made in his life. He has ceased his drinking and gambling habits, which brings me joy. His debts are nearly paid and he has managed to do so by finding a position helping a man with trade.
I was shocked to learn that he had gotten such menial work and was choosing to make every effort to take responsibility for making up the mistakes he had committed. His offenses were great, but his passion for turning things right has impressed upon me his desire to change.
You ought to see him now, the ways he is striving to be diligent in his work.
Of course, as you are well aware, the worst of our downfall was his betrayal of our marriage bed.
The pain that you and I both experienced for his unfaithfulness was dreadful, but I am glad to say that this, too, has changed.
Your father has banished all of his mistresses, sold the home he had purchased and ceased to rent the other two that he had. Of course, I refer to those in which his mistresses lived.
He has promised me that there is no further contact between them and even provided me every option for proving himself. He has committed that he might not go anywhere unless I should go with him if I like.
Of course, I told him that is not necessary, I am not his keeper. But he has determined to give me full reports of his comings and goings and I quite enjoy that it allows me to hear more about his day when he does so.
All of this I tell you because I wish for you to know that your father and I have come to peace with one another. He has been working to let a small house for us to stay in eventually and is trying hard to pay for it, as well as keeping us in food and relative comfort. It is nothing such as before, but the simplicity will still be greater than having to depend upon my dear sister, as we are doing now.
She has been rather kind to your father despite the way she speaks of him to me when he is not around. I hope that she shall soon forgive him as I have. In the meantime I am entirely grateful to her for allowing us to remain with her and work towards the future that we wish for.
In the meantime, I am content with knowing that your father and I are back with one another and that is enough for me. I do not need the wealth and riches. I need only to be with him and know that he has grown into a new man of strong character and great respect.
