Reginald laughed.
“Of course, Miss Jamison. I understand what it is that you meant and I do not take offense at it. The truth of the matter is that my daughter does, indeed, need to work through her behaviour and poor manners,” he said.
“It would seem that there is something underlying it. I understand that children have their ways of behaving, but I must ask if something has happened to cause a change in her?” Miss Jamison inquired openly.
Reginald was further impressed by her. She was extremely observant of behaviour, and it made him slightly hesitant about showing his own character.
“Well, in fact, the loss of her mother certainly increased her restlessness,” he answered.
A look of sadness came over Miss Jamison, as if understanding now what it was that had influenced Marian to demand so much attention, even if it was unfavourable.
“I understand, my lord. I shall keep this in mind and ensure that I speak with her accordingly. It must be very difficult for her to have lost so much,” she said.
“I am glad you see it so,” Reginald said.
“A child should not have to experience such a loss, but I shall do my best to ensure that she improves her behaviour. A loss should not impact one’s reputation,” she told him, quite boldly.
Reginald could not help but find himself somewhat fascinated by her frankness and apparent brazenness.
When Miss Jamison looked back up at him with that direct gaze of hers, he wondered if he ought to clear the air on another issue.
“I must ask you, Miss Jamison, if my scar frightens you?” he questioned.
Many times throughout his life, he had seen the way young women looked at him with fear or disgust for the scar. Even past governesses had found him frightening with just a glance.
“It does not, my lord,” she replied, almost in confusion as to why he would even ask.
Reginald chose not to say anything in reply to that, but he was quite relieved and pleased to hear it. It was good to know that she did not find him terrifying or hideous due to the mark.
“I must inform you that I am aware, somewhat, of your history,” he said then, knowing that it would not be an easy conversation to have with the young woman and that she likely would not wish to discuss it.
For a moment, an appearance of fear struck the face of the governess. Fear and, perhaps, even dread. He watched the emotions cross over her and, finally, Miss Jamison’s lips parted in readiness to speak.
“I am relieved to hear that, my lord,” she replied, although she remained hesitant as she did.
“You are?” he questioned.
“Yes. It means that you can be confident that I am well learned and I have nothing to hide from you. I wish only that you would understand that the mistakes of my father and the shame of my family are not the sort of character flaws which you will find in me,” she assured him, speaking slowly and deliberately. He sensed that she would rather not discuss the issue further, but was willing to if necessary.
Reginald nodded, appreciating her humility and the recognition that character flaws were hardly limited to his daughter.
“I was not certain if your past was something which you would rather have hidden,” he said.
“It is difficult to hide in London, my lord. Particularly with matters of family shame and scandal. I should hardly advertise the mistakes of my father or the ways in which his behaviour affected us, but if you are aware then there is nothing I might do to hide the matter,” she noted.
“Is it something youwouldrather have hidden?” he asked.
“Would not most people in my position prefer to hide their shame? Certainly, I wish that it were not something which must be discussed. Once more, as I said, it is difficult to do in London because scandal leaves such a fascinating ripple throughout society that it would be difficult for me to deny,” she acknowledged.
“Yes, I suppose that is so,” he nodded.
“But as it is, you know about it and there we are. Regardless of my family’s past and history, I am thankful for the opportunity to teach your daughter. I appreciate that you have given me this chance despite knowing that my family was disgraced and has such a poor reputation in London,” she said rather directly, trying to settle the matter.
Reginald was still surprised at how open and honest she was being. There was nothing about this young woman that needed to be hidden, and it seemed as though she understood that she wouldn’t manage to hide it anyway.
He appreciated her direct frankness about it all as well as the reassurance that she was nothing like her father. There was very little about her that Reginald might find distasteful.
“I am confident that there is nothing you might do to pollute my daughter, Miss Jamison. Please understand that my trust is with you and I cannot imagine anything other,” he said with a sigh.
