Page 28 of The Duke and the Enigmatic Governess
“It does sound as though there are many difficulties here. I’m sure she will return soon. Where was I? Ah, yes, we only returned from Bath late last night, and the letter was waiting for us. And here we are. You have to tell me what’s been happening to you.”
Audrey looked at the lady who had been her mother’s closest, dearest friend. After her mama’s death, Francine Weston had been like a mother to her, and was now her closest friend. Brash in manner, she said what she thought, but with the kindest of hearts. Audrey was fond of her and took Franny’s hand patting it reassuringly.
“I’m fine, Franny, truly I am. I wasn’t, though, and I have been very sick. If it wasn’t for Nurse Walters and His Grace, then I believe I would not have survived. The story he told you in his letter about the child and the quarantine is all true. Today is the first day I’ve been able to get out of bed.”
“I can see what happened after you arrived here, however, I fail to see why you were at the Bell Inn, and why you are calling yourself Miss Letitia Banks. What possessed you to run away from Rowton Castle and take a position as a governess? I understand you were engaged to work for a family in Harrogate?
“I have told the duke that you are indeed Lady Audrey Rowe. The poor man has been trying to trace your family and locatedme. From the description he gave it was clear that you were Miss Lettie, and I wrote last night to tell him how to find your family.”
Audrey paled. Nurse Walters looked across the room in alarm, asking if she needed smelling salts.
Before Audrey could answer, Franny had taken Audrey’s arm and produced her own smelling salts out of her reticule and wafted them under Audrey’s nose.
“I’m sorry to upset you, my dear. I don't know what has happened between you and Ethan, but His Grace is right to want to reunite you with your family.” Franny said.
“I know, Franny. The trouble is that I found living at Rowton Castle intolerable. I refuse to be beaten by my brother again. He is a thoroughly unpleasant man who delights in inflicting pain on others.”
“You have your own fortune, you could have come to stay with Horace and myself,” declared Franny.
Audrey sighed, looking longingly out of the window to the blue sky. “I know, I suspect he waited till you were out of town to put his scheme in place. He told me I would marry the Duke of Batton in a few days' time. It was essential for the future of the family that the marriage took place quickly. Even with your support, I believe he was determined I should comply. There is some ulterior motive, and I can only assume it is financial.”
“But how did you find a position as governess?” asked Franny.
“I answered an advertisement in theMorning Gazetteand, after securing the position, I begged Rupert to help me escape to the coaching inn. I expected Ethan would pursue me, so I changed my name to Miss Letitia Banks. They know me here as Lettie.”
“Oh my dear child, I cannot believe your brother meant to cause this level of distress. He has misunderstood, it should easily be put right. Shall I speak to him? He may take some notice of me.”
“I'd like to think that might help, but the reality is that he is so hell bent on his scheme that I doubt he would listen to anyone. It’s too late anyway. I’m not going to marry the duke, so Ethan will let it be known that I’m ruined. There will be no love match and happy ending for me.” Audrey said sadly.
“But …”
“I’m happy enough with my chosen path, Franny. Truly. I had hoped to stay here and be governess to little Sasha, but it seems likely His Grace will now dismiss me for lying and being deceitful about my identity,” Audrey barely spoke above a whisper, the words dry as dust in her throat.
So, the duke now knew she had lied. Desolation, like a cold wave, made her shiver, as she saw how it could look to the man whohad taken her in and showered her with kindness and generosity of spirit.
The stone-cold reality was that Ethan would arrive at the duke’s to collect his sister. She imagined that, if she refused to go with him, he would begin rumors about her character, and who would then want anything to do with a hoyden?
With devastating certainty, she knew the duke would dismiss her for her deceit.He helped save my life by giving me refuge here, then helping nurse me back to life, urging me to join him in the spring sunshine, thought Audrey,and I have repaid him with lies. I wish this was a nightmare, but I know it isn’t.
“I’ll find another situation as a governess or companion and make my way in the world,” Audrey told Franny. “You know, I’ve been happy here, even though I arrived here so unexpectedly and then been so ill. I can be happy elsewhere; I know now that it’s possible.”
“You know you can stay with me at Allington Place.” Franny offered.
“I know, and it helps to know I have a place to go, a family that cares. You are my family, Franny, but I cannot impose on your kindness and stay with you.”
“But …” protested Franny.
“I cannot. I need to find work and I have done that; I’m doing that now. When I’m settled, I intend to contact the family attorney and find out about my inheritance. I know I was due to come into my money at twenty-five, but if Ethan is to be believed, there is nothing left. I don’t believe a word my brother says.”
“I find it hard to believe you have no inheritance. You are right to question that. You know if you need any help then Horace will support you,” Franny told Audrey.
“I know. You are the kindest people.” Audrey said smiling “A little fearsome sometimes. I suspect Mrs. Driscoll will remember you for a while.”
They both laughed and the knock on the door heralded the return of Mrs. Driscoll with a tray of tea. Franny took a deep breath and started to speak to Mrs. Driscoll, who was so startled she almost dropped the tray. Audrey jumped up to prevent the tray falling onto the Aubusson rug.
As usual, Franny had little awareness of her impact on those around her and continued speaking while Audrey and Mrs. Driscoll saved the Limoges tea set from disaster.
“I must apologize for my strident manner when I arrived. There is no excuse. I was concerned for the welfare of my young friend here.”
