Page 37 of The Duke and the Enigmatic Governess
As Audrey watched, she became aware of a figure at her side. Lady Caroline smiled at her, though Audrey did not think the smile reached her eyes. It did not worry her, as she had worked out that Lady Caroline disliked governesses and was confused as to why Audrey was being treated differently.
Audrey rarely took up the offer, but the dowager duchess had made clear she was welcome to eat with the family and join the evening soirées. Audrey knew it was due to the fact that the duke and his mother knew her identity as Lady Audrey, but it probably confused a socialite and stickler for tradition like Lady Caroline.
Audrey acknowledged Lady Caroline with a curtsy. “Come join me for a turn around the perimeter, to that oak tree over there,” suggested Lady Caroline.
“I wouldn’t want to miss any of the games,” said Audrey, doubtfully, but Lady Caroline insisted, and so Audrey agreed.
Lady Caroline led the way, commenting on the pleasure of the carriage ride the previous day.
“I understand Miss Sasha has had a difficult time. Mrs. Driscoll told Mama that His Grace is trying to locate her family,” said Lady Caroline.
“That’s right, and so far, there has been no clue as to her identity. We know most from what Sasha has told us herself. It’s heartbreaking. She is so alone in the world.”
“If there is any way in which Mama or I can help, then please say,” offered Lady Caroline.
“I can’t think of anything specific,” Audrey replied, rather taken aback by the offer, “but you can continue to be kind to the little girl. She has lost so much and needs to have new relationships in her life.”
Audrey looked at Lady Caroline, with her silk dress, straw bonnet, and impeccable hairdo. “You are, though, a very beautiful lady and she is so happy to talk to any lady of quality. If you could talk to her and listen to her creative stories, then I’m sure that will help,” said Audrey.
Later in the afternoon, after many moments of happiness, Audrey reflected that she had felt a sense of unease since that conversation. Despite this offer to help if she could, Audrey saw no effort by Lady Caroline to engage in conversation or play with the child. Quite the opposite, in fact. If Sasha came near her, then Audrey got the impression that Lady Caroline would like to bat her away like a troublesome fly.
She overheard Grace and Jane talking about how they didn’t like Lady Caroline as she never said anything nice to them. Fromwhat Audrey could gather, Lady Caroline had told Grace to be silent and listen to her elders for no real reason. “I just don’t think she likes my voice,” said Grace sadly.
“Nonsense,” retorted Jane. “She doesn’t like any of us, children that is. I thought she was going to shout at Sasha yesterday for treading on her toe, when she was pirouetting around the room.”
“You’re right. She isn’t kind,” agreed Grace.
Audrey listened, feeling uncomfortable that she was overhearing the girls, but hearing their views reinforced her suspicions that there was something false about Lady Caroline. She pretended such concern and compassion yet spoke harsh words to the children.
Lady Caroline does not seem genuine. I have no obvious reason not to like her, but I do not trust her, thoughtAudrey.I must make sure she is not left alone with little Sasha.
Toward the end of the afternoon, Audrey saw the duke and Robert striding across the park to join them. Her heart flipped at the sight of him, but she was getting used to this now. They walked in her direction, and she prepared to tell them what a wonderful job Beatrice and Elspeth had done in preparing for this fun-filled afternoon. But as they approached her, they turned away and joined Lady Caroline and her mother.
A tiny arrow of jealousy hit her unexpectedly, taking her totally by surprise.How ridiculous. I don’t like seeing her with the duke, yet I have no right to expect him to pay any attention to me. Everyone says an announcement of an engagement between The Duke of Clairville and Lady Caroline is imminent. That is right and appropriate and none of my concern.
Maybe this was why she didn’t warm to Lady Caroline.
I’m looking for reasons to dislike her because I’m jealous.I hadn’t realized my affection for The Duke of Clairville had grown so strong,Audrey thought.
Chapter 13
Mr. Jenkinson, the butler, brought Jude a handwritten note from his mother, requesting he join her for breakfast. He’d intended to go out riding with Robert, but they could delay that for an hour.
“Jenkinson, tell my mother I’ll be down directly,” he said, pulling on a Hessian boot and regretting sending Robert away when he’d offered to help him dress.
One advantage of the quarantine was that he’d gotten very self-sufficient at these things. He could tie a fairly decent knot in his cravat too, without looking in a mirror.
However, meeting his mother required him to double-check his appearance. It was almost like being on parade.
His mother was alone in the breakfast room, buttering bread and looking out of the window. He greeted her with a bow, and she gestured for him to sit with her at the table. She rang the bell and a parlor maid appeared almost immediately.
“Bring His Grace tea please,” she requested, and the maid bobbed a curtsey and disappeared.
“There’s deviled kidneys, chops, eggs, and mushrooms. There’s a honey cake, but I know you’d prefer the hot food,” his mother informed him.
“You look well today, Mama,” Jude observed.
“Thank you, Jude. Though I admit to feeling a trifle fatigued. If only you would marry, then I would not need to host house parties. I could retreat to the Dower House and live a quiet life.”
