Page 45 of The Earl's Disguised Governess
Ernest raised a brow. “You know of me?”
“Quite,” he answered. “You were the talk of town for the former Lord Bannerdown was quite well-liked. We discussed his heir frequently. And Mr Graham Courtenay, your reputation, of course, precedes you. You have done remarkable things in honour of our fallen men.”
Graham nodded and smiled tightly at Lord Simon. “Thank you for your kind words. We are here on some personal matters, actually. Some rather … delicate personal matters.”
Ernest stepped forward. “Do you have a younger brother named Lord Victor?”
“I do.” Lord Simon’s brow creased. “Oh, heavens. What has he done now?”
“Now?” Ernest prompted.
“He… He gets himself into trouble sometimes. He is rather free-spirited, you see.”
“Free-spirited enough to compromise a young woman’s reputation?” Ernest asked. “I apologize for the accusation. I do not know for sure if it is your brother whom I caught with my cousin a week ago. But I believe he is the culprit from the glimpses I saw. From his character, do you believe he could be culpable?”
Lord Simon grimaced, nodding. “I will admit my brother is a rather hedonistic fool and is very … relaxed when it comes to being honourable, especially with young women. If he is chasing your cousin, then unfortunately, she is not the first, nor the only one, I imagine.” He winced. “I apologize for the bluntness, but my brother does have his ways. I have tried to guide him better, but he is rather stubborn.”
“I only wish not to have my cousin’s reputation ruined before she enters Society, for she has not even debuted.”
“Goodness,” Lord Simon muttered. “I apologize for him, Lord Bannerdown. I shall put in a word with my brother,uncover the truth, and write to you. Thank you for bringing his actions to my attention.” He nodded sincerely, and Ernest shook his head.
“Thank you for cooperating,” he said. “And I apologize for approaching you so informally.”
“Do not worry.” His Lordship smiled. “Excuse me, I must be going.” He left, and Ernest and Graham made to do the same. As they headed outside, Ernest to his carriage and Graham to return to the club, Graham stopped him before he climbed inside.
“Ernest.” Graham paused, cutting a fine figure against the snowy street behind him. “Have you heard more from Lady Samantha? I’m wondering if we should meet with her again soon. Your mother was quite upset about it, was she not? If we can keep her off your trail and see Lady Samantha soon, it would be quite beneficial. I do not want to see your hard work at the hospital distracted by Lady Katherine’s wrath.”
Ernest nodded. “Indeed. That would be quite good, I agree. I shall correspond with her. Unless you wish to?”
“I do not mind reaching out to her.” Graham nodded and stepped back. “Things are moving rather swiftly with the White Wing as well. It seems Lady Samantha’s arrival at Little Harkwell has spurred me somewhat into quicker action. I wish to honour him swiftly.”
“And I know you will,” Ernest said, nodding. “Do let me know what Lady Samantha says. Have a good afternoon, Graham.”
“Have a safe journey home, Ernest.”
As the carriage pulled away, Ernest going home, he could not help wishing for the friendly, joking best friend he’d had before the war changed Graham. And he could not help wondering in what ways the war had changed him too.
***
He entered Little Harkwell and immediately followed the sound of thunking piano keys.
Lady Florence had declined his invitation to the second theatre outing that week, and he was secretly glad, for he had not known how to act around her. But since their argument, she had lacked dedication to anything at all. She played the pianoforte angrily, her voice hard when he heard Miss Gundry urge her to sing. He knew he would find the governess in the music room.
“Lady Florence, you must perform well,” Miss Gundry said, sounding desperate, as Ernest entered the doorway. He saw the tight lines of Florence’s shoulders as she sat at the instrument, ignoring her governess.
“I do not care,” she answered. “I care only about Victor. He has not written to me in the days since you and Lord Bannerdown chased him off. I shall never speak to anyone ever again.”
Miss Gundry sighed, exasperated. “Perhaps we should pause for some refreshments. Shall I send up for some cakes?”
“Whatever you wish,” Lady Florence said sniffing.
As Miss Gundry turned to leave, Ernest caught her attention, beckoning her over.
“I am sorry to interrupt, Miss Gundry, but it seems Lady Florence might not miss you if you were to sneak to the library with me.”
“Sneak?”
He lowered his voice. “I believe I have found our culprit.”
