Page 57 of The Earl's Disguised Governess
Claire could not stop thinking about Lord Simon turning up at Little Harkwell several days ago.
She had yet to tell Lord Bannerdown of his visit, for he was already trying to protect her from so much. Additionally, she did not want him to get the wrong idea. She had told him Simon was a part of her past—perhaps bringing him up now would only cause more damage.
So, instead, she refocused her attention on packing for the trip to London, but her mind was on the pitying look Simon gave her. If he had heard rumours, then who else had?
When Claire only had an unpacked pile of clothing to show for her efforts, she headed down to the basement, finding the staff preparing for the day. They were taking plates up to the dining hall to lay out for breakfast.
However, she found Winnie fussing with a pot over the stove. She turned around to face Claire. “Claire! How is your morning?”
Claire sighed, sitting in a chair. “I am struggling, Winnie.” She rubbed her forehead. “Lord Bannerdown wishes Lady Florence and I to take a trip to London, but I cannot seem to focus on packing. I am feeling rather overwhelmed.”
Winnie frowned, turning to face her. “Why must you go to London?”
Claire hesitated. “For my protection. There are some things going around about me, Winnie, and I think I would like to tell you myself before you find out from Lady Katherine.” She steeled herself. She truly did not think she would have to discuss her true identity so often in one week. “I used to go by the name of Lady Claire Garner.” Her voice was lowered despite the kitchen having been emptied out already. She did not want anyone else overhearing, but it felt as though it was only a matter of time before the entirety of Bath knew who she once was.
She waited for surprise, but Winnie only smiled as she sat down, pouring them both a cup of tea. “I should be surprised, but I am not,” she said. “You have always been very perceptive and free with your opinion and outlook. Many of us cannot always speak our minds as you do, but you have little fear about it.”
Claire was surprised at Winnie’s ease with her true identity and surprised even further that the young lady’s maid was not angry at her. But she would understand the need for protection and secrets. Instead, Winnie reached over and held Claire’s hand.
“I know who you are, Claire, no matter your name,” she comforted her. “And whatever you have been through, orwhoever you are, whether that is a lady or a governess, I am your friend, and you are mine.”
Tears unexpectedly sprung to Claire’s eyes. She held her friend’s hand, squeezing tightly. “Winnie, you do not know how badly I have needed to hear such a thing.”
She embraced the other girl, smiling into her shoulder.
“But you must do one thing for me if you are in London,” Winnie whispered, giggling.
“Ah, I see your motives now,” Claire teased. “What can I do for you there?”
“I was hoping I could convince you to drop off my manuscript with a publisher.” She bit her lip.
“You do not have to do any convincing. I would be very honoured to do that for you.”
Winnie let out a squeal as she clapped her hands together. “Thank you, Claire! I will drop off the story to you soon, so you have time to finish packing and include it in your belongings. I have absolutely no doubt this book will be a hit—you’ll see! It is much different than anything else I have ever written.”
“Then I shall ensure the publisher receives it in the very best manner.” Claire laughed as Winnie jumped up with excitement, bustling about the kitchen with a renewed purpose as she gathered what she needed to begin serving tea upstairs. Claire supposed she could not put off her packing duties any longer.
Returning upstairs, Claire entered the music room where both Lady Florence and Ernest stood at the pianoforte. At her entrance, Ernest’s face brightened.
“Ah! There you are. Miss Gundry, you are exactly the woman I am looking for.”
Am I? Truly? Claire’s heart rose with hope, even as she knew she had been the one keeping her distance from Ernest. It was unfair of her to do such a thing to him but with news of her identity potentially spreading from the mouths of both Lady Katherine and Lord Simon and who knew who else, she had wanted to spare him the downfall of being too associated with her.
“Tonight is the charity ball held in honour of my fallen friend, Archibald White. It has been named the Toasting Ball due to his love of toasting announcements. It is a silly thing Graham decided so the ball was not directly connected to either of our names but so the focus could be solely on Archibald himself. However, before the ball, a luncheon will be held in a nearby assembly hall.”
He looked between the two of them, happiness radiating from his face. His cheeks were flushed, and his hands gestured excitedly.
“I would like you to attend with me, cousin, and for you to chaperone, Miss Gundry.”
Claire’s heart, so full of hope moments before, positively dropped as she considered it. Of course, she would have to chaperone if Lady Florence wanted to attend, but with so many rumours circulating about her, she felt so very hesitant to agree as she wanted to.
Guilt weighed on her for not yet telling Ernest about Lord Simon’s visit, and she could not help thinking that if she attended, then eyes would be on her, questioning, whispering about her heritage.
“I would love to attend, cousin!” Lady Florence said, as expected, clapping her hands. “I have not been to a proper ball before. I believe this shall prepare me for my upcoming Season!” She turned to face Claire. “You shall chaperone me, will you not, Miss Gundry?”
“Of course,” she heard herself saying, because she had made a promise upon her employment to put Lady Florence above her own needs. But she felt distant, detached from her body. She swallowed, meeting Ernest’s gaze, silently begging him to understand her hesitance.
He only nodded as if to tell her he would keep her safe. It was only a few more days until they could escape to London, and Claire would be relieved of all the eyes on her.
