Page 9 of Tempting the Earl
“You express yourself very well. You must have been well tutored.”
“Yes my lady, I was. There, you are all set," she exclaimed with clear relief. "I do hope it meets with your approval. Will it do?” Emily asked in a nervous tone that revealed she still lacked confidence in her abilities to serve the countess.
“As usual, Emily, you have worked wonders. Now what shall I wear to charm the local gentry?” she asked with a laugh. The earl had invited some of the local families for a small soiree for the countess to greet all the neighbours at once. Emily helped the countess to select her gown and all the various accessories needed for the evening. Lady Clara was again impressed with Emily’s eye for colours and fabrics.
“You’ve been well trained, Emily. Your last mistress must have had a flair for fashion.” Emily could barely repress her chuckle. Clara wondered if she were wrong about her assessment of the girl, but it seemed obvious to her that the young woman had been educated. The countess continued, “You are a real gem. It was very fortunate for me that you were here when my own Smitty couldn’t make it. I am going to miss your services when she finally arrives. She doesn’t quite have your knack for things.”
Emily appeared to be at a loss for a reply to that, merely wishing the countess a good evening.
“You needn’t wait up for me tonight, Emily. It could be a late night. Just leave out my night clothes and you can deal with my gown in the morning.”
“Oh thank you, my lady,” Emily replied gratefully as the countess swept regally from the room.
~~~~
A few days later the countess had just received news that her personal maid would be arriving the next day, having recovered from her indisposition, when Emily came to help her prepare for yet another dinner.
“Tell me, Emily, what else do you know how to do? Your good education must have prepared you for more than this. There isn’t even a lady for you to attend to here at Yorkleigh most of the time.”
“That is true, milady, but his lordship has assigned me to assist his secretary, Mr. Dale, and I also work with Henri, the gardener, whenever Mrs. Simms does not need me for something. I have been enjoying myself immensely,” Emily replied, sounding thoroughly satisfied with her lot.
“It is true you do seem remarkably contented, but you also seem somewhat out of place here, my dear, don’t you think?” questioned the countess gently.
“Whatever do you mean, my lady?” Emily asked, polite, but guarded.
“Well, you’re obviously well educated, do you not want to make something more of yourself than being a housemaid for the rest of your life?” the countess said kindly.
A look of amusement crossed Emily’s face, followed closely by an expression of quiet pride. “There is nothing wrong with a life spent in service,” Emily returned with dignity. Clara couldn’t help feeling that the girl seemed surprised by her own admission, as though she had never given the matter thought or experienced a sense of pride before. Her curiosity about the maid only increased.
“You are right, of course, but maybe you would rather have a bit higher position, such as a lady’s companion. I could use a personal companion now that I am aging a bit to help me with my various responsibilities, things my maid isn’t able to assist me with but seem well within your abilities. What do you think, would you like to move to Rosemount and be a companion to me?”
Lady Clara expected Emily would accept readily, as they had developed a comfortable relationship over the last few days, but she could tell Emily was troubled. She thought another change might be good for her. So she was slightly shocked by the trepidation clearly written on Emily’s face.
“I don’t know, my lady. I would have to think it over and ask his lordship’s permission. He was so kind to give me a position when I so badly needed it. I would not want to leave him in the lurch,” Emily tried to explain her hesitation but it was obvious the girl was troubled, perhaps even fearful. "I have not finished with the library either."
“I am sure Philip won’t mind, Emily, but you go ahead and think about it. I will be staying here at Yorkleigh for a while yet, so you have plenty of time to make up your mind.”
Their conversation was kept to a minimum after that as they prepared the countess for her evening; she and Philip had been invited to a soiree at the squire’s home. They were not noble, but they were pleasant to visit with and the countess was looking forward to the evening. Lady Clara was actually a bit surprised Philip had accepted the invitation, as he could be somewhat haughty in his choices of association.
~~~~
It was with a sense of relief that Emily saw Lady Clara off for the evening and all her duties were done until they returned. She could now give free reign to her thoughts about the countess’ proposition. She was flattered that the countess would make her such an offer and tempted at the thought of having a better position.
Companions probably do not have to wear scratchy uniforms,she thought with a bit of vanity. And in some ways, she would be safer; she was tired of fending off improper advances from footmen and Lord Philip’s friends. She had not yet had to complain to his lordship about anyone, but it was tiresome to be unprotected. Just the other day she had been congratulating herself on the strength she had obviously acquired with all her labours when she had to fend off the unwanted attentions of the youngest under footman. She had been grateful for the lessons her old groom had given her in such matters. As a companion she would be viewed as a higher class; it would protect her from most such advances. However, she’d be exposed to a different form of scrutiny. Her secrets might be more threatened should she accept such a position. As a maid she was nearly invisible to anyone of higher station. Oh how she wished she could confide in someone and seek some counsel on this matter.
While she was at the wishful thinking, she thought comically, she might as well wish time would move a bit faster. She would be so much safer once she reached one and twenty. But that was almost six months away. The pros and cons chased themselves around in her mind for a long time, and she finally knew what she had to do. Lady Clara would be going to London when the Season finally arrived, no doubt. The King was in London. Emily knew her sovereign could help her with her problems. She just had to stay safe for six more months. With her mind made up, Emily felt much better and briskly set to work readying the room for the countess’ return.
~~~~
“Excuse me, my lord, do you have a moment? I would like to discuss a matter with you.”
Philip looked up from his desk when he heard Emily’s meek tone from the doorway of his library.
“Certainly, Emily, what can I help you with?” Philip asked calmly.
“Well, milord, Lady Clara has invited me to be her companion and move back with her to her other home at Rosemount. I would like to accept her invitation, but I’m so appreciative of the opportunity you have given me here that I don’t want to accept without your permission.”
Philip felt as though he had been punched in the stomach. His first impulse was to vehemently insist she couldn’t go; she had an obligation to him here at Yorkleigh. But he knew this was completely irrational.Have I not been spending the last few weeks trying to avoid the girl?he questioned himself in consternation.
