Page 84 of Enthralled in the Governess' Gaze
There were sounds of both relief and disappointment from around the room.
Stepping forward, Edward faced Alvin with a snarl.
“Get out,” he hissed. “If you ever come near my family or Victoria again, I will kill you. Do you understand?”
Alvin looked as though he wanted to argue but then appeared to think better of it.
“I understand,” he growled. Then, looking at Cressida, he said, “Come along, sister. I believe we should leave now.”
Nodding, she hurried to his side, and the two made their way out of the house. Their heads hung in shame while the rest of the people in the room silently watched them go.
Chapter 39
After the dinner party, Edward had been hopeful of being able to find Victoria, but a week passed with no sign of her. No matter where he looked or who he asked, no one could tell him anything about her. Emily had no more luck than he did, and he was beginning to lose hope that he would ever find Victoria.
One night, he accompanied Emily to the opera, though he did not truly wish to go. She insisted, however, and when Emily got an idea in her head, Edward knew there was little choice in the matter.
“Come along, Edward,” Emily murmured as they made their way to their family’s box. “You need to get your mind off of Victoria for just a little while. Your obsession is not healthy.”
“It is not an obsession,” Edward insisted. “Every day I do not find her is another day she could be hurt or desperate or in need in some way.”
“Victoria is a very capable woman,” Emily assured him. “Wherever she is, I am certain she is just fine.”
Edward wanted to believe that he really did, but he could not help but worry.
Suddenly, Emily grabbed his wrist and stopped him just before they reached the door to their box.
“Hold on,” she murmured. “Is that Lady Longmore?”
Frowning, Edward looked in the direction she was staring and spotted an elegant older woman making her way down the corridor.
“Why is that name familiar?” he muttered.
“Lady Lansbury said she was the woman Victoria attended the ball with,” Emily replied. “I recognize her a bit. She might know where Victoria is!”
Before Edward could respond, Emily released him and bolted down the hall toward the woman. Edward watched, somewhat astonished, as his sister got the woman’s attention and spoke with her, their heads tilted close together. He watched as Lady Longmore’s eyes widened, and she glanced up at him. The next moment, Emily turned and led the woman toward Edward.
“We are going to speak inside,” she informed him before slipping through the door to their box. Lady Longmore offered him a short curtsy before following his sister. Edward ducked in after them and shut the door behind him.
“Lady Longmore,” Emily said once the three were alone. “You said you knew where Victoria might be. Please…”
“You are Edward,” Lady Longmore grinned, looking up at him. “I knew you had to be handsome for Victoria to be so taken with you.”
“My lady?” Edward murmured, surprised.
Lady Longmore’s expression was soft. “I will tell you about Victoria because I believe she loves you and would be happy with you.”
Edward blinked. “Please, tell me what you can.”
Lady Longmore released a long breath and said, “Victoria is not actually a commoner. She was born into a well-respected family with wealth and position. Her father was the ambassador to the French court. She grew up in privilege, but when her father died, her family lost everything.”
“She decided to become a nanny to secure a better future for her younger siblings and to help her mother. She thought she would be content living a life of servitude if it meant her family was cared for.”
Edward stared at her, stunned.
“Victoria is…a lady?” he whispered.
Lady Longmore nodded. “Yes, she is.”
