Page 9 of Enthralled in the Governess' Gaze
Victoria made her way down the gangplank, her single bag in hand, and gazed around the crowded dock for any sign of her godmother, Henrietta. Her eyes landed on a carriage nearby bearing the Longmore seal, Henrietta’s family name. Her mother had shown her a rough drawing of the seal so she would know to look for it.
A fox crossed with a dagger encircled by a wreath. As she stared at the carriage, the door opened, and a woman poked her head out and stared at her with a furrowed brow. A second later, though, the woman smiled and waved at her.
It must be Henrietta. Grinning, Victoria made her way across the large dock, weaving her way through the crowd to reach the carriage. The woman stepped out fully and opened her arms to wrap around Victoria when she reached her. Henrietta was a woman in her late forties, making her just a bit older than Victoria’s mother. She had dark hair with streaks of silver, bright brown eyes, and was tall with a lithe figure.
“Oh, I am so happy to see you, my dear,” Henrietta said, pulling back and holding onto Victoria’s shoulders as she looked her up and down. “You look just like your mother, my dear. I would recognize you anywhere.”
“Good day, godmother,” Victoria replied with a laugh. “It is good to see you again. It has been so long.”
Henrietta nodded. “You probably barely remember me. You were so young when your family left for France.”
“I do remember you,” Victoria insisted. “But it is the letters you wrote to us throughout the years that make it feel as though we are as close as family.”
Henrietta chuckled. “I want you to think of me as family, my dear. Anything you need or wish to know about, you need only tell me. For now, though, let us get you home so we can give you a decent meal, bath, and rest. How does that sound?”
“Lovely,” Victoria answered with a grateful sigh. “It has been a rather long journey.”
“Of course. This way.” Henrietta guided her to the carriage door, and Victoria climbed up inside, settling on a cushioned bench. Following, Henrietta sat across from her. When they were both ready, Henrietta tapped on the carriage's roof, and the driver took off down the road and away from the ship.
“How was your trip?” Henrietta asked. “I hope it was not too arduous. The Channel can be so rough this time of year.”
“It was not arduous at all,” Victoria answered. “It was rather pleasant, overall.”
The memory of her encounter with that scoundrel of a man suddenly rose to the forefront of her mind, causing a shot of irritation to rush through her. She had managed to avoid him the rest of the voyage. Not an easy task, considering the confined space of the ship, but any time she had spotted him, she had simply turned and left the area he occupied before he saw her. It had been a small price to pay to keep from having to talk to him again.
“I am glad to hear that,” Henrietta said, pulling Victoria from her rambling thoughts. “Well, I am sure you are glad to be on solid land again, regardless.”
“Oh, yes,” Victoria nodded. “Very much so.”
“Excellent.” Henrietta clapped her hands together in delight. “Well, today you shall rest and recuperate, and tomorrow we will start to figure out what you need to do in order to achieve your goals while you are here. How does that sound?”
Victoria smiled. “That would be lovely, thank you.”
She settled back into her seat and allowed Henrietta to chatter on and on about what all Victoria could look forward to during her stay. She smiled and nodded when appropriate but otherwise let herself relax and simply enjoy the gentle swaying of the carriage as they made their way through the city streets of London and to the future that awaited her there.
***
“Good morning, my dear! How did you sleep?”
Victoria gave Henrietta a smile as she entered the breakfast room. Henrietta was already seated at the table with her meal in front of her, the newspaper resting open next to her.
“I slept very well, thank you,” Victoria nodded. “I had not realized how poorly I had been sleeping on the ship, but last night I do not think anything could have woken me from my slumber.”
“I am glad to hear that. Please, make yourself a plate and join me. We have much to talk about.”
Victoria made her way to the sidebar, on which was spread the selections for breakfast, and quickly made a plate of all her favourites. She piled on plenty of pastries, as her family could not afford such delights for some time. When satisfied with her choices, she walked to the table and sat at Henrietta’s right hand.
“Now, let us discuss your plans for your time here,” Henrietta began, picking up her tea cup and taking a long sip. “I know you came here to find a governess position, which is a very noble idea. However, I think there might be other ways you can help support your family without risking your position within society.”
Victoria furrowed her brow at her godmother. She had not expected her to do anything but help her find a governess position. What could she possibly have in mind other than that?
“What ways are those?” she asked, curious but also cautious.
“Well, you could find a wealthy husband,” Henrietta suggested. “You are a lovely young lady, Tory. I could introduce you into the Ton, and I am certain you would have suitors clamouring for your attention.”
Victoria almost chuckled at the idea but managed to keep herself contained. “That is a very lovely idea, godmother, but I am afraid I cannot rely on the small chance that I might find a man to take me as his wife. My family needs my help now, and there is no guarantee anyone I married would be willing to provide for them.
I also have no dowry I can offer and no title. My father was a diplomat, but he was not nobility. I am far from an advantageous match, and I know as well as you that few gentlemen would be able to overlook that fact.”
