“Then it seems that Woodside must be sold,” Robin said sadly. “If you will give me the authority, I will engage to find an agent to manage the sale, and will myself undertake to settle with the tradesmen and pay the servants here.”
“You are too good, Robin,” Lucy said. “I do not know what we should have done without you.” The others murmured their agreement.
“It is unfortunate that I do not have access to the income that will be mine one day,” he said. “I could then have—”
Annabelle reached across to squeeze his arm. “Even if you had, it would not be prudent. The income to support us in such a house is gone. It must be sold and that is an end to it. So we must look to what we shall do next. We have few relatives close enough for us to apply for aid, and none at all on Papa’s side, but Mama’s family has been helpful. Aunt Letty and Aunt Pru can offer a home to one of us. Aunt Letty has recently suffered some ill-health and is almost bed-bound, and Aunt Pru writes that they would welcome a companion who could provide some company so that Aunt Pru is not tied to the sick room. They live very secluded, so perhaps that would suit Margaret. Do you think you could manage that, dear?”
Margaret nodded, but her face was pale.
“Mama’s only brother, Uncle Arthur, writes that he has twelve children now, poor man, so his house is quite full up. However, his sister-in-law is unwell and in need of someone to chaperon her two step-daughters about. He suggests that Lucy might be acceptable — a respectable young widow and so forth.”
“Oh, yes!” Lucy said. “I should love to, although… I am in mourning. Would it be quite seemly? To attend balls?”
“Your mourning period for your husband has passed,” Rosamund said. “For Papa, there is no reason not to go about after the first month or so. You will not dance, of course, but you may certainly act as chaperon. Do you not agree, Robin? I have seen widows even in deep mourning at entertainments in London, although nothing of a frivolous nature.”
“Oh, certainly,” Robin said. “For a husband, it could not be thought of, but for your father it is not necessary to keep secluded.”
Lucy smiled happily. “Then I should be very glad to do it.”
“Excellent,” Annabelle. “So that leaves Fanny and me.”
“As it happens, I might have some possibilities for you,” Robin said, with just a hint of smugness. “Aunt Mary wrote to her friend Lady Harriet Hay, do you remember her? Lord Carrbridge’s sister. Lady Harriet supports a charitable endeavour for women with no family to support them. They make fashionable gowns for ladies of lesser means, those not handy enough with a needle to make their own. She employs a number of women as seamstresses, and would like someone of a more elevated background to talk to the customers.”
“It sounds charming,” Rosamund added. “The mamas bring their daughters to buy something special for an important ball, or to be married in.”
“Oh, how romantic!” Fanny breathed.
“And you are so nimble with a needle, too,” Rosamund said. “It would suit you admirably.”
“Well, then,” Annabelle said, with a sudden tremor. “It remains only for me to seek a post as a governess.” After all the discussion and wondering and hoping and fearing, finally her family would be split asunder.
“Are you quite determined on such a course, sister?” Rosamund said. “I cannot bear to think of you in such a position. Governesses are hated by everyone — their employers, their charges, the servants. It will be miserable for you.”
Annabelle was so tempted to answer with the stark truth. I am miserable everywhere, so it hardly matters. Instead, she said firmly, “My mind is made up, and I am well suited for the role, you must admit.”
“Indeed, but… Well, no matter. If it does not work out, you may return to us and we will find room for you. For any of you, if you find your posts uncongenial. But if you are set on this, Annabelle, then there is a possibility. I asked Lady Carrbridge if she could help. Do you remember her? You will have met her in town.”
“I remember her,” Annabelle said. “I doubt she remembers me.”
“Well, she meets a great many people, it is true. Here, read her letter.”
She passed across a sheet of paper covered in neat script. After the usual salutations, Annabelle read, ‘There is an old friend of Lord Carrbridge’s who might be in need of a governess. His wife died last year, leaving him with three young daughters to raise. The poor man is distraught and hardly knows what he is about, so he has not yet thought what he should do for them. Lord C has written to enquire of him if he would like a recommendation for a governess, but we have not yet heard from him. I will let you know if we hear word from him. In the meantime, do tell me a little more about your sister, so that I may know how best to describe her accomplishments. Constance Carrbridge.’
“This came just today,” Robin said, holding out another sheet.
‘So happy to tell you that Allan would be delighted to offer Miss W a post as governess. It had been on his mind that he should do something about the matter, but had not the least idea how to go about it. If she is all that you say, I am sure she will do very well there. His mother is in residence, so there will be not the least impropriety. He lives at Charslby, near Kenford in Cheshire, and is a very pleasant, amiable man. All the Skeltons are charming. I know his sisters quite well, and they are delightful. I am sure Miss W will be very happy there. Constance Carrbridge.’
Happy. Annabelle could not imagine being happy ever again, but she was content to be unhappy at Charlsby. Robin wrote to accept Mr Skelton’s offer, and to Charlsby she was to go to begin her life as a governess.
END OF SAMPLE CHAPTER OF The Governess
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Lord Gilbert (Sons of the Marquess Book 5) Page 31