A Very Unusual Governess

by Sylvia Andrew

  ‘Miss Petrie! We’re going in Edward’s carriage. He says it’s better. And he says I can sit up with the coachman!’

  ‘How kind!’ said Octavia with something of a snap.

  ‘You don’t mind, do you? I’m sure you and he and Lisette will be more comfortable in the back.’

  It was a sunny day, and Pip would be disappointed not to accept her uncle’s offer. Octavia gave in gracefully, and prepared to descend. Edward Barraclough came out and took over from the groom who was helping her. Her hand jumped convulsively when he took it, but she controlled herself, and allowed him to lead her to his carriage and help her into it.

  ‘Where had you intended to go?’ he asked.

  ‘I had thought we would take the carriage into the park, then walk for a while by the Serpentine,’ said Octavia ‘It’s a poor substitute for the grounds at Wychford, but the girls might like to see the water fowl, and there are usually one or two small boats, too. But of course, if you have other plans, sir, you need not feel obliged to fall in with any of mine!’

  He regarded her in silence. Then he turned, lifted Pip up next to his coachman, and seated himself opposite Lisette and Octavia. He surveyed them. ‘What a very pretty sight! Hyde Park, it is!’

  The carriage moved off and Octavia turned to Lisette. ‘I never saw you riding at Wychford. I assume you do ride?’

  ‘Oh, yes! I love riding.’

  ‘Then you will enjoy seeing Rotten Row. We could perhaps go riding tomorrow or the next day.’

  ‘Rotten Row. That’s a funny name! What’s rotten about it?’ asked Pip, twisting round to talk.

  ‘Nothing at all, Pip! In earlier times it was known as the route du roi—the king’s road between Kensington Palace and St James. I don’t know how it came to be changed.’

  Edward drawled, ‘Instructive, as ever, I see. Old habits obviously die hard.’

  ‘Some more quickly than others,’ Octavia said coolly, and turned her attention back to Lisette. ‘In the Season it is the thing to be seen riding or driving along Rotten Row between the hours of four and six. You will see most of the polite world there. But the best time to enjoy a ride is before the rest of the world is about—at eleven or twelve.’

  They drew up just past the entrance to the park and looked at the scene along the Row. Though it was still early in the Season, it was already quite crowded.

  ‘I don’t call that riding!’ said Edward. ‘A tea party on horseback, more like! It’s quite impossible to have a really good gallop.’

  ‘Not only impossible, but frowned on, too! You mustn’t do it, Lisette. Not if you wish to be approved of by the ladies of the ton.’

  ‘Lady Jersey has been very kind already, Miss—Lady Octavia. Aunt Julia has received vouchers for Almack’s.’

  ‘That’s good news!’

  ‘I wonder what good fairy arranged for that,’ murmured Edward. ‘Sally Jersey isn’t often so obliging to newcomers.’

  ‘I believe it was Lady Octavia’s sister, the Duchess of Monteith, Edward.’

  ‘Was it, Lisette? Well, well, well! What a surprise!’ Edward Barraclough was at his most sardonic. ‘Shall we go on? Or do you wish to walk?’

  ‘Let’s walk, Edward!’ said Pip, never content to stay inactive for long.

  ‘Lady Octavia? Is this permitted to would-be leaders of fashion?’

  Octavia ignored the irony in his voice and said, ‘Certainly. Shall we walk to the Serpentine?’

  As they walked along, Octavia was conscious that the polite greetings of her many acquaintances could not quite hide their curiosity. She nodded and smiled calmly enough, introduced the Barracloughs when necessary, and made sure that either Pip or Lisette was always between herself and Edward Barraclough. But after a while Pip could bear such a sedate pace no longer.

  ‘Come on, Lisette!’ she cried. ‘Let’s see the ducks!’

  Octavia tried to protest, but Edward said, ‘Let them go—we can keep them in sight. You’re surely not afraid of being alone with me in broad daylight in the park, are you, Octavia? What do you think I could do?’

  ‘Why, nothing, Mr Barraclough! Except to use my given name, when I don’t believe you have my permission!’

  ‘Oh, come! We are surely beyond that stage. In private.’

  Octavia stopped and faced him. She spoke so calmly, in such a measured manner, that no one watching could have guessed the emotional turbulence behind her words.

  ‘Mr Barraclough, I am no longer a governess in your employ. I know what you think of me, but what happened at Wychford is in the past. In the eyes of the world I am a member of an honourable family, and a lady of unimpeached reputation, who could hope to be treated with respect by someone who is no more than a casual acquaintance.’

  ‘Casual acquaintance?’ The mockery in his voice was evident. ‘Is that what you would call it? Forgive me, Octavia! My memory is not quite so accommodating as yours, apparently.’

  Octavia walked on, trying to control her anger. She had not expected this. For some reason she had thought he would be relieved to put Wychford and all that had happened there behind him. They were now beyond the crowds, though she could still see Pip and Lisette laughing at the antics of the birds round the lake. She had wanted to do so much for them, but if this man chose he could put an end to it all. Finally she said quietly, ‘If you can’t master that memory of yours, then I shall be forced to leave London. Is that what you wish?’

  ‘Of course not! Why would you have to leave London?’

  ‘There would be no point in my staying! I have no particular liking for town life. I only came this year because of my affection for your nieces. I thought I could use what influence I have in Society on their behalf.’

  ‘Ah! The Duchess of Monteith. I thought as much. How very affecting!’

  Octavia ignored this and went on, ‘I believe I could do much more for them, but only if you stop reminding me of an episode I would rather forget. The gossips would quickly become suspicious if they heard you call me Octavia. Indeed, if you really wished, you could very easily destroy my credit in the world with a few well-chosen words. I could do nothing for anyone then.’ She stopped again and looked up at him with lifted chin. ‘So, which is it to be, Mr Barraclough? Can you forget the governess and her shameful behaviour, or shall I leave London and go back to Ashcombe?’

  Edward Barraclough looked at her with a glint of admiration in his eyes, which disturbed her.

  ‘What makes you so sure you know what I think of you?’

  ‘You told me. I have not forgotten what you said on the last occasion we met.’

  Edward paused, then said, ‘I was angry. More angry than I’ve ever been in my life. I agree, I was mistaken. But why didn’t you tell us that “Harry Smith” was your brother? Why did you leave me to believe the worst?’

  ‘You wouldn’t have listened. You thought you knew the sort of woman I was, and after my behaviour that afternoon I wasn’t surprised.’ She waved her hand in a gesture of impatience. ‘But the sooner that’s forgotten the better. The important thing is whether I can help Lisette and Pip. Am I to pack my bags? Or am I to stay and do my best for them? The decision is yours.’

  There was a pause. Then, ‘Lady Octavia,’ he said at last. ‘I concede defeat. I’ll try to treat you with all the respect such a highly born lady deserves.’ The words were placatory, but the tone was ironic. He went on, ‘But I’m not quite sure how to proceed. How well am I supposed to know you?’

  ‘As a good friend of your nieces. You needn’t pretend anything more.’

  ‘I’m not sure—’ He stopped, then went on, ‘Very well. But before we embark on this particular invention, I’d like you to tell me one thing.’

  ‘Well?’

  ‘What do you think of me?’

  Octavia had not expected this. For a wild moment she was tempted to say, ‘I don’t know what I think of you, whether you’re good or bad, kind or unkind. I only know I love you!’ What a weapon that would give him!
Would he be sorry for her, embarrassed, even? Or would he laugh? Perhaps he might feel he could tempt her to forget her vaunted respectability and have an affair with him, a rival for his mistress?

  Octavia drew a breath and said, ‘I admire your devotion to Lisette and Pip. But other than your nieces, we have little else in common. I certainly don’t intend to pursue our acquaintance further than ordinary politeness would demand. Shall we join the girls? I think Pip is ready to move on.’

  Chapter Fourteen

  Octavia returned to her sister’s house feeling as if her emotions had had enough buffeting for a while. For the next week she took care to visit Lisette and Pip when she thought their uncle would be out elsewhere. Plans for her sister’s forthcoming rout party took up quite an amount of her time, too. She was annoyed, however, when Gussie showed her the guest list.

  ‘What is Edward Barraclough’s name doing here? I didn’t ask you to include him! The invitation was meant for Mr and Mrs Henry Barraclough and Lisette! I thought you didn’t want me to have anything to do with the other Barraclough brother!’

  Gussie raised her brows. ‘I could hardly invite one without the other, Tavy! Besides, brother Edward is much better ton, and twice as amusing as Henry and that awful wife of his. And, in the light of what you’ve told me, I want to see him again for myself. Why are you angry with me for including him?’

  ‘I’m not angry! Who said I was angry? It was a surprise, that’s all. There was no need for this!’

  ‘Of course there was, Tavy dear! But don’t look so annoyed with me. I think I have another beau for you, and we owe it all to Monteith’s efforts. Now, there’s a surprise for both of us!’

  Octavia laughed in spite of herself. Gussie so seldom had a good word to say for her large, lazy husband. She asked, ‘How did it happen, Gussie?’

  ‘Oh, don’t worry! Monteith didn’t have to exert himself at all! The young man is the great-nephew of one of Monteith’s numerous connections in Scotland, and he introduced himself the other day at Boodle’s. Monteith liked him enough to give him an invitation to the rout party. I was delighted. It means that my dear husband has at least remembered that we are giving one!’

  ‘Poor young man! He won’t know a soul.’

  ‘I shall invite him to dinner before the party. Harry will be there, too, and he can take Mr Aransay under his wing. I think they’re about the same age, and Harry has any number of friends. Now, when am I to meet these Barracloughs of yours? Shall I call on them tomorrow with you? I wish to see beautiful Miss Lisette for myself. And Cherry tells me that Philippa Barraclough is just as bright and attractive as you said, too.’

  Octavia was quite wrong about Edward Barraclough. Though he was not sure himself what he thought of her, he was certainly a long way from despising her. He might still be angry at the way she had deceived him, he might wish his harsh accusations unsaid, he might even still feel a lingering enchantment. All these and more he felt. But not contempt.

  More often than he liked he found himself thinking about her, smiling at the memory of that imperious little figure by the Serpentine, chin lifted in defiance as she threw down her ultimatum. Treat her properly, or she would leave. He had started out full of suspicion, mistrusting her motives in coming round to meet Julia and the girls. He had invited himself on the excursion to Hyde Park with the intention of showing her how little her newly discovered status meant to him, prepared to cut her down to size with a few well-chosen reminders of their closer encounters if she adopted any airs.

  But before long he had found he was enjoying their verbal fencing, had been unable to resist teasing her into defiance, delighting in the result. She had never been subservient, but now that she was free to talk to him as an equal, her directness, her readiness to take up his challenges intrigued and charmed him. Miss Petrie, the governess, had been like no other, and the Lady Octavia, youngest daughter of the Earl of Warnham, was equally rare a creature. He found her every bit as attractive.

  Edward warned himself in vain against getting too interested in her. He reminded himself how she had deceived him, had probably laughed at him, had enticed him into near madness, but he found that he still wanted to know Lady Octavia Petrie better. He guessed she had been avoiding him, but was prepared to bide his time. She could hardly avoid him at the ball being held for Lisette.

  Later it was generally agreed that the Barraclough ball was one of the Season’s successes. Julia had done her work well, and, in a reversal of her previous attitude, had gladly accepted Lady Octavia’s offers of help. As a result, most of the cream of London society was there, including a Royal Duke, two of Almack’s patronesses, the Duke and Duchess of Monteith—even, briefly, the Duke of Wellington.

  With her usual genius, Madame Rosa had produced a dress of masterly simplicity for Lisette’s début. A touch of silver embroidery on the sleeves and hem of her floating white silk dress was all the decoration she had permitted. Lisette looked like the fairy princess Octavia had first thought her, her dark hair, violet eyes and delicate colouring enhanced by the silver and white dress and the posy of white roses tied with violet ribbons that she carried. She was a sensation. She was quickly surrounded by admirers, and the polite world was soon talking with enthusiasm of Lisette’s beauty, her modesty, her charm. Some were so impressed that they even forgot to mention her considerable fortune.

  Edward was proud of his niece, but regarded the crowd round her with a cynical eye. It wasn’t often that wealth was combined with such beauty. No wonder she and Julia were under siege. He could see several well-known fortune hunters among her admirers, as well as quite a few sons of the impoverished aristocracy. Lisette was going to need all his help in the coming weeks to weed them out. He hadn’t saved her from the clutches of Ricardo Arandez just to see her fall prey to an English counterpart!

  After a while he relaxed and started to look round. Lisette was safe for the moment. His eye roved over the company, searching the crowd for one slight figure. When he finally saw Octavia he made his way through to her, and found her with her sister.

  ‘Lady Octavia,’ said Edward, bowing punctiliously.

  The Duchess watched as Octavia said coolly, ‘Mr Barraclough!’ and curtsied to an exactly gauged depth. ‘I believe you’ve met my sister, the Duchess of Monteith.’

  ‘I’ve only once or twice had that privilege, but I’ve met your husband many times, Duchess,’ said Edward, bowing again.

  Eyes full of amused interest, Octavia’s sister drawled, ‘I must congratulate you on your niece, Mr Barraclough. She’s the loveliest creature I’ve seen in years.’

  Edward eyed Octavia’s sister with appreciation. This was the sort of well-born lady he knew and understood. He could see traces of a family likeness, but, unlike Octavia, the sophisticated woman before him was very aware of her charm, and used it with a deliberation that was completely foreign to her younger sister. In other circumstances he would have spent an enjoyable hour or two’s flirtation with the Duchess of Monteith. But not tonight! He said with a smile, ‘Thank you. We are all very proud of her.’

  ‘She has obviously been taught by an expert, wouldn’t you say?’ This time the amusement was even more evident.

  Edward gave Octavia a sharp look, then said, ‘Now, what can you mean by that, ma’am? I suspect your sister has been confiding in you. Am I right?’

  ‘Tavy and I are good friends, as well as sisters. She has told me about Wychford.’

  Edward raised an eyebrow, and Octavia said rather quickly, ‘I’ve told my sister a lot about Pip and…and Lisette.’

  ‘Ah! I see. Yes. Pip and Lisette. Duchess, the Barracloughs owe a lot to Lady Octavia, not least for her efforts on Lisette’s behalf tonight.’ He gazed round. ‘A brilliant company. I doubt the Barracloughs could have managed it by themselves. My sister-in-law is delighted with its success.’ He turned to Octavia. ‘I wish you could have been here earlier. We had a hard time with Pip when she learned she was not allowed to come to Lisette’s ball.
I had to promise to take her to see the deer and primroses at Richmond tomorrow before she was mollified. In fact, she wanted you to come, too, and I said I would ask you. Will you come? To please Pip?’

  ‘I…er…I…’

  ‘Of course you will, Tavy! A drive out to Richmond would be just the thing for you! You mustn’t disappoint…’ There was an infinitesimal pause before the Duchess went on, ‘Mr Barraclough’s niece.’

  Octavia shot her sister a puzzled look, but said calmly, ‘Thank you, sir. At what time?’

  He grinned. ‘May we discuss that during the next dance? Will you excuse us, Duchess?’

  ‘Certainly.’ He bowed and, before Octavia could object, took her hand and led her away.

  Gussie watched them go. Edward Barraclough might have eyed her with appreciation, but she was far too experienced not to know when a man’s serious attention was elsewhere. It seemed to her that, whatever Octavia thought, he was more attracted to her sister than he was willing to admit. If it were so, his intentions could hardly be anything but honorable, and she would do all she could to promote this interesting state of affairs. To see Edward Barraclough caught at last would be very satisfying, especially if he was caught by her own little sister! She smiled. Richmond Park to please Pip, indeed!

  ‘I thought you promised to treat me with respect!’ hissed Octavia as Edward escorted her on to the floor.

  ‘What on earth can you object to now?’ he asked in amazement. ‘It’s perfectly in order for me to ask one of my nieces’ closest friends to dance, surely?’

  ‘It was the way you did it! You didn’t ask me, you simply dragged me away from my poor sister, who is now left alone!’

  ‘My dear girl, half the gentlemen in this room have been waiting eagerly for an opportunity to ask your sister to dance with them! She won’t be alone for long. She’s a very fascinating woman, Oct—Lady Octavia!’

  ‘She was always counted the beauty of the family.’

  The movement of the dance took them away from each other. When they next came together Edward said, ‘I’ve heard that you were one of the toasts of London when you came out. It doesn’t surprise me. You look like spring itself in that pale green dress.’