“Yes, I took the train from Warwick, where I was previously employed.” She pulled at the tops of her gloves by her wrists before clasping her hands tightly together in her lap.
I motioned to Mother. “You must agree, that is quite the journey. Why not continue the interview as initially planned?” She could come up with a reason to dismiss her afterward, which was surely the more polite method.
“Oh, you must, Mama!” Augusta cried. Her loud voice startled Gingersnaps, who darted off her lap and under the sofa. “Miss Lewis might finally be the governess who manages to reform me.”
I withheld a groan, but only just. As if anyone was capable of such a feat.
“When you put it that way,” Mother said, a touch sarcastic. “How can I pass up such an opportunity? I suppose it cannot hurt to ask a few questions.”
“Thank you, Lady Camden.” Miss Lewis's smile caught me unawares. Despite what I had said about beautiful things not affecting me, it was clear her smile did not fall into that category.
I studied her objectively for a moment, getting my first proper look at her. What I saw concerned me. Were governesses always so well-dressed? The fabric had to be silk, and the lavish embellishments from her lace undersleeves to the small tassels that trimmed her gown were too fine for someone poor enough to seek work. She could sell that silly dress, and it would equal a half a year’s salary as a governess.
I frowned and took a seat beside Mother, forfeiting my chance of escape. I admitted my curiosity was getting the better of me. How would such a young woman have any chance of guiding my strong-willed sister? Not that I intended to interfere any further. I would be a quiet observer and refrain from speaking so Mother could make whatever decision she wished.
“Would you be so good as to remind me of your references, Miss Lewis?” Mother began. “I read so many applications, you see.”
“I had two young charges—twins, actually.”
Mother’s brow rose, impressed. “And your family and upbringing?”
Miss Lewis folded her hands neatly in her lap. “I was raised in a strict household in Derbyshire, where I mastered sewing, several instruments, writing, arithmetic, geography, and dancing. I can both paint and draw but prefer charcoal sketches. As for languages, I know French, Italian, and a little German. I am well-versed in the classics and all subjects suitable for a lady. I prefer an organized schedule with Sunday afternoons off.”
My brows raised at her impressive list of talents, and I glanced at Mother to see her reaction. While not easily won over, there were not many governesses so well-rounded. And I found I liked the sound of her voice. There was a cadence to it that was almost familiar and set me immediately at ease.
Mother gave a ponderous look. “I do say, you have taken your education seriously. A bit of a bluestocking, no doubt, but that might be just the sort of influence Augusta could benefit from. Augusta is no ordinary young lady, however. She is the daughter of a baron, and I have high expectations for her sources of influence. What of your parents? Are you well-traveled?”
I blurted a question of my own. “Were any of your previous charges especially obstinate or easily distracted?”
Miss Lewis whipped her gaze to mine, and I realized I had spoken out of turn. I waved my hand in the air to erase my words. I was not interfering. “Please, ignore me.”
Augusta pinned me with a glare, but Miss Lewis did not bat an eye, her voice steady and practical as she answered, “My parents are dead these five years past, and my brother is a genteel man far too busy to chaperone mefor outings or trips. However, I can accommodate myself to any situation required of me.”
These were the sort of details that told a story, one which tugged a compassionate string inside me. Had her brother neglected her? They had money enough for her education and fine clothes, but what had happened to force her to seek employment when she was young and pretty enough to have married? Was it tied to the death of her parents?
Mother’s shrewd eyes narrowed. Did she think she wastoogood for the position? Or lacking? What did I think?
“Just how old are you?” Mother asked.
Ah, the very question brimming on my own lips. I set my arm up on the back of the couch while I awaited her answer.
“I am twenty . . . and a half. Old enough to have six months experience as a governess, and young enough to be in your service for as long as required.”
Twenty . . . barely two years older than Augusta. Despite how perfect her qualifications were on paper, there was hardly a possibility she would have any authority to use over my sister.
Augusta sent me a pleading look, but the situation was what it was. Miss Lewis was too young.
Mother clasped her hands together. “I am sorry. This is a delicate position that requires the utmost discretion. My daughter requires a unique skill set and far more experience than you have. I’m afraid—”
“May I ask some questions of you, Lady Camden,” Miss Lewis asked, cutting Mother off.
“Er—” Mother glanced at me, confused. No one asked her questions. “What could you possibly have to ask?”
Miss Lewis clasped her hands politely in front of her. “I wondered why you seek a governess and not a companion for Miss Augusta. She is clearly too old for the prior.”
Mother gaped, and I tensed. She had broached the most sensitive matter in our home.
Mother folded her arms across her chest. “That is a matter for her family to decide.”
