“Of course,” Miss Lewis said. “I defer to your superior judgment. I only thought to mention that our nearness in age could potentially work in your favor. I could easily transition from governess to companion once the lessons you require are mastered. I daresay, it might be preferable, considering Augusta’s prominent position in Society, to make that change all the sooner. I could continue to instruct Augusta in her lessons, with the discretion you mentioned, and no one would think less of her for maintaining a governess at her age.”
Mother’s mouth opened to object, but then it stayed open.
She was dumbstruck.
I covered my mouth to hide my smile.
No one had ever put Mother quite in her place like Miss Lewis had, and without a hint of guile or artifice. Even I could not object to the logic. Maybe she did stand a chance with Augusta after all.
“You have to admit,” I said quietly to Mother, “the idea is rather brilliant. This is a bridge we hoped to cross at some point, and I fear that window of time is narrowing.”
Mother turned to face me, her mouth hinging closed. “It could be a disaster,” she hissed.
“It couldn’t possibly be worse than it already is.” At some point Augusta would have to marry—God willing—and what sort of man would let his wife neglect their household to explore nature at all hours?
“Please, Mama.” Augusta clasped her hands together. “I promise to try harder this time.”
Mother’s shoulders sagged for the briefest of moments before she squared them once more, in case anyone mistook who was really in charge. “Very well. I admit this has been a matter that has tried me deeply. You will have the title of companion, while simultaneously maintaining the duties of a governess. However,” Mother snipped, “a trial period of a month will be required. If there is any untoward behavior on Augusta’s part during that time, Miss Lewis, you will be released from our employment without pay.”
I thought the offer a little rash, knowing Augusta’s propensity toward misbehavior and Mother’s complete lack of patience for minor indiscretions. If they wanted this to work, there would be some disasters along the way. It was Augusta’s way. But in the end, it was Mother’s call.
Miss Lewis must have disagreed with my opinion of Mother’s edict. “A generous decision,” she said, a smile forming beneath her pert nose. “Once I am informed of Augusta’s abilities, I can begin as soon as tomorrow.”
Her abilities? I had to cover my mouth with my fist again, but this time to smother a laugh. I coughed into my hand until I was certain I could keep a straight face. Augusta’s abilities included escaping her studies and roaming the grounds. This would be a short list.
“Augusta is undisciplined,” Mother explained. “She is sorely behind in her studies, which is why she still requires a governess. Once she has shown progress, I will feel more comfortable releasing her under Society’s critical eye. Augusta, please show Miss Lewis to her room. Tomorrow you can review your studies with her, while I will make a list of the subjects that cannot be ignored.”
Augusta stood. “Yes, Mama.”
Miss Lewis followed.
“I will send the butler for your things,” I said as they approached on the way to the door.
“Thank you,” Miss Lewis said, addressing me. “I did forget one very important matter. I traveled here with my lady’s maid. Despite the oddity of it, she would like to remain with me. The last house employed her in the kitchen, although she is far more capable than that, and I do have letters of reference listing her excellent disposition and skills. Is there any position here that could be useful for her?”
I glanced at Mother, who usually saw to this sort of thing.
“This is highly unusual,” Mother said, raising her chin. No one else would notice, but it was a subtle sign she was rattled. “Our staff is quite full at the present.”
“It is not unusual for a lady’s companion to have a personal attendant,” Miss Lewis countered. Her voice was soft, but authoritative. Her manner genteel, but direct. “If there are any qualms, you may reduce my pay to provide for us both.” They had not even discussed payment yet, but she seemed intelligent enough to know that a house of a baron would mean a decent salary.
I eyed Miss Lewis—this strange creature before me. It was not hard for me to take a person’s measure, but I could not seem to form a concrete opinion this time. Despite my reservations, her warm brown eyes shone clear and honest. A stranger had taken a chance on me, so couldn’t I take a chance on someone just once? Perhaps I could justify it as part of earning my second chance at life by helping someone else have one too.
I cleared my throat and tore my gaze away. “Capital! A governess, a companion, and a lady’s maid for the price of one? How are we so fortunate?” I was interfering again, and I had promised not to. When had I ever cared a wit about a maid or a governess? I had my own businessto see to, and I was not certain why I was growing sentimental. At least a decision for Augusta’s future had to be made, and that was what mattered.
“This day is getting wildly out of hand,” Mother said, as if she were as confused as I. “Find a place for the maid, Atlas. I need my headache powders.” She waved her hand and walked away.
Me? Find a place for a maid? I grimaced, even if this was my own doing.
“Thank you. Lord Camden, I assume?”
“Yes. Forgive me for being remiss with a proper introduction. I will ask the housekeeper what she recommends for your maid.”
Augusta grinned at Miss Lewis. “You are lucky my brother was here. He is far more sympathetic than most.”
“Am I?” I could only see the many poor judgments I had made over my lifetime, and none of them seemed favorable enough to be called sympathetic.
“How many times have you rescued me from Mama’s wrath? Surely, too many for me to count. Don’t worry. I won’t tell your friends.” Augusta turned back to Miss Lewis to include her in the conversation. “Equally fortunate is that Mama dotes on my brother. Otherwise, I might not have secured the most perfect governess and companion.”
