Georgie leaned forward and accepted the letter. After she’d perused it, she said, “It says here that you worked for Lord Matthew for six years as a governess to his daughter, Isabella.”
“That I did.”
Folding the letter, Georgie extended it back to Miss Walters. “Lord Matthew heaped praises upon you.”
“He was a most generous employer.”
“If you worked as a governess,” Georgie asked, “why are you not trying to secure another position as one?”
Miss Walters shifted in her seat, appearing uncomfortable. “I’m afraid there are no positions available.”
“I see,” Georgie said. There was more to the story, but she wouldn’t pry. “This position does not come with room and board. We don’t have enough room as it is.”
“That won’t be an issue. I am renting a room at a respectable boarding house, and I do not mind walking to work every morning.”
Georgie nodded with approval. “I have already hired a tutor to work with the older girls,” she explained. “You would be tasked with teaching the younger girls how to read.”
Miss Walters perked up. “I can do that.”
“Some of the girls haven’t even held a book before, so you’ll have your work cut out for you,” Georgie said.
“I understand, and I do thank you for this opportunity.”
Georgie smiled. “After reading Lord Matthew’s letter, it would be foolish of me not to hire you,” she stated. “The younger girls will begin their studies immediately after breakfast. You may join us for breakfast if you are so inclined.
“I believe I shall,” Miss Walters said. “It would give me a good opportunity to become acquainted with the girls.”
“I’ve been making use of mealtimes for exactly that purpose,” Georgie said, nodding in approval. “The older girls will begin their lessons after the mid-day meal, and that is when the younger girls will go about their chores.”
Miss Walters bobbed her head. “I think what you are doing here is a really fine thing. These girls will greatly benefit from learning to read.”
“I agree, and I hope we can do more for them. Just think of the advantages they will have if we can educate them even further.”
Wilson stepped into the room and said, “My apologies, but Lord Grenton has arrived, and he would like a moment of your time.”
“Do send him in,” Georgie said.
After Wilson departed, Miss Walters rose abruptly. “I should be going. I do not wish to trouble you any longer.”
“Nonsense,” Georgie declared. “I would like you to meet Lord Grenton.”
Miss Walters glanced at the door nervously. “Yes, miss.”
As she uttered her words, Lord Grenton stepped into the room, looking quite dapperly dressed in a blue jacket, ivory waistcoat, and buff trousers. His eyes landed on her, and a hint of a smile came to his lips. Or had she just imagined that?
Georgie rose. “Lord Grenton, please allow me the privilege of introducing you to our new tutor, Miss Walters.”
Lord Grenton tipped his head at Miss Walters.
Miss Walters dropped into a curtsy. “My lord,” she murmured.
“I have hired Miss Walters to be the tutor for the younger girls,” Georgie shared. “I decided it would be most prudent if I divided the girls into two groups.”
“I do agree.” Lord Grenton turned his gaze towards Miss Walters. “May I ask what experience you have?”
“I was a governess for Lord Matthew’s daughter,” Miss Walters said.
“That is very good,” Lord Grenton responded. “The girls will be lucky to have you as their tutor.”
