“I see.”
Valerie tilted her head slightly. “You are temporary. It would be easier if you accepted that.”
Amelia studied her for a moment. There was no malice in the girl’s tone, only certainty. That made it worse. “Tell me,” Amelia said carefully, “why exactly are you so determined that I should leave?”
Valerie did not hesitate. “Because you are not what he needs.”
“And what precisely does he need?”
“A proper governess,” Valerie replied. “Not… whatever you are supposed to be.”
Amelia raised an eyebrow. “Whatever I am supposed to be?”
Valerie’s expression did not change. “You know what I mean.”
Amelia folded her arms. “Do you not want your brother to receive a proper education?”
Valerie frowned slightly. “That is not what I said.”
“It is what you implied.” Amelia rested her hands on her hips. She could not shake the stance of authority she had already adopted as governess.
“He deserves better,” Valerie said.
“Than me?”
“Yes.” Valerie’s answer was quick and blunt.
The honesty was almost impressive. Amelia exhaled slowly. “Regardless of your feelings on the matter, you should still show respect and proper manners.”
Valerie gave a faint, almost dismissive look. “Good manners are what people use to hide what they truly think.”
Amelia paused. “That is a rather cynical view for someone your age.”
“It is an accurate one.”
Valerie stepped further into the room, her gaze unwavering. “I already pretend enough in front of my uncle. So does he. Everyone in this house pretends.”
The words struck unexpectedly close. Amelia felt something tighten in her chest because she understood that too well.
Too well indeed.
For a moment, she considered simply letting the conversation end there. It would have been easier. Simpler. Safer. Instead, she straightened slightly.
“Perhaps,” Amelia said carefully, “but people can achieve far more through kindness while still being honest.”
Valerie narrowed her eyes slightly, as though testing the idea.
Amelia continued before she lost her nerve. “I will begin myself. I have spent too much of my life allowing others to control my future. I am no longer interested in continuing that habit.”
The room felt quieter after she spoke. Even the distant sound of Grover barking seemed to fade. Amelia swallowed once, realizing she had just spoken more truthfully than she had in years. She had no idea where the courage had come from. It certainly had not been invited.
Valerie regarded her differently now. Not softer. Not kinder. But more thoughtful. For the first time, the girl looked uncertain. Amelia took that as progress.
After a pause, she cleared her throat. “Now,” she said more lightly, “since we are being honest, do you have any advice on how to win over David?”
Valerie blinked. Once. Then again. Amelia watched her expectantly.
Finally, Valerie sighed. “He likes custard.”
