Page 3 of The Gentlewoman Companion

“If I may…” Mrs. Eliot showed an uncharacteristic amount of humility to Lady Halverton. “As I’ve explained, Louisa has been through a harrowing experience and is not quite herself. I’ve known her intimately for some months. Despite how she appears now, she is joyful and clever. She but enters a room and sunshine follows her. You could not do better than Louisa. I may take her myself, if you do not.”

Joyful and clever? Mrs. Eliot thought so well of her? Probably she didn’t, and the speech was meant to get rid of her. Most likely, Mrs. Eliot had no intention of taking her as a companion, but if she did… Oh! Mother, do what you can to spare me from that.

“I believe you’re right, Mrs. Eliot. I have already found her delightful.” Lady Halverton faced Louisa with that calm, inviting expression. “I would like very much for you to continue as my companion, Louisa. But I must think of your well-being. Due to your trying experiences, would you prefer a bit of rest before suffering an introduction into the neighborhood? If that is the case, you may remain at home while I make calls and abscond yourself should anyone come here.”

Louisa barely managed to keep from sighing in relief. She had been accepted! But she could not risk losing Lady Halverton’s favor and was not sufficiently acquainted with her to ascertain the best response. The offer was generous and compassionate, but would it cause Lady Halverton to grow indifferent to her services? The great lady might realize she did not need a companion at all. However, the prospect was almost irresistible. Louisa longed for a bit of rest; if given time to herself, she could sit with Nellie. Though a lady’s maid, they had traveled together for the past several months. Nellie was the only person with whom Louisa could discuss all that had transpired.

Louisa cleared her throat. “I believe that one of my primary duties is to accompany you on visits and pour tea for your guests.”

Lady Halverton stilled for a moment, becoming more serious. “After losing my husband, it took months before I felt ready to socialize. I imagine you need some respite. There will be time enough for visits and tea.”

Louisa felt the sting of grateful tears. Hardly anyone in her life had treated her with such consideration and understanding before. “Thank you, my lady. You are too generous. I will strive to fully meet your requirements as soon as I feel able.”

Lady Halverton leaned forward and rested her hand on Louisa’s knee. “When you are ready, I shall be delighted to have you.”

Louisa smiled for the first time in weeks. Yes, she would rest, to try to forget that man, but then she would stay at Lady Halverton’s side as the best companion in all of Stroud. The idea felt like freedom.

After nearly two weeks at Lundbrooke, Lady Halverton’s gentle sincerity had convinced Louisa that the lady’s concern for her was genuine. The countess treated her more like a friend or a daughter than an employee, integrating her into the household routine. When Lady Halverton was absent from home for hours at a time, as she was presently, Louisa took solace in visiting with Nellie. The hours with her maid, who was becoming a friend, were a balm that soothed the many anxieties of so dramatic a change to Louisa’s situation. Nellie was familiar and never disapproving.

In her room, Louisa tinkled the handbell—a delightful luxury. In her own home, she’d have yelled down the stairs or gone in search of a servant. In this grand establishment, servants hovered in the halls, ready to assist.

A maid entered.

“Will you ask Nellie to come up, please?” Louisa paced the room as she waited, fingering her brooch.

When Nellie appeared, it was with a basket of mending. At twenty-three, she had five years on Louisa and felt like a wise older sister.

“Wasson? You seem alloverish,” Nellie said and sat down to mend.

“I’ve not heard from my father, though it’s been more than enough time. Oh! I hope he leaves me be.” Louisa had been certain that Lady Halverton’s authority combined with Mrs. Eliot’s forceful personality would be enough to gain his approval. Now, however, Louisa began to doubt her father would allow her this freedom.

“He is a firm toady,” Louisa told her. Nellie had been Aunt Mary’s maid, so she did not know of his sternness…or his obsequiousness. “When he sees the countess’s seal, he shall faint! Still, should he force me home…” She required something to keep herself busy. From the basket of mending, Louisa selected a shirt and found a tear in the shoulder seam. She began to stitch.

“Mrs. Eliot won’t hear of it. She’ll bamfoozle him.”

Nellie’s Cornish words set Louisa right at her ease. “That is true enough. She can be terrifying. But I will worry until we hear from him.”

“Are you feeling quite easy otherwise?” Nellie asked.

“Routine devours every minute in this house. I did not think I would like that, but I find it comforting. What of you? Still eying the handsome footman?”

“I’ve not a minute to spare, not even for green eyes.”

“Don’t I know it.”

“Better than most, but your weeks as a lady’s maid gave you a mere taste.”

“I wouldn’t have survived without your help.”

“You’re doing your bit.” Nellie nodded to the shirt in Louisa’s lap. They worked peacefully for a moment.

“She has me studying. Did I tell you?” Louisa asked.

“Lady Halverton? Studying what?”

“Philosophy. I prefer novels, but on occasion I enjoy something that seems to explain what I know but cannot articulate.”

“Mm.”