AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Ten
“Every man feels a respect and an awe in the company of a virtuous and lovely woman.”
Private Education: A Practical Plan for the Studies of Young Ladies.
Elizabeth Appleton. 1815.
“Ido hope you’ll visit us in Cheshire. You’d be most welcome.”
“Thank you, Mrs Dewhurst,” enthused Matilda. “I’ve never been north before.”
The lady and her champion sauntered into the rainy night, and smothering a yawn at the lateness of the hour, Matilda waved until they ascended the hackney.
Mr Finlay remained the last guest, still nattering to Mr Hawkins in the hall, and she fidgeted, desiring her slumber post-haste. Mercifully, her employer strode to the stand to collect the Scotsman’s hat, cane and gloves, so Matilda took her chance. “Mr Finlay, I must bid you good night.”
“And to yer also. Never have I had such an agreeable dinner at Seth’s roost. All due to the bonnie hostess, I reckon.”
Matilda blushed beneath his scrutinising blue gaze and–
“Ahem.”
She turned to her employer, who prodded Mr Finlay none too kindly with his accruements.
Mr Hawkins loitered with a distinctly rumpled demeanour. Fine lines of strain etched his brow and a tinge of stubble darkened his jaw. Sans jacket, his linen sleeves were rolled back to the elbow revealing muscled forearms, that burnished waistcoat half-unbuttoned, gold fob watch peeking from his pocket and cravat dishevelled.
Handsome and rather dangerous looking.
“Miss Griffin?”
She shivered. “Yes, Mr Hawkins?”
“I would appreciate a moment of your time if you are not too fatigued? We could convene in the library? I will be but a moment.”
Matilda nibbled her lip. If she’d been in attendance at a society ball and such a request had been made, worry would have beset her – a rake of the Season set to seduce in the library, but this was Mr Hawkins.
And doubtless he’d already done his seducing for the night with Miss Figstone.
Not that it mattered.
In the least.
He was her employer and nothing more.
“Certainly,” she replied, disguising her yawn.
A tight nod and he spun to Mr Finlay, who, for no good reason she could fathom, winked at her.
She meandered up the staircase for the library, a curious assortment of emotions churning within – pleasure at the success of the evening, to be sure, but also its opposite. Regrets and a lingering sadness had intruded as she’d bid farewell to their guests.
Perchance the laughter, after so much concern for her future, had brought other, deeper emotions to the surface. For the occasion had reminded her of all that she’d lost, of all that she would no longer have.
As governess in future households, she would be expected to play an invisible role, speak only when spoken to, be on her best behaviour at all times and never laugh too loudly or distract a gentleman’s attention.
A woman of two worlds – servant and society – yet not fully accepted in either.
She was spoiled within this household, where Ton rules did not hold sway. Befriended by the housekeeper and indulged by her agreeable employer and his charming daughter with ices, museums and…companionship.
Two lanterns still bathed the library in a golden glow, the open cabinets of books welcoming her with their warm-coloured bindings and scent of leather. No quarter was given to sculpture or art, though one lone mirror did hang over the fireplace reflecting the velvet curtains of green drawn firm against the sodden night. She ambled to the round mahogany reading table to peruse a small volume, its pages laying open.
