AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She bit her lip, worried that Lord Addenbrook might dislike her immediately and have her role stripped from her by the end of her first day at his estate.
“He is the Marquess of Addenbrook so yes, he is certainly a gentleman!” Mrs. Stanley laughed, as Albina nodded. “I will be truthful with you, however. He is not the best of characters, from what I understand. Unfortunately, he has a great deal of wealth and is eager that everyone nearby knows just how fortunate he is.” Her smile faded and Albina’s spirits dropped. “He will not be cruel to you, however. I am sure that he will take very little notice of you, in fact! Which, under the circumstances, is probably best.”
“Indeed.” Albina took another sip of her tea, her hands clasped around the chipped cup. It was a far cry from her previous situation, but Albina had told herself from the beginning that she could not expect to live in the way she had always been accustomed to. If she was to escape from Lord Kingston and her father’s demands, then she would have no other choice but to accept many changes – which included changing her delicate china cups for chipped ones. “And the child’s name?”
Mrs. Stanley’s brow furrowed, her eyes shifting across the room.
“That would be Henry if I remember correctly. My sister read the letter to me, and I am certain that is the name she said. He is only a few years of age – four, I think – and is Lord Addenbrook’s nephew.”
“And how did he come to live with him?”
“That, I do not know,” Mrs. Stanley confirmed. “I do not think he clarified that, but he said that the presence of a governess was required immediately.”
Albina’s lips twisted.
“I do hope I can fulfill his requirements.”
“He requires someone to look after the child so that he does not have to spare a maid or two to do it,” her old governess stated firmly. “The maids and the housekeeper, and perhaps even the butler, will be exasperated enough already. Your arrival will be most welcome.”
Nodding, Albina tried to smile despite the mounting nervousness growing like a weed within her.
“And Lord Addenbrook will not attempt to converse with me or the like?”
“No, he will not. In most houses, the master is, as you know yourself, caught up with his own affairs and more than eager to allow the care of his charges to be given to someone capable.Youare capable, Albina.”
“I must hope so.” Hesitating, Albina looked back steadily at her old governess before she asked her next question. “You were always very kind to me, Mrs. Stanley. To your mind, does such kindness encourage a child to obey their governess?”
Mrs. Stanley’s lined face split with a smile.
“My dear girl, of course it does,” she answered, softly. “The child you will care for will need a good deal of kindness and consideration. They must come to trust you, to know that you mean nothing but good for them. Do not expect immediate obedience but give yourself and the child enough time to get to know one another. And write to me, if you need a little advice. You know I will be glad to give it.”
Albina closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, thinking carefully about everything that Mrs. Stanley had just told her. Were she to be honest with the lady and with herself, Albina would admit that she was terrified. Terrified that she would ruin everything by her lack of experience, that her charge would soon realize that she wasnota real governess and that she would be removed from her position before a sennight was through.
“You will be the very best governess, my dear girl.” As if she had been able to tell what Albina was thinking, Mrs. Stanley reached over and took Albina’s hand in her own. “I have every faith in you.”
Her heart twisted but Albina nodded, managing a small smile.
“Thank you, Mrs. Stanley. Thank you for everything.”
* * *
Drop your head.You must remember to be deferential.
It took an effort and a lot of internal reminders for Albina to finally lower her head a fraction. Had she been here as Lady Albina, then she would have walked into Lord Addenbrook’s home and greeted him as any other lady of thetonmight. But she was now no longer in her position as the daughter of an Earl and had to behave as such.
Lowering her eyes, Albina balled one hand into a fist but kept both hands by her side. Her head down, she waited for the butler to speak to Lord Addenbrook before she was allowed to enter.
The large oak door to his study was finally pulled back for her and Albina drew in a long breath before stepping forward.
“And this is the governess, then?”
“Miss Ann Trean, Lord Addenbrook.”
With some trepidation, Albina walked into the room, keeping her gaze fixed on the floor. The room was a little dim and smelt of mahogany. This was an expensive gentleman’s room indeed! Albina allowed herself a small glance about the room but did not look at her employer. It was beautifully furnished. There were little touches here and there, all evidence of the wealth that Lord Addenbrook possessed.
“Are you going to search every nook and cranny of this room, or might you actually have any willingness to look at me?”
Albina winced inwardly at the sharp tone of Lord Addenbrook’s voice and lifted her gaze to his for just a fraction of a second before dropping her eyes again. Lord Addenbrook was tall, broad-shouldered, and with a square jaw that was currently tightened in frustration. His eyes were dark and his hair a mid-brown, swept back from his forehead. A slight frown pulled at his brow and his arms were crossed over his chest.
