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“Excellent,” Florence murmured, taking in the newness of everything around her. She needed to hurry to keep up with Harriet, who clearly had other matters to attend to, and Florence didn't want to monopolize her time.
Along the way, Harriet rounded up what staff she could and made sure Florence was well acquainted with them. They would see to her needs for the duration of her stay. They all seemed pleasant and more welcoming than she had expected, and relief flooded her chest.
“This is where you will be staying, Miss Murray,” Harriet said when at last they reached one of many doors in a long upstairs hallway.
The room was much bigger than Florence had expected, with pristine, hardwood floors, a vaulted ceiling, and furniture suitable for a lady of theton. While Florence wasn’t staying as a guest, she certainly felt welcomed as one just the same. Such fine furnishings and pleasant finishes in a governess’s quarters were a testament to Lord Gray’s wealth and success, to be sure.
“This is more than agreeable for my post,” Florence managed, slightly awed. She spotted her valise on the floor next to the neatly made bed. Pulling her gloves off, she allowed her eyes to wander curiously around the room. “How beautiful.”
Harriet smiled, yet Florence sensed what looked like envy behind her eyes. It made her wonder about the rest of the rooms, but she didn’t wish to press the matter any further just then.
“If you require anything, do not hesitate to ask,” Harriet added, seemingly collecting herself enough to allow a pleasanter demeanor to shine through, and waited patiently within the threshold of the room for Florence to be ready.
Florence folded her gloves neatly and placed them on the bed. With one final look around the room, she released a careful breath and returned her gaze to Harriet, who stood diligently at her disposal.
“Shall we speak with Lady Agnes?” she asked.
“Yes, please,” Florence returned lightly and suddenly found herself excited to meet the young lady. She would be spending a considerable amount of time with her, after all.
Harriet nodded and turned on her heel once more. She offered some general information about the household while they walked down the hall. When they reached a door, which stood open, Harriet led Florence inside the room.
“This is the drawing room, where Lady Agnes typically spends her time,” the woman murmured, then stepped to the side and folded her hands over her lap. “Lady Agnes, the new governess has just arrived.”
Agnes lifted her head at the sudden intrusion and gazed upon Florence, a smile growing on her lips. She marked her place in an old book and rose from her seatnext to the empty hearth. Eagerly, Agnes approached and offered Florence a polite curtsey.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Murray,” Agnes spoke eloquently, to Florence’s surprise. She was fifteen and appeared mature for her age, well-mannered too. Her dark-brown hair was done up neatly, without a single one out of place, and her deep-blue eyes contrasted flatteringly against the fairness of her skin.
Florence returned the gesture and grinned at the sweet girl. “The pleasure is all mine, Agnes. Please, call me Florence.”
“Florence,” Agnes murmured, as if testing the name out for herself. She said it with awe, then brightened further. “It is a beautiful name for a lovely lady.”
The compliment was unexpected, yet it helped her warm further toward the young girl.
“That is very kind of you, Agnes. I’ve been eager to become your new governess.”
“In good time, too,” Agnes informed her, and she gently took Florence’s hand to lead her over to the cream-colored chaise. The young girl sat beside her, looking excited. “My previous governess fell ill, and I required a new teacher quickly.”
“Your father must have been anxious to fill the position,” Florence observed, sympathetic to the girl’s loss. “From what I can see, your previous governess has done an impeccable job.”
“Oh, yes,” Agnes began, her smile fading slightly. “Lord Henry is my uncle. I was raised by him after my parents died.”
“I am sorry to hear that. My condolences to you,” Florence offered, and tried to look understanding. “If I may ask, how did it happen?”
The question made Agnes’ face grow longer and more forlorn looking. She fiddled with the trim of her dress absently. “It is a rather long story…” was all she said.
Florence's heart sank just looking at the girl and her uncomfortable demeanor. She could tell the subject was sensitive by the drop of her shoulders and the hesitant pause between her words.
“Please, there is no need to talk about it if it upsets you,” Florence said reassuringly, not wanting to make the girl uneasy. She wanted to make a good impression and create a good rapport, for both their sakes. “I suppose some credit is due to Lord Gray, then. While I wish I was taking up my post under happier circumstances, I am grateful to be here.”
“I look forward to our lessons, although I do hope time doesn’t escape us,” Agnes said, as if she was already dreading the end of their time together before it had even properly begun.
Florence was immediately curious and looked at the girl quizzically. What could she mean by that?
“Why should that happen?”
“Well,” Agnes dragged out, placing her hands neatly in her lap. “I’m afraid I might enjoy our time together too well, and when the year is over, I shall be sad.”
“The year?”
