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Agnes nodded, apparently keen to fill Florence in. “I was sure my uncle would have told you, but it seems he hasn’t. You see, we will only need your services for a year until I debut next Season. Once I’m married, I won’t require a governess anymore,” she explained.
Florence found herself mulling over the words, and she wondered how Agnes could be so sure about such a short timeline, and such a quick union, at that. She was a sweet, young girl, with favorable looks. But Florence knew many young ladies with similar assets who had been out for many Seasons before finding a suitable match.
More often than not, their papas and mamas didn’t select a suitor based on love, but for each party’s gain. Lord Henry might be Agnes’ uncle, but surely, he didn’t assume his niece would find a suitable match so quickly.
Florence had the feeling it might not be in the cards for Agnes, but she kept that opinion to herself. The girl seemed to be focused on the idea, and she didn’t wish to trample her expectations, nor any excitement she might harbor for the prospect.
“I see,” Florence stated calmly, relaxing further into the comfortable chaise, suddenly feeling the tiredness of her journey. Still, she tried to remain pleasant. “I suppose we must try to enjoy the time we have then, won’t we?”
Agnes’ youthful face lit up at the promise of camaraderie, and nodded.
“Yes, of course! I did help Uncle Henry choose which applicant for the post seemed the most promising, after all.”
“Oh, did you?” Florence asked in a playful tone. “I must say, in that case, I am twice as honored.”
Agnes laughed quietly with a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. The young girl was much more agreeable than she could have imagined.
“Strangely, I am in my employer’s house, yet I have still to meet him,” Florence said, aware that the introduction to his lordship would be the most important in terms of making a good impression. Therefore, it would be the most nerve wracking. The butterflies in her belly fluttered their wings at the thought.
Agnes sighed. “Uncle Henry is away for business at the moment. He will be gone for another week yet, but that gives us the opportunity to get to know each other before he gets back.”
“What a lovely opportunity for us, indeed,” Florence said, smiling. “Tell me, what is your uncle like?”
There was no hiding just how fond Agnes was of him; it was plain in the immediate glow of her face. However, the girl seemed unsure of where to begin in extolling his virtues.
“Uncle Henry is unlike anyone else I know,” she eventually said. “He is very kind, and humorous, and wonderful company. Out of all the uncles I could have, I am pleased he is mine. Uncle Henry has made life without my parents much happier than I thought possible.”
“He sounds like a man worthy of high regard,” Florence said, glad to hear such a glowing response from the girl. She would know him best, and Florence felt she could trust her opinion.
“He deserves that and more!” the girl cried.
Florence chortled, put at ease by her enthusiasm. Accepting the position of governess without ever having met Lord Gray beforehand had been a great risk. Florence had taken it for the sake of beginning her new, self-directed life. Yet hearing Agnes speak so affectionately of his lordship reassured her that all would be well.
If Agnes loved the man so dearly, then she assumed he would likely be a good employer as well. The house operated smoothly enough from Florence’s limited knowledge, and Agnes was a pleasant girl to be around. Lord Gray evidently knew what he was doing, and had clearly created a pleasant life for himself and his niece.
Florence’s nervous butterflies were put to rest. She truly looked forward to teaching her everything that was required.
“Perhaps you might tell me a little about what you studied with your previous governess, Agnes,” Florence suggested, lifting her brows in encouragement.
As if Agnes had been waiting for that very question, the girl launched into a thorough explanation. She named the usual subjects: reading, writing, history, and French.
“Elle t'a appris le Français?” Florence exclaimed, pleased at the news.
Agnes’ expression grew instantly joyful, and she nodded obediently. “Oui elle l'a fait.”
“Excellent!” Florence beamed and placed her hands together. “It might be wise for us to get started right away. We don’t want to waste your final year as a student.”
Agnes looked as though nothing would make her happier. The young lady stood and was quick to show Florence the schoolroom. She followed with a contented smile on her face, delighted by the girl’s evident pleasure, and they soon began their lesson.
Florence was intrigued by what she had heard from her charge about her employer. She urgently wished to meet him. If what Agnes had said was true, she was sure Lord Henry was bound to be a considerate and well-rounded man.
CHAPTERTHREE
“Inform Agnes I have returned from my travels, and that I will see her once I have ensured everything is in order,” Henry instructed Harriet as they walked briskly through the manor upon his arrival.
“I will relay it at once, my lord. It is a pleasure to have you home,” the older maid replied earnestly before hurrying down the hall to do as instructed.
All appeared to be in order when Henry arrived home at last, tired from the long trip. Travel was something he didn’t take much pleasure in, for he often missed the simplicity of being at home with Agnes, free to do as they wished. He missed the comfort of his bed and the peace of his estate. The relentless noise that came from his private coach annoyed him terribly.
