Читать книгу More Than a Governess - Sarah Mallory - Страница 9

Later that afternoon Juliana put on her best walking dress of holly green with its matching bonnet and set off for Burlington Street. She was fortunate that the rain had stopped, but it remained overcast, and a chill wind stung her cheeks. Following Lawrence’s directions, she found herself staring up at an imposing double-fronted façade. For a moment her courage failed her. Then, squaring her shoulders, she marched up to the front door and knocked loudly.

‘Oh, come along, Juliana Wrenn,’ she muttered to herself. ‘He can’t eat you, after all.’

A liveried footman admitted her to the house and showed her into a small study on the ground floor while he went off to carry her message to his master.

Too nervous to sit down, she stood in the middle of the room and looked about her. The walls were lined with oak panels from floor to ceiling in the same manner as her cousin’s drawing room, but there all similarity between the two houses ended. The panelling in Major Collingham’s study gleamed and several lively hunting scenes hung on the walls. She was just wondering if any of the figures depicted could be the master of the house when a deep voice sounded behind her, making her jump.

‘You wished to see me, madam?’

‘Oh—I did not hear you come in!’

‘I am sorry if I startled you,’ responded the Major, sounding not a whit remorseful.

Juliana looked at him. In her cousin’s hallway she had only seen the back of his head. Now, staring up into the harsh, unsmiling face, her spirits began to fade. He was very tall, and dressed with military precision—there was nothing of the dandy about him, she noted with approval; the long limbs encased in buff-coloured pantaloons and black boots hinted rather at the athlete. His blue coat fitted perfectly about his broad shoulders and the crisp whiteness of his shirt and cravat enhanced his dark complexion, tanned by years in the sun—she knew he had been a soldier, and guessed he had seen action in the Peninsula. His bearing was upright and looked as solid and unyielding as his countenance. His voice, when he spoke again, was tinged with impatience.

‘Well, madam, what can I do for you?’

‘I—I came because—because you require a governess.’

Her words came out in a rush.

‘Then it is my secretary, Brasher, you should see. I made it quite clear in the advertisement.’

He turned to go.

‘Oh, I have not seen the advertisement—and it is you I wish to see, Major Collingham.’

He stopped and turned to face her.

‘Not seen the—then how the devil…?’

His frown was not encouraging, but she screwed up her courage—she must do this for Thomas and Amy’s sake.

‘I am a cousin of Mr Pettigrew, the lawyer. I overheard your conversation with him this morning, about requiring a governess urgently. It—it is a fortunate circumstance for you, sir, that I am looking for just such a post.’

‘I see. Well, if that is the case, I am of course delighted that you have come, but my secretary can handle the details—’

‘But I do not wish to talk to your secretary, Major.’ She swallowed. ‘I—I want to talk to you about my terms.’

The Major raised his black brows.

‘Terms?’

‘Yes.’ She drew a breath and put up her chin. ‘I believe you require a governess to take up the post immediately, sir. Well, I am free to do that, upon condition.’

The Major stared at her. Juliana returned his gaze steadily, praying that he could not hear the rapid thudding of her heart. His countenance relaxed a little.

‘I see this is not going to be the work of a moment.’ He moved to his desk. ‘Pray will you not be seated, miss…?’

‘Miss Wrenn, Major.’ She sat down on the edge of the chair, facing him.

‘Well, Miss Wrenn, it is true that I am in need of a governess, but, as the employer, I was of the opinion that it was my place to set the conditions.’

She did not flinch from his hard gaze. Mrs Churwell had told her to have faith in herself, and she must do just that.

‘In the normal course of events, yes, but you do not appear to be having much success; you told my cousin you would pay a king’s ransom for a governess who could—ah—stay the course was your term, I think?’

He laughed suddenly, and the rather harsh lines of his face softened into something much more attractive.

‘Quite right, Miss Wrenn, I did. Very well, why do you think you would suit my requirements?’

‘Because I have had an excellent education, I am used to dealing with children and can teach them all the usual accomplishments of reading, writing, a little arithmetic and geography, the use of globes; my French and Italian are very good, I play the pianoforte and the harp, I paint and draw, I am a skilled needlewoman and—’

‘And you are desperate for employment.’

She blinked.

‘You do not deny it, Miss Wrenn.’

‘No, sir.’ She looked him in the eye and said with more confidence that she was feeling, ‘But I have imp—impeccable credentials.’

He sat back, folding his arms across his chest and fixing her with a hard stare.

‘You are very young for such a post.’

‘I am one-and-twenty, sir.’

‘What is your experience?’

She clasped her hands in her lap.

‘I was educated in a select seminary in Clapham until I was seventeen years old, and had some teaching of the younger girls while I was there. I learned all the usual accomplishments, and was especially good at languages—a gift from my father, I think. My mother’s demise made it necessary for me to come home and for the past four years I have had the care of my brother and sister.’

‘And what has changed, that you must now seek employment?’

She looked down at her hands. It was not easy to admit her straitened circumstances to a stranger, but it must be done. ‘My father died a month since and all his effects were seized to pay his debts. That is why we are staying with my cousin, until I can find a way to support us all.’

‘And how old are your brother and sister?’

‘My brother is twelve years old, sir. My sister just nine.’ She looked up at the Major, but his face was impassive. She said, with a touch of defiance, ‘I am not looking for sympathy, sir.’

‘I have offered you none. You have been very frank, Miss Wrenn, so let me be equally open with you. I am a widower and have been so for the past eight years. My three children have been in the care of my mother—their grandmother—in Hampshire. Unfortunately, my mother died twelve months ago. Bonaparte had just escaped from Elba and it was impossible for me to leave my regiment at that time, so my sister took the children in; she lives nearby with her own young family. After Waterloo I was eager to settle my affairs and return to England, but it took me until a few months ago to complete my duties and get away.’ He paused and sat forward, resting his arms on the desk. ‘While in the care of my sister, my daughters were taught in the schoolroom with their young cousins, but I was naturally desirous to have the children with me, so I moved them back into Kewhurst, their old home, with a governess to look after them while I completed my business prior to taking them all to Lancashire. To date, as you pointed out to me, Miss Wrenn, I have been singularly unsuccessful in my choice of staff. The first governess lasted less than a week and left the house claiming that the place was haunted. The second I turned off when I discovered her addiction to strong liquor. The third, well, I thought she was settled, so I came on to London to put my affairs in order. I sent for the children to join me, and instead of the governess, they came with their aunt and their old nurse, and the information that the governess had discharged herself.’

‘Oh…dear.’

‘As you say, Miss Wrenn, oh dear.’

‘How old are your daughters, Major?’

‘Gwendoline is twelve years old, and Wilhelmina is eight. They are quite normal, Miss Wrenn—high spirited, perhaps, but not demons.’

‘I do not doubt it. But you said you have three children, sir?’

‘Yes. My son, Giles, is fifteen years old and for the past few years has been under the tutelage of a learned reverend. When I arrived in Hampshire I discovered that this gentleman has accepted a much more attractive position as bear-leader to a young gentleman embarking upon the Grand Tour. However, Giles need not concern you; once we are settled in the north, I will engage another tutor for him.’

‘You said you are leaving town at the end of next week?’

‘Yes, on Friday. I have property in Lancashire that requires my attention. I want the governess to travel with us, and to take charge of the children on the journey.’ Again Juliana found that harsh stare fixed upon her. ‘After what you have heard, are you still eager for this position, Miss Wrenn?’

She sat up and adopted her most businesslike tone.

‘I think it would suit very well, sir, if we can agree terms.’

‘Miss Wrenn, I hardly think you are in a position to make demands….’

‘Then we need discuss this no further.’ She rose. ‘Let me see, today is Saturday, your advertisement should be published on Monday, at the earliest. No doubt your secretary is very efficient; if he interviews the candidates quickly, I suppose it might be possible to engage a suitable person in time to travel on Friday, assuming he has received suitable references, of course…’

He held up his hand.

‘Very well, Miss Wrenn, you have made your point. Can you supply me with suitable references?’

‘I am sure Mr Pettigrew will vouch for my character, and you may apply to Miss Shaftesbury at the Academy in Clapham. As to my education, you can test me, if you so wish.’

‘No, I do not so wish!’ he growled at her. ‘Pray sit down again, madam, and tell me these terms of yours.’

Resuming her seat, she gave him a beaming smile.

‘They are not really so outrageous. I will engage to look after the children, Major Collingham, and educate them for the next four months, that is, to the end of September. I would like you to pay me a lump sum at the end of that time.’

‘How much?’

Juliana took a deep breath and named her price.

‘What?’

She winced, but held her ground.

‘You said you were willing to pay a king’s ransom for this service, sir; I think you will agree that it is hardly that, but it would be sufficient for me to rent a little house in, say, Harrogate or Bath, and support my family by teaching. That is all I ask, Major.’

There was no more she could say. Juliana forced herself to sit still while the Major stared at her, his fingers drumming on the desk top. The remuneration she was asking was high, but discreet enquiries of her cousin had convinced her that the Major could afford twice that sum. Now she only needed to hold her nerve. She smiled to herself; perhaps she had something of her father’s gambling spirit after all. At last he spoke.

‘Very well. I will have Brasher draw up an agreement today.’

She found she had been holding her breath, for it now came out in a long sigh.

‘Thank you, sir. I will not disappoint you.’

‘I trust you will not. I shall make sure you do not get a penny if you do not keep your side of this bargain. One more thing. What do you propose to do with your siblings for the next four months?’

She hesitated.

‘I am hoping to persuade my cousin—’

He shook his head.

‘Pettigrew is a lawyer and a bachelor. I’d wager he knows less than I do about children. You had best bring them with you. They will be companions for Gwen and Minna on the journey, and there will be plenty of room for them at Blackthorpe.’

‘Th-thank you.’

He stood up and came round the desk towards her.

‘Then let us shake hands upon it, and I will send for the children.’

Juliana rose and put out her hand. As he took her fingers in his strong grip she looked up into his face and wondered how she had ever managed to bargain with such a man. At close range he was even more intimidating. His eyes were as hard as granite; his countenance bleak and unforgiving. Dangerous. But even as she began to wonder if perhaps she had made a mistake, she saw a gleam of amusement in his grey eyes.

He said, ‘Now what are you thinking, Miss Wrenn?’

She did not even consider prevaricating.

‘That you would make an implacable enemy, sir.’

His grip on her hand tightened.

‘True. But I am also a very good friend. Which would you have, Miss Wrenn?’

Juliana could not break away from his gaze. A small voice in her head was warning that he should not be asking her such a question. She swallowed and tried to answer calmly.

‘Neither. I look only for a fair employer.’

He stared at her, a faint crease in his brows. Juliana looked down at his hand, still holding her own. Abruptly he released her and walked towards the window saying,

‘I—um—I plan to marry—when we arrive in Lancashire: a neighbour’s daughter, widow. There is an arrangement between the families. It has long been agreed. My wife will, of course, take over arrangements for the girls’ education.’

‘Then why not wait until you get to Lancashire to employ a governess?’

Even as the words tumbled out, Juliana wished them unsaid; she had signed no contract yet, and she did not want him to change his mind. The Major did not hesitate over his reply.

‘I had considered that, but their nurse is far too old to have sole control of the children on such a long journey.’

Juliana’s evil genius prompted her to play devil’s advocate once more.

‘But—forgive me—did you not say you will be travelling together, as a party?’

He turned to look at her, his brows raised in surprise, and just for a moment she thought there was a shade of unease upon those harsh features.

‘I know nothing of the needs of young girls,’ he said shortly. ‘If it was only Giles, I should not hesitate. As it is—’ He broke off. ‘I shall summon the girls to meet you.’

He strode over to the door, barking his orders to a lackey.

Moments later, two little figures trooped into the room.

‘Goodness, that was very prompt!’ exclaimed Juliana, smiling at the Misses Collingham.

They were dressed in identical redingotes of claretcoloured wool with matching bonnets. The eldest girl raised her eyes, so like her father’s, and looked directly at Juliana.

‘We were waiting in the hall for Aunt Louisa, Papa.’ She addressed the Major, although she kept her eyes upon Juliana. ‘She is taking us for a drive in the park.’

‘Well, I shall not keep you long.’ Major Collingham beckoned them to come forward. ‘I want to make you known to your new governess. Gwendoline…’ He paused as the older of the two children bobbed a curtsy.

Juliana curtsied back.

‘How do you do, Miss Collingham?’

‘Gwendoline was twelve years old last month,’ said the Major. ‘And this is Wilhelmina.’ He nodded at the smaller child, who stepped forward and bobbed, saying as she did so,

‘And I’m eight.’

‘Indeed?’ marvelled Juliana. ‘You are very grown up for eight, I think. I am very pleased to meet you both.’

‘Miss Wrenn will be joining us next week,’ said the Major. ‘You will have your first lesson with her at two o’clock on Monday—yes, Miss Wrenn, did you say something?’

‘So—so soon,’ stammered Juliana. ‘I thought we should get to know one another first.’

‘If that is what you wish to do, Miss Wrenn, I have no objection, as long as you do it in the schoolroom.’

‘And out of the way, Major?’ she murmured, bringing that frowning stare upon her again.

Whatever retort the Major was about to make was interrupted as the door opened and a tall woman in a rose-pink pelisse erupted into the room.

‘Damon, do you have the girls here? I was about to take them out.’

‘The children are here, Louisa, dressed and ready for you. I was introducing them to their new governess. This is Miss Wrenn—my sister, Lady Varley.’

Juliana found herself subjected to a head-to-toe scrutiny and forced herself not to fidget. Her walking dress might not be as stylish as Lady Varley’s fine wool pelisse, and one small ostrich feather could not compete with the three nodding plumes that adorned Lady Varley’s high-crowned bonnet, but she knew her simple attire was perfectly suited to a young lady of modest means, and more than adequate for a governess. Lady Varley seemed to agree, for she gave a nod of approval.

‘So, Damon, you have found someone already. How clever of you.’

The Major’s lips curved up slightly.

‘It would be more accurate to say that Miss Wrenn found me.’

Lady Varley waved one pink-gloved hand.

‘Whatever the case, it would seem that I need not take the children out with me after all.’ She paused, glancing down at the two little faces looking up at her. ‘But they are dressed now, so I suppose I must. Come along, then. The carriage is at the door and you know your father does not like to keep his horses standing!’

She hurried the children out of the room, turning at the door to say, ‘We shall not be too long, Damon. I have to stop off at Madame Fleurie’s to look at the new muslin she had brought in for me and then I shall take the girls for a quick turn around the park, to give them an airing before dinner.’

‘You must not mind my sister, Miss Wrenn,’ remarked the Major as the door closed upon the little party. ‘She felt obliged to come to London with the children when their governess walked out. She has not yet forgiven me.’

‘That was very good of her; some aunts might have considered it sufficient to send the children with a servant.’

‘Ah, but then I would not have felt obliged to pay for the gowns she has ordered from Madame Fleurie.’

Juliana was surprised into a laugh, which she quickly stifled—levity was not becoming in a governess. She should take her leave. As if reading her mind, Major Collingham walked to the door.

‘Very well, Miss Wrenn. I will send my carriage to Bouverie Street on Monday morning at, say, eleven o’clock. You will bring your brother and sister with you. I shall have rooms prepared for your arrival.’

‘Thank you, sir. You are very good.’

‘No, it is a business arrangement. My man will have the contract ready for you to sign when you arrive.’ He bent that hard gaze upon her again. ‘I shall expect you to earn your money, Miss Wrenn.’

She met his gaze squarely.

‘I expect nothing less of you, Major Collingham.’

She hurried back to Bouverie Street and made her way directly to the kitchens, where Mrs Churwell was waiting to hear her news. Juliana could not suppress her elation.

‘He’s hired me,’ she cried. ‘Major Collingham is sending the carriage here for me on Monday, and he says Thomas and Amy can come too. I was most surprised at that, I can tell you, but it is ideal for us all.’

‘Oh, well done, dearie! I’m that pleased for you, I really am.’ The housekeeper turned to the footman, who was relaxing in a chair with his feet up on the fender. ‘You hear that, Lawrence? Miss Wrenn is to be a governess to the Major, and him a hero of Waterloo, no less!’

‘Is he? I never knew that.’ Juliana smiled, taking off her bonnet and placing it on a side table.

‘Aye.’ Lawrence poured himself another mug of ale. ‘My brother was in his regiment, the 30^th Foot. They fought off the French at Quatre Bras. Praised by Lord Wellington hisself, they was. But that’s not all.’ He grinned. ‘Devil Collingham, they call him. Heard it from the man’s groom hisself, I did, last time I delivered some papers to the house and stopped off for a glass of daffy on the way back. Devil Collingham—devil on the battlefield, and devil in the bedroom. They say in Brussels it was nothing for him to pleasure three women in one night.’

With a shriek Mrs Churwell cuffed him round the ear.

‘I’ll have none of that talk in my kitchen, my lad! You had best get back upstairs, now, before the master starts shouting for you. Go on, now! Don’t you be taking any notice of what Lawrence says,’ she added, when the footman had lounged away. ‘I don’t hold with servants’ tittle-tattle.’

‘No more do I,’ agreed Juliana. She looked up at the housekeeper, a mischievous twinkle in her green eyes. ‘However, it seems I have just made a pact with the devil!’