Chapter 8 #2
“Oh. That.” Caroline cleared her throat.
She really needed to focus on the conversation and not on David’s looks.
“I am. I think it would be best for the family. If I have little to no chance of finding an advantageous marriage that will help us, I will need to find work. Becoming a governess seems the most logical step.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I was educated well enough, and I can teach. Plus, I like spending time with children. There’s nothing wrong with that, is there?”
“No, nothing like that,” David said hurriedly. “It’s not exactly something I’m used to, hearing that you’re going to become a servant.”
Caroline straightened up.
“A governess isn’t really a servant,” she pointed out. “I’m not a maid, and I have a separate status to a housekeeper.”
“But you’re not really a member of the nobility, are you?”
“Given how people treat me, I think I’m past that now. Especially if I was probably the only person in the area who wasn’t invited to the most recent ball.”
David winced.
“I feel guilty for bringing that up.”
“You didn’t know that I didn’t go because I wasn’t invited. I’m not blaming you for that.” Caroline sighed. “But it’s just one of those things. I’m being put in a corner, away from everyone else, and they’re forgetting about me. I can’t blame them for that if I haven’t got anything to offer them.”
“What do you mean? You’ve got a lot to offer people.”
“Like what?”
David’s mouth opened and closed. Then he stumbled over his words.
“You’re smart and kind. You’re good at carrying a conversation, and you’re good company. I find you a very warm person.”
“But if I don’t have any money, what can I bring to the table financially?” Caroline reminded him. “I don’t, so why should I be of any use.”
“People shouldn’t be treated differently because of their financial status.”
“Well, that’s what happens. And it’s happening to me right now. So, becoming a governess seems perfectly logical to me.” Caroline smiled. “In fact, I think I might be in demand. Three different families have interviewed me already, and I’m waiting to hear back.”
“Really? When did that happen?”
“Only in the last week. I was actually at an interview yesterday. The earl and countess have a six-year-old son they’re unsure about educating at home or sending him to boarding school. While I’m sure they will go for the latter, it’s nice to be considered for their other option.”
That one Caroline had already put to one side.
Despite the countess wanting her son to stay at home to be given his lessons, the earl was determined to send his son away.
Given the name of the school he had dropped in Caroline’s presence, she could see why he wanted their child to go.
He was six, though, which was making Caroline wonder if doing it now was a good idea.
But she wasn’t about to argue with the parents over this. They wanted the best for their child, and they just had differing opinions.
The other two had said they would get back to her, and Caroline was waiting for a letter. Hopefully, she would get something. If not, she would have to go further afield. Maybe abroad. Now that would be exciting.
“How about you come and work for me?”
It took a moment for Caroline to realise what he had just said. She blinked up at him.
“I beg your pardon?”
“I’m in need of a governess for Henrietta and Gwen. I could send them away to school myself, and I know Father was planning on sending Henrietta to finishing school next year, but after what’s happened, I’m not comfortable with them leaving. They would think I was abandoning them.”
“But you wouldn’t do that.”
“I know that, but they might see it differently.” David rubbed the back of his head.
“They do need an education, and their last governess left about a week before Father died. I haven’t had a thought about who I could get to replace her.
With you bringing this up, I thought it was time that I got that sorted. ”
He sounded like he was making it up as he went along. Caroline shook her head.
“I don’t think …”
“Gwen and Henrietta like you, and that’s a good thing. I don’t want them to be taught by someone who’s not very nice. They get along with you, and I can tell how patient you are with Gwen. She’s going to need someone to keep her calm and focused. You were good at that when we were children.”
Caroline snorted.
“No, I wasn’t.”
“Well, you tried, and I remember that,” David went on. He sighed and glanced towards the door. “I have to think about their welfare and education. Things are tough with Father … well, you know … and I want to keep a sense of normality.
Neither of them has had any lessons since just before everything changed, and I need to get them back to having lessons. Also, you won’t have to go very far if you want to visit your parents, and I can pay you very handsomely for it. Money isn’t a problem for me.”
Caroline bit her lip. What he said did sound tempting.
Having something that close to her family home would be ideal – her parents were getting on, and Caroline didn’t think she would ever stop worrying about them – and she did like Henrietta and Gwen.
They were very bright girls, and she could see teaching them being a delight.
But would she be able to manage being under the same roof as David?
If it had been a few years ago, that wouldn’t have been a problem.
Right now, though, Caroline felt like her heart would wear itself out pumping so fast. If this were happening when they were in her safe place, what would happen when they were living together, albeit as employer and employee?
Could she cope with it?
David was looking at her expectantly. Caroline realised that she had been staring at him with her mouth open. She closed her mouth and shifted on the cushions.
“I … I don’t know what to say.”
“I know it’s a bit of an unusual thing, and I must apologise for it coming out in this manner, but I think it would be good for everyone. You get to stay close to your family, I get my sisters looked after with their education, and I’m confident knowing you’re being looked after.”
“You make it sound like everyone else is going to do something to me.”
“I don’t know. I’m just worried about your welfare as well. And I’ll be able to pay you more than everyone else could.”
Caroline frowned.
“Just because you’re a duke doesn’t mean you can throw money around.”
“That’s not what I meant. You won’t have to worry about your parents with the salary I can give you.
” David held up a finger. “Although I will insist you don’t give them all your money.
You must set some aside for yourself. I don’t want you to be left with nothing while giving your mother and father everything. ”
“Isn’t that my prerogative?”
“What if you need a new dress? Or youhave to buy something regarding your job? But you can’t because you’ve sent everything to your parents. I know you won’t want to ask them for that money back.”
Caroline knew he was right. She would feel shameful taking it from her parents after giving them whatever she earned. David was talking sense.
“Please, Caroline?” David insisted. “I know it’s not ideal, but you need a job, and I can guarantee you one.
And my sisters like you, so it should work well.
Plus, you will be getting paid really well, and you can see our house from here.
Would you rather have that or risk finding something further afield? ”
“David …”
“Have a think about it,” David said before Caroline could go any further. “I don’t need an answer immediately, but you can be sure that I’ll make sure you and your family are very well looked after as long as you look after mine.”
He sounded very earnest about it, leaving Caroline a little bewildered. Did he really want this, or was he up to something? She swallowed.
“Alright. I’ll think about it. I’ll let you know my answer soon.”