Chapter 11 #2
“I know. And I wish I hadn’t asked you to be so honest.” David gave a wry chuckle.
“I’m not really surprised that you remarked that after what I saw of her at the ball.
She was sweet and charming, but something was bubbling underneath.
I had a feeling she was someone who always got what she wanted. ”
“You need to be careful with her, David. If you consider her as a potential wife …”
Saying that word made Caroline’s stomach clench. She was losing her appetite, and that was not good. David shook his head.
“You don’t need to worry about that. But having a different opinion does help.”
Caroline was just glad it was only them and Gwen with a smattering of servants who had heard her talk about Lady Mary Chadwick in such a manner. She would get into trouble if she spoke like that in public.
Maybe it was a good thing she had left Society completely. She wouldn’t be able to keep her mouth shut.
#
“This is what a governess does when she’s working?”
Caroline looked up, her spirits lifting when she saw Joseph walking across the terrace towards her. She put her book aside and stood up.
“Joseph! It’s good to see you!” She accepted his kiss on her hand. “I didn’t know you were coming over. I’m afraid David’s not here …”
“It was you that I came to see, actually. It’s been a while since I last saw you.” Joseph squeezed her hand. “When David told me he had hired you as a governess, I thought he had gone mad. Then I heard you were planning to be a governess, anyway. What’s going on?”
Caroline sighed and looked around. Gwen was in town with Jennifer Drew while Henrietta was lying on a blanket on the grass reading a book. She was far out enough that she wouldn’t hear Caroline and Joseph talking.
“Things have changed, Joseph. I won’t find a husband who wants to be part of a penniless family, and we need the money. Being a governess seemed logical to me.”
“But to agree to teach Henrietta and Gwen?” Joseph leaned on the terrace wall. “They’re lovely children, but even I wouldn’t want to do that.”
“That’s because that’s too many women for you to handle,” Caroline teased.
“Well, that’s partly true …”
Caroline laughed. She was feeling better seeing Joseph.
Another one of her childhood friends, he had been the more rambunctious one who, between him and Eleanor, liked to get them all into some sort of trouble.
He had mellowed out a little as a man, but he still carried that cheeky glint and maverick attitude.
“It’s nice to see you in such good spirits,” Joseph commented. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”
“I know. I’m aware that I’ve been pulling away from you.” Caroline bit her lip. “Forgive me, Joseph. I didn’t mean to do that.”
“I know it’s not intentional. And I apologise for not saying I’ve been in contact with David.”
“Then we’re both as bad as each other.” Caroline smoothed down her skirts over her knees. “It wasn’t my intention to pull away. Things have been really … complicated lately.”
Joseph tilted his head to one side.
“Things not happening on the estate? I hear you’re losing workers, so things are not being looked after.”
“Can you blame people for leaving if we can’t afford to pay them? I’m surprised Baxter, Madeleine, and Mrs Marks are still around, given that we can’t afford them.”
“Because they’re loyal, and they care about your family.” Joseph paused. “You know, my offer of help is still there …”
“I know and appreciate it, Joseph, but we’ll be fine.” Caroline spread her hands. “I’m sure we can manage.”
Joseph’s expression said he didn’t believe her.
“Just let me know if you need any help at all. I know you’ve got David around, but with him away right now, I don’t want you to think you’re on your own. You need anything, just let me know.”
“Thank you, Joseph. That’s very kind of you.”
“We’re friends. I’d like to think that you would do the same to me.”
Caroline absolutely would. She did feel guilty for withdrawing from Joseph and Eleanor recently, but it wasn’t until Eleanor invited her to her house that she realised she had isolated herself. Being around her friends was meant to be therapeutic.
Also, while she wasn’t about to admit it, she felt a little lonely with David away on business. He was currently in Brighton, and he had promised he would be back soon after travelling along to Cornwall, but then he would be off to the Lake District shortly after.
Caroline wondered if she could persuade him to take her and the girls along as well. They would appreciate seeing something different. Caroline had never been to the Lake District, either, and she was keen to see what it was like.
Hopefully, David would be agreeable to it. It would stop her feeling lonely despite everyone around her.
Stop being silly. He’s your friend and now your employer. You’re not supposed to miss him like that.
Joseph looked over his shoulder and watched Henrietta, who didn’t seem to have noticed them; she was so engrossed in her book.
“How is it being a governess, then? Are you managing without going mad?”
Caroline giggled.
“I’ve only been doing this for two days! I haven’t had a chance to go mad yet.”
“Two days is plenty of time, you know.”
Caroline swatted his arm.
“Don’t be daft! They’re doing fine. I’ve given Gwen incentives when she’s doing her lessons, and Henrietta just gets on with it. Neither of them has been giving me any problems at all.”
Joseph chuckled.
“That’s going to change once you three get into a routine. You’re going to wonder if it’s allowed to put a pillow over their faces when they’re sleeping at night.”
“Joseph!”
“What? I feel like that when I’m around children.”
“I’ll remember to tell that to your future wife when you get married,” Caroline teased. “See if she likes the idea of you wanting to do that.”
“Don’t even think about it! I might have softened up to children by that point.” Joseph gestured at Henrietta. “I think Henrietta’s fine. She’s a good girl.”
“You only say that because she’s big enough to fight back.”
Joseph pouted, which made Caroline laugh even more. That finally got Henrietta’s attention, and Caroline saw her eyes brighten when she caught sight of Joseph. Closing her book with a snap, she scrambled up and approached the terrace.
“Lord Guildford. I didn’t know you were coming over.”
“I thought I’d see if you were tearing your hair out at your new governess.” Joseph gestured at Caroline. “Is she behaving herself?”
“Joseph!”
Henrietta laughed.
“Caroline is doing just fine, thank you. I’m sure she could teach you a few things, My Lord.”
“Teach me? I don’t think I need any teaching, do I?” Joseph tapped the side of his head. “I have everything up here, and it’s been very useful so far.”
“I beg to differ,” Henrietta shot back.
Joseph gasped and clutched his chest.
“Oh, My Lady, how you wound me.”
Caroline shook her head with a smile as she stood up.
“Honestly, Joseph! Why don’t you come on inside? I’ll let Hadleigh know that we would like some tea. You can regale us with your sharp mind and quick wit while we’re waiting.”
“Now that might be a bit difficult for the earl,” Henrietta suggested, casting Joseph a sly look. “He’s got to find that wit first.”
Joseph groaned.
“You are far too much like your brother.”
Henrietta was still laughing as she went into the house. Caroline smiled.
“She’s going to be getting everyone’s attention when she enters Society.”
“I agree. I don’t think she’s going to have a problem catching someone’s eye.” Joseph held out an arm to her. “Let’s hope she doesn’t lose that. Now, shall we, Lady Caroline?”