Chapter 12 #2
The last two weeks have been really pleasant.
Caroline hadn’t expected it to become something so easy to get used to.
She had thought teaching the girls every day with activities scattered around would be exhausting – and it was – but she was enjoying it.
Both sisters were incredibly bright and worked hard at the work Caroline set them every day.
They were improving each time they did something. Caroline guessed – and hoped – it was because they were looking forward to having fun in the afternoon, and the quicker they got their schoolwork done, the sooner they could do something they wanted to do.
Of course, they weren’t doing all of the work they were meant to do in a day, but they were happier for it.
Caroline wanted to keep it like that. There was no set way to teach someone, and if her way worked, she would keep going with it.
Gwen and Henrietta seemed to prefer it to whatever their last governess had been doing.
And the fresh air somehow calmed Gwen enough that she was quiet and relaxed later in the day. Caroline had always thought there was a link between exercise and work.
Then she remembered that Henrietta had been about to ask her something and turned to the girl.
“You said that you wanted to ask me something, Henrietta? What is it?”
“Why didn’t you get married?”
Caroline blinked.
“I beg your pardon?”
“I know it’s a bit nosy, but I’m curious. And you always say we need to push our curiosity.”
“I know I said that, but …”
“So, can I ask why you didn’t get married? Because I’m struggling to understand why.” Henrietta gestured at her. “After all, you’re a beautiful woman …”
“Henrietta!”
“I’m just being honest. You’re beautiful, and you’re intelligent. Also, you’re very funny and can keep a conversation going. I would have thought that would be perfect as a wife.” Henrietta peered at her keenly. “So why haven’t you got married? Did you not find someone who met your standards?”
Caroline felt her face getting warm, and she couldn’t blame it on the sun when she was in the shade. Clearing her throat, she placed her hat in her lap and absently played with the ribbon.
“It wasn’t that I couldn’t find anyone. There were quite a few people who would have matched me really well.”
“But something happened?”
“You could say that. But if you don’t have money, everything else means absolutely nothing within the ton. My family has no money despite my father’s title, so I’m considered an undesirable match.”
Henrietta snorted rudely.
“I don’t understand that at all. It’s just silly! People have let you slip through their fingers because of your monetary status? Pathetic.”
Caroline didn’t know what to say to that. But thinking about her spinsterhood didn’t bother her as much as it used to a while ago. In fact, it just rolled over her and washed away. Caroline found that it was a non-issue, as far as she was concerned.
She never expected that to happen. After all, people were right about her status, so it was merely observations towards her than accusations.
But ever since moving into David’s house and looking after his sisters as their governess, she was far more relaxed.
Happier, even. Things were great, and Caroline looked forward to each day despite how busy they were.
It was like she had found a proper purpose in her life.
“It’s just the way of the world, Henrietta. You just have to accept it. Besides,” Caroline shrugged, “it’s not like I can’t find something else to do. I found this job, after all.”
“And I’m glad you are here. Gwen and I have enjoyed having you around.”
“I’m here as your governess, not as a friend, remember?”
Henrietta grinned.
“I haven’t forgotten. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends as well, does it?”
“Of course not.” Caroline reached over and squeezed her hand. “I would be delighted to be friends with you two as well.”
Henrietta was now beaming. Then, as if a light went on in her head, she jumped up and dusted herself down.
“Come with me. I want to show you something.”
“What about your sister?”
“I’m sure Nanny Drew can look after her. She’ll be fine on her own.”
Caroline knew that, but still, she wavered. She had promised David she would look after his sisters, after all. But Henrietta looked eager to show her something, so she stood up and waved at Jennifer.
“We’re just going back to the house,” she called. “Will you be alright?”
“We’ll be fine.” Jennifer waved back. She sounded a little out of breath. “Gwen and I will join you later.”
Gwen didn’t respond except with a wave and a giggle before she darted back behind a tree. Jennifer groaned but with a smile and hurried after her. Henrietta laughed.
“Gwen always wants to run everywhere. I’m surprised Nanny Drew can keep up with her.”
“She’s tougher than I am.” Caroline fell into step beside the young girl. “I certainly can’t keep up with you.”
“I thought David said you lot ran around more than we did. You were also the fastest despite wearing skirts.”
“I wasn’t the fastest.”
“That’s what David said.” Henrietta grinned mischievously at her. “Although I’m not sure if I believe him as you can’t keep up.”
“Cheeky!”
Henrietta simply giggled and moved on ahead.
Caroline shook her head and followed her.
When she came of age and entered Society, she was supposed to slow down and behave like a genteel lady.
Ladies did not run everywhere, which was really annoying.
Caroline wanted to carry on as she wanted; she felt more comfortable like that.
Having to rein that in so she became a perfect potential wife had been tough initially.
Maybe that was another reason why she hadn’t been able to find a husband. She hadn’t been able to rein it in properly, and the gentlemen noticed.
David likes your free side. He would see you as you are and not be judgemental.
Caroline bit back a sigh as she thought about David, pushing them from her mind as an image of David appeared with his dashing smile. She had thought about him more than she should have over the last fortnight, wondering if he was doing well and managing with his duties.
He did send letters to all of them, which they received every other day, where he detailed what he was up to with Caroline and telling his sisters the fun parts. Every time Caroline read his letters, she smiled and felt happy that he remembered her.
But she had to remember that she was the governess now. Essentially, David’s servant. She shouldn’t breach that boundary between them now. It was dangerous if they forgot about it.
If only she could get rid of the fluttering of her heart every time Caroline heard the mere mention of David. That was very distracting.
Henrietta led her into the house, and they went into the library.
“This came today while you were getting ready for lunch. I completely forgot about it.” She picked up a small parcel and held it out to Caroline. “It was for you.”
“For me?” Caroline frowned as she took the package. “Do you know from whom?”
“Why don’t you open it up and find out?”
She wasn’t going to get any answers from the girl, so Caroline took off the wrapping.
It was a book and, from the look of it, a first edition.
Caroline hadn’t had a first edition in her home in a long time.
They were worth the most, so they had been the first to go, which had left Caroline miserable for days afterwards.
She looked at the spine for the title. And stared.
“Frankenstein? There’s no author’s name to it.”
“Oh, I’ve heard of this!” Henrietta said. “It’s meant to be a really scary book. The rumour going around is that a woman wrote it.”
“A woman did?”
Caroline knew that women could write. After all, she had read all Jane Austen’s books cover to cover but to publish a book anonymously?
And it was a scary story? That was very intriguing.
She turned it over in her hands. It was brand new with a gorgeous cover, and the pages were edged with gold.
One of the most beautiful things she had seen in a long time.
But who could have sent it? Her parents certainly couldn’t afford this, and if they had something for her, it would have been delivered by one of the workers. The only other person Caroline could think of who could afford a book like this was Eleanor, but she would have delivered it herself.
“There’s a note here.” Henrietta bent over and picked up a piece of paper. “It must have fallen out.”
“Does it say who it’s from?”
Henrietta looked over the note. Then she smiled.
“‘To Caroline, here’s something to keep you entertained if you’re bored. Don’t read it all at once. David’.”
“David sent this?”
Apparently so.” Henrietta sighed. “If only a handsome gentleman would send me a gift like this.”
“Henrietta!” Caroline gasped. “Don’t speak like that! This is your brother, after all! And it’s just a gift from one friend to another.”
“Oh, really?”
Henrietta was still giggling as Caroline turned away, opening the first page, and reading the dedication before she turned to the first chapter. A quick glance over the writing told her that this would be a hard-hitting story and capture her attention.
David had chosen well. She would have to thank him when he returned home. He would be back soon, his duties almost done.
Caroline was looking forward to him returning. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be long.